Test bench | Competition from the Mercedes C300

The Tesla Model 3 is giving Mercedes a hard time. The C300 must also struggle against the Audi A4 and BMW 3 Series and i4.

Posted at 6:45 p.m.

Eric LeFrancois

Eric LeFrancois
special cooperation

Audi A4

Price: from $48,400 (2023)

Among its main targets, the Mercedes C-Class has the BMW 3 Series and the Audi A4. Why favor the latter? Because it is a proven model, less expensive to acquire? Good points, but we must also remember that this is a model at the end of her career. The brand with intertwined rings promises a (latest) generation of A4 driven by a heat engine before switching completely to all-electric. The current A4 is more agile and more dynamic to drive than the Mercedes, but today lags behind in the IT and telematics field.

BMW 3 Series and i4

Price: from $52,750


PHOTO PROVIDED BY BMW

BMW i4

Like the Audi A4, the BMW 3 Series is a proven model today. If we disregard the AMG version, Mercedes has still not managed, despite well-considered efforts, to offer a road feel as stimulating as that of the 3 Series. (more flexible, more linear). On the other hand, in terms of interior presentation, the 3 Series is open to criticism and does not prove to be as rewarding as the Mercedes. That said, BMW has the merit of offering a plug-in hybrid version and another fully electric marketed as the i4.

Tesla Model 3

Price: from $59,990


PHOTO PROVIDED BY TESLA

Tesla Model 3

Tesla is no longer the cheeky little Silicon Valley start-up, but a full-fledged automaker. This global recognition, Tesla owes it mainly to the Model 3, entry ticket to the range of this manufacturer. Beautifully designed, versatile and fun to drive, this sedan has risen – against all odds and regardless of the energy source that powers it – to the top of the best-selling sports sedans on the market. Compared to the C-Class, the American drives cleaner, relies on an established charging infrastructure and has proven overall reliability. On the other hand, it would benefit from raising its manufacturing quality to that of the C-Class.


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