2021 Mercedes-Benz A-Class vs. C-Class

Year after year, our neighbors in the South Riding area compare the A-Class vs. C-Class to find the perfect luxury sedan, but which of these options is the best Mercedes-Benz class for your needs? The 2021 Mercedes-Benz A-Class and the 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class are both exceptional compact cars, but it’s important to consider every angle. The A-Class is more accessible, more efficient, and rich in technology, but the C-Class comes with more standard features and offers more engine options. Really, there’s no way to go wrong!

A-Class vs. C-Class: Pricing & Body Styles

In terms of pricing, the A-Class Sedan is the most accessible option. It starts with an MSRP of $33,650*, and you can add 4MATIC®® for $2,000. There’s also the AMG® A 35 4MATIC®® Sedan, which is available for a total cost of $45,850* MSRP. 

The C-Class Sedan starts at $41,600* MSRP. As with the A-Class, adding 4MATIC®® AWD to the C 300 will cost you an additional $2,000. In contrast to the smaller model, the C-Class gives you three AMG® configurations to choose from:

• AMG® C 43 Sedan – $56,500* MSRP
• AMG® C 63 Sedan – $68,600* MSRP
• AMG® C 63 S Sedan – $76,200* MSRP

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz A-Class is only offered as a sedan in the U.S. market, but the 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class can be had as a sedan, a coupe, or a cabriolet. The C-Class Coupe starts at $47,200* MSRP, while the C-Class Cabriolet starts at $54,700* MSRP.

A-Class vs. C-Class: Performance

The A-Class is a respectable sport sedan in its own right, but the C-Class gives you many more engine options to choose from:

A-Class Engines

• 2.0L Turbocharged i4 Engine with 188 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque
• AMG®-Enhanced 2.0L Turbocharged i4 Engine with 302 hp and 395 lb-ft of torque

C-Class Engines

• 2.0L Turbocharged i4 Engine with 255 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque
• AMG®-Enhanced 3.0L V6 biturbo® Engine with 385 hp and 384 lb-ft of torque
• Handcrafted AMG® 4.0L V8 biturbo® Engine with 469 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque
• Handcrafted AMG® 4.0L V8 biturbo® Engine with 503 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque

If you’re on the hunt for a powerful, compact daily driver, the C-Class just might be the best Mercedes-Benz class for your needs. However, if you compare the A-Class vs. C-Class on fuel economy, you’ll see that the A-Class is more efficient. It gets up to 25 mpg city and 36 mpg highway**. The C-Class, with up to 23 mpg city and 35 mpg highway**, only just falls short of its smaller sibling’s high standard.

A-Class vs. C-Class: Interior Features & Dimensions

Both the 2021 Mercedes-Benz A-Class and the 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class include Apple CarPlay™, Android Auto™, remote start with the Mercedes me app, and MB-Tex® upholstery. However, there are a few differences between their feature suits that all potential buyers should be aware of:

• A-Class Features: The 2021 A-Class includes Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX), a 7-inch central touchscreen, a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, and 64-color LED ambient lighting. The advanced MBUX system gives the A-Class unique appeal.
• C-Class Features: The 2021 C-Class includes a 10.25 inches central touchscreen, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and more. Although it lacks the standard ambient lighting of the A-Class, it more than makes up for the deficit with standard features including heated front seats, a trunk with HANDS FREE ACCESS®, and more. 

While most C-Class standard features are optional in the A-Class, some C-Class options–including Car-to-X Communication–are completely absent from the A-Class feature list. 

What’s more, the C-Class always offers more legroom and more trunk space:

• 2nd-Row Legroom: 33.9 inches (A-Class) vs. 35.2 inches (C-Class)
• Trunk Space: 8.6 cubic feet (A-Class) vs. 12.6 cubic feet (C-Class)

Looking for even more standard features, or a larger cabin? Compare the C-Class vs. E-Class to learn more about the other options you’ll have at our dealership.

Continue Your A-Class vs. C-Class Comparison in Person!

In this year’s Mercedes-Benz A-Class vs. C-Class matchup, the C-Class offers more body styles, more engine options, and more standard features, while the A-Class wins out on pricing, efficiency, and ease-of-use–thanks to MBUX.

Neither pick will hold you back on the roads of Centerville and Ashburn, so don’t miss the chance to explore both options in person at our dealership! It’s easy to take advantage of our new vehicle specials when you learn how to shop and buy online.