Cartrade Comparison Test
Before the A-Class and B-Class set foot in India and CLA was nothing but a concept, it was the C-Class making numbers for the German niche car maker. A brief note about the luxury sedan’s history, the first C-Class was produced on June 1st 1993 as the C-Class was brought in to be a successor of the popular 190 back then. In India, Mercedes-Benz started operations in 1994. The C-Class got the brand into a new dimension. It got a new generation makeover last year in 2014 translating into a younger S-Class, which worked amazingly in its favour. Audi, the staunch rival to the German Tri-Star, started India operations in 2007. Similar to the C, the A4 was also brought in to succeed Audi 80. It has gone through four generational makeovers and the latest is expected to hit by 2015 end. The Audi A4 continues to be a strong seller for Audi even though the A3 is the only sub offering in the luxury sedan portfolio.
Exterior and Interior Design: Audi A4 Vs Mercedes Benz C Class
The boys at Mercedes took the mellowed down criticism about the C-Class too seriously only this time as they made it look like a younger, leaner and lighter S-Class which is commendable in its own way. The car maker claims that the designers were inspired by the drama and culture of the 30s as the lines on a car played a pivotal role in shaping them from scratch. The sloping and flowing front headlights stand testimony to that thought of nostalgia. The wide boot lid gives a larger car feel with body hugging tail lights which are an extension to the strong shoulder line. There is chrome embellishment on the boot lid with a lesser generous of a line on the rear diffuser.
The present generation Audi A4 looks dated in front of the modern C-Class but then it’s been there for long to compete with the new C. Audi chooses to adopt a more aggressive theme for its line rather than the relaxed laid back feel of Benz cars. The number of Audis plying on street vindicates that the design is an instant hit among its target audience.
The interiors of New Generation C-Class are straight out of the luxury liner S-Class. The instrumental cluster, central console, seats, trims and every possible detail are extremely similar to that of the S-Class. . The new steering wheel feels good to hold and also comes with basic controls to operate the infotainment screen as well as access the multi information display in the instrumental cluster.
Performance: Audi A4 Vs Mercedes Benz C Class
The 2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class weighs lighter than the earlier offerings. The 2.0L petrol engine makes 181bhp at 5500rpm and 300Nm of torque at 1200 to 1400 rpm. The engine is paired with the most acclaimed 7G-TRONIC PLUS transmission which works much well in sync with the cruising powertrain. The 2143cc diesel unit makes 168bhp of power and 400Nm of torque.
The Audi A4 is powered by a 2.0 TDI engine which has been revamped to perform better and deliver a better fuel mileage. The in-line 4 cylinder engine produces a power output of 177hp at 4200 rpm and delivers a torque of 380Nm at 1750 – 2500 rpm. It comes with a multitronic transmission.
Conclusion: Audi A4 Vs Mercedes Benz C Class
The option of choosing between Mercedes Benz and Audi lies solely on individual taste. The Merc will attract the chauffer driven as it gets dollops of luxury and elegance which the A4 doesn’t but if the owner likes to take charge of things himself and occasionally enjoys letting his young side take over, the A4 does the job.
