Mercedes-Benz C-Class vs Tesla Model 3
What's the difference?

Mercedes-Benz C-Class

$47,950 - $181,950

2023 price

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Tesla Model 3

$45,900 - $80,900

2026 price

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Aston Martin Vanquish

Lamborghini Aventador

Maserati Quattroporte

Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Mercedes-Benz E53

Mercedes-Benz EQS

Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Mercedes-Benz SL-Class

Summary

2023 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

2026 Tesla Model 3

By Emily Agar

By James Cleary

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 4, 1.5L

Electric motor type

Permanent Magnet

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded/Electric

Vehicle type

Battery Electric

Fuel Efficiency

6.9L/100km (combined)

Electric range

750 km

Energy consumption

13.6 kWh/100km

Battery capacity

75.00 kWh

Seating

Likes

Luxurious finishes
Upmarket and intuitive tech
Precise handling

Safety
Energy efficiency
Cabin environment

Dislikes

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

No spare tyre
FSD unconvincing
Average ownership proposition

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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2026 Tesla Model 3 Summary

It’s been in Australia since 2019 and despite the arrival of a comprehensively upgraded version in late 2023, the Tesla Model 3’s once gargantuan popularity has been declining in recent years.

A seemingly never-ending influx of pure-electric alternatives, primarily from China, has eroded the mid-size sedan’s positioning as the go-to, best-value EV choice.

But to its credit Tesla has again evolved the Model 3 proposition with the introduction of this Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive grade in October last year, at the time positioning it as “the longest-range EV in Australia”.

Since then, Tesla has adjusted the model grade name to Premium Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive.

Some additional tweaks, made in response to customer feedback, also illustrates the EV pioneer’s determination to step up in the face of increasingly fierce competition.

So, does this latest Model 3 do enough to earn a spot on your electric vehicle shopping list? We spent a week behind the wheel to find out.

@carsguide.com.au ‘Dog Mode’ in the Tesla Model 3 is a life-saver for four-legged friends in the summer heat.🐾 #tesla #model3 #ev #cartok #doggosdoingthings ♬ original sound - CarsGuide.com.au

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Deep dive comparison

2023 Mercedes-Benz C-Class 2026 Tesla Model 3

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.

Verdict

Tesla has done enough with the introduction of this Premium Long Range RWD variant to keep the Model 3’s head well and truly above water in an increasingly competitive segment. After more than six years it still looks good, with a pleasant cabin environment, plenty of performance and leading energy efficiency. Safety is top-shelf and it stands up well in terms of practicality and driving dynamics.

That said, the ownership proposition is average, the determination to make so many functions screen-based is frustrating and the optional Full Self-Driving system is unconvincing. With the Model S and Model Y now discontinued globally it will be interesting to see how the Model 3 continues to evolve.

Mercedes-Benz C-Class vs Tesla Model 3 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Mercedes-Benz C-Class vs Tesla Model 3
What's the difference?