Mercedes-Benz C-Class vs. Tesla Model 3
When comparing the Mercedes-Benz C-Class to the Tesla Model 3, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class has the advantage in the area of overall quality score. The Tesla Model 3 has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, interior volume and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class versus the Tesla Model 3, the Tesla Model 3 is a better car than the Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
Mercedes-Benz C-Class versus Tesla Model 3 Pricing
A used 2023 Mercedes-Benz C-Class ranges from $46,560 to $57,324 while a used 2023 Tesla Model 3 is priced between $39,468 to $59,082.
Mercedes-Benz C-Class versus Tesla Model 3 Quality Rating
The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Mercedes-Benz C-Class is 8.9 out of 10 while the Tesla Model 3's quality rating is 8.7 out of 10. This results in the Mercedes-Benz C-Class being ranked 3 out of 39 Best Luxury Small Cars and the Tesla Model 3 being ranked 1 out of 15 Best Small Electric Cars.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison
For engine performance, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class’s base engine makes 255 horsepower, and the Tesla Model 3 base engine makes 271 horsepower.
Passenger Space Comparison
The Tesla Model 3, a electric compact car, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front leg room, rear head room, and trunk space. The Mercedes-Benz C-Class, a compact car, has the advantage in the areas of rear shoulder room and rear leg room. The Mercedes-Benz C-Class and Tesla Model 3 are comparable in regards to front shoulder room.
Safety Ratings Comparison
When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and the Tesla Model 3 have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.
Pricing
New Asking Price:
$46,638 - $58,808
Used Asking Price:
$46,560 - $57,324
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
46.8%
Pricing
New Asking Price:
-
Used Asking Price:
$39,468 - $59,082
5-Year Depreciation (lower is better):
48.2%
iSeeCars Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.9 / 10
Reliability:
8.4 / 10
Retained Value:
8.5 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
iSeeCars Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.7 / 10
Reliability:
7.2 / 10
Retained Value:
9.0 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
iSeeCars Rankings
Ranking
3 out of / 39Ranking
3 out of / 8Most Reliable Luxury Small Cars
Ranking
7 out of / 39Luxury Small Cars with Best Resale Value
Ranking
18 out of / 39iSeeCars Rankings
Electric Cars with Best Resale Value
Ranking
1 out of / 25Ranking
1 out of / 25Ranking
1 out of / 15Small Electric Cars with Best Resale Value
Ranking
1 out of / 15Luxury Electric Cars with Best Resale Value
Ranking
1 out of / 11Ranking
2 out of / 25Ranking
2 out of / 11Most Reliable Luxury Electric Cars
Ranking
2 out of / 11Most Reliable Small Electric Cars
Ranking
3 out of / 15Ranking
4 out of / 25Summary Review
Not yet available
Summary Review
The Tesla Model 3 is widely regarded as the best electric sedan in the world. The Model 3 is also the top-selling EV in the US market by a wide margin. This compact/midsize sedan offers a thrilling driving experience and advanced technology.
Pros and Cons
Not yet available
Pros and Cons
- Excellent range
- AWD available
- Attractive styling
- Amazing performance with Performance trim
- No Android Auto or Apple CarPlay
- Pricier than its reputation (mid-$50Ks is the typical price point)
- No spare tire on any trim
- Interior design and materials don’t match premium pricing
Available Body Styles
Convertible
Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Electric
Trim Levels
AMG C 43, AMG C 63 S, C 300, C 300 4MATIC
Trim Levels
Base, Long Range, Performance
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain
8 years / 100000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years / 50000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specifications
Horsepower:
255 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque:
295 foot-lbs @ 1800 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.067 hp per pound
Base Drivetrain Specifications
Horsepower:
271 hp
Torque:
310 foot-lbs
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.070 hp per pound
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
RWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway/Combined MPG):
25 / 36 / 29
MPGe:
Not applicable
Range (city/hwy):
435 / 626 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded
Battery Size/Capacity :
Not applicable
Maximum Charging Rate:
Not applicable
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
Not Applicable
Engine Configuration:
Not Applicable
Number of Cylinders:
Not Applicable
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
RWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway/Combined MPG):
Not applicable
MPGe:
Not yet available
Range (city/hwy):
272 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Not yet available
Battery Size/Capacity:
60 kWh
Maximum Charging Rate:
10.4 hours (240V)
Standard/Optional Features
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Heated Seats:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Standard/Optional Features
Apple CarPlay:
N/A
Android Auto:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Heated Seats:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
Standard
Safety Equipment
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Safety Equipment
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
37.2 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.7 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
56.3 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.5 inches
Rear Leg Room:
36 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
55.6 inches
Cargo Space:
12.6 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
93.0 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.3 inches
Front Leg Room:
42.7 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
56.3 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.7 inches
Rear Leg Room:
35.2 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
54 inches
Cargo Space:
22.9 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
97.0 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3825 lbs
Width:
80 inches
Height:
56.6 inches
Length:
187 inches
Wheelbase:
112.8 inches
Ground Clearance:
3.8 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3862 lbs
Width:
82.2 inches
Height:
56.8 inches
Length:
184.8 inches
Wheelbase:
113.2 inches
Ground Clearance:
5.5 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
alloy
Tire Size:
225/45R18
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 8.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum
Tire Size:
235/45R18
