Mercedes-Benz C300 vs Tesla Model 3

What's the difference?

VS
Mercedes-Benz C300
Mercedes-Benz C300

$52,800 - $75,990

2022 price

Tesla Model 3
Tesla Model 3

$54,900 - $80,900

2026 price

Summary

2022 Mercedes-Benz C300
2026 Tesla Model 3
Safety Rating

Engine Type
Turbo 4, 2.0L

Not Applicable, 0.0L
Fuel Type
Unleaded Petrol

Electric
Fuel Efficiency
7.0L/100km (combined)

0.0L/100km (combined)
Seating
5

5
Dislikes
  • Huge price hikes
  • C200 could use more muscle
  • Dull steering feel

  • No spare tyre
  • FSD unconvincing
  • Average ownership proposition
2022 Mercedes-Benz C300 Summary

Australia's relationship status with the Mercedes C-Class has long been… complicated.

Over 40 years and five generations, the German midsized luxury sedan has been a paragon of efficiency and safety on one hand, but on the other, well, the quality and ride comfort haven't lived up to brand expectations.

Now the completely redesigned version has landed in Australia, with shrunken S-Class limousine styling to take on not only the BMW 3 Series, Audi A4 and Genesis G70, but rivals as disparate as the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Tesla Model 3.

The question is? Is this latest, sixth-generation, new-from-the-ground-up C-Class good enough to take on all those and more? Let's find out.

View full pricing & specs
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
View full pricing & specs

Deep dive comparison

2022 Mercedes-Benz C300 2026 Tesla Model 3

Change vehicle