Kia Optima vs Mercedes-Benz C-Class
What's the difference?

Kia Optima

$14,670 - $22,990

2018 price

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Mercedes-Benz C-Class

$47,950 - $181,950

2023 price

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Mercedes-Benz C-Class

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Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Mercedes-Benz EQS

Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Summary

2018 Kia Optima

2023 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

By Matt Campbell

By Emily Agar

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Inline 4, 2.4L

Turbo 4, 1.5L

Fuel Type

Unleaded Petrol

Premium Unleaded/Electric

Fuel Efficiency

8.3L/100km (combined)

6.9L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Very roomy
Great ownership plan
Decent price

Luxurious finishes
Upmarket and intuitive tech
Precise handling

Dislikes

Removed some good stuff to lower price
Not as good looking as pre-facelift model
A bit basic inside

On the compact side for size
Low-ground clearance may grind the teeth
Dynamic guidelines are trippy

2018 Kia Optima Summary

There are plenty of reasons why you should still consider a mid-sized sedan like the Kia Optima. I’m sure there are… just let me think about this for a sec…

Okay, so this part of the market is dying. A decade ago, sedans like this were really popular, but now there are heaps of alternative options. Yep, people are going for mid-sized SUVs rather than mid-sized sedans like this.

But that doesn’t mean models like the just-updated 2018 Kia Optima are without their reasons for being. I’m just not sure the facelift has made it more appealing to look at…

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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

2018 Kia Optima 2023 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Verdict

If you travel long distances, want a good amount of space and don’t want to pay big bucks for a new car, then yeah, maybe there is a reason sedans like this will hang around for a while longer.

Sure, the appeal of sedans mightn’t be as strong as it once was, but models like the Kia Optima prove they still have a reason to exist.

Verdict

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class C200 is such a stylish sedan and I would totally have one. The driving performance, luxurious features and practical size made it a winning combo for my family. The price point is definitely up there but you do get a high-end build for the cash. I've seen bigger boots in other sedans and not being able to fit a third child seat will limit some families, but this still easily earns an 8.5/10 from me.

My son really loved this one. The ambient lighting was the highlight for him and he thought it looked like a "space car" inside. He gave it a 9/10.

Kia Optima vs Mercedes-Benz C-Class What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Kia Optima vs Mercedes-Benz C-Class
What's the difference?