Holden Astra vs Mercedes-Benz E-Class
What's the difference?

Holden Astra

$4,500 - $20,990

2018 price

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Mercedes-Benz E-Class

$86,800 - $199,335

2025 price

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Maserati Quattroporte

Mazda 2

Mazda 3

Mazda 6

Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Mercedes-Benz A35

Mercedes-Benz A45

Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Mercedes-Benz CLA

Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Mercedes-Benz EQS

Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Summary

2018 Holden Astra

2025 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

By Peter Anderson

By James Cleary

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 4, 1.4L

Turbo 6, 3.0L

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Premium Unleaded/Electric

Fuel Efficiency

5.8L/100km (combined)

1.7L/100km (combined)

Energy consumption

—

Electric range

100 km

Battery capacity

28.60 kWh

Seating

Likes

Good to drive
Good looking
Well-specced

Looks
Performance
Safety

Dislikes

Missing rear seat amenities
Smallish fuel tank
Awkward pedal position

No spare tyre
Steep service pricing
Modest boot

2018 Holden Astra Summary

Holden's current Astra is the second go the car has had in this country, after first being badged an Opel to the sounds of crickets from the buying public. That hubristic exercise was followed by a brief withdrawal from the Australian market before returning, rather more sensibly badged (and sensibly-priced) as a Holden.

It chugged along quite nicely in 2017. It didn't break any records, no, but regularly broke the 1000 units per month mark to end up with about five percent of the small car market, which it shares with some serious competition from Europe and Japan.

The + in R+ means more safety, but also more money. Safety is good, but do you get anything else for your money?

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2025 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Summary

You like performance, love a bit of luxury and fancy a traditional sedan. The budget is healthy and there’s a surprising amount of choice. But Mercedes-AMG believes it’s created the car that perfectly answers your new-car brief.

The Mercedes-AMG E53 Hybrid 4Matic+ is a fresh expression of an established high-performance sedan formula mixing internal-combustion power with electric punch and all-wheel drive.

We were invited to its local launch, so stay with us to see if this newcomer is ready to fill that primo European performance car shaped space in your garage.

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Deep dive comparison

2018 Holden Astra 2025 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Verdict

The Astra's biggest problem is probably the Holden badge. Despite the company's best efforts, some buyers are wary of the company's longevity and some of the other cars in the range do the Astra no favours - Trax, Colorado and Barina feel cheap, because they are. The Astra isn't cheaply made and holds up very well in excellent company.

Verdict

The Mercedes-AMG E53 Hybrid 4Matic+ is a superb blend of high-tech hybrid muscle and cossetting top-end luxury. Value is competitive, it looks (and feels) the business, despite the conventional sedan configuration it’s surprisingly practical (except for the modest boot), fuel-efficiency is a key benefit and safety is stellar. The ownership proposition is okay for the category but that’s not top of mind when an enticing series of corners ranges into view. It’s an impressive package.

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with travel, accommodation and meals provided.

Holden Astra vs Mercedes-Benz E-Class What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Holden Astra vs Mercedes-Benz E-Class
What's the difference?