Audi RS3 vs Mercedes-Benz C-Class

What's the difference?

VS
Audi RS3
Audi RS3

2026 price

Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Mercedes-Benz C-Class

$57,850 - $214,990

2023 price

Summary

2026 Audi RS3
2023 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Safety Rating

Engine Type
Turbo 5, 2.5L

Turbo 4, 1.5L
Fuel Type
-

Premium Unleaded/Electric
Fuel Efficiency
8.3L/100km (combined)

6.9L/100km (combined)
Seating
5

5
Dislikes
  • Options dollars add up quickly
  • Tight rear headroom in sedan
  • Engine note could be louder

  • On the compact side for size
  • Low-ground clearance may grind the teeth
  • Dynamic guidelines are trippy
2026 Audi RS3 Summary

Five-cylinder fury is still kicking!

Audi has just launched the mid-life updated version of its RS3 hatch and sedan in Australia.

With new looks inside and out, the German carmaker has also made a number of subtle tweaks under the skin via software updates. Thankfully, however, the five-cylinder beast lurking under the bonnet remains untouched.

As the viability of pure internal combustion engines in the hot hatch segment dwindles in the age of ever-tightening emissions regulations, will this be the last hurrah for the five-banger RS3?

Read along to see how this latest version stacks up.

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2023 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Summary

When it comes to choosing a family car, sedans are often overlooked for their long-legged wagon or beefy SUV cousins.

They're a bit of a forgotten hero but they'll always hold a piece of my heart for their practicality and (often) sexier kerb-side appeal.

If you can get used to your body cracking like a glow stick when you get in and out of them, the sedan may make a comeback!

The new Mercedes-Benz C-Class, in entry-level C200 form, has definitely tempted my family to consider a sedan in the future – it looks stately and refined but the driving experience also makes it fun.

Let's see what else it did right and if there was anything that could be improved.

Did I mention, I'm fond of sedans... ?

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Deep dive comparison

2026 Audi RS3 2023 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

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