Three German sedans, three very different characters. We line up the numbers that actually change how they feel from the driver seat.
On paper these three are close enough that spec sheets stop being useful. All are turbocharged four-cylinders with mild-hybrid assistance, all send drive rearward or to all four wheels, and all land within a narrow price band once options are added.
Ride and refinement
The 5 Series has the most composed body control on broken tarmac. The C-Class rides softer and insulates better at town speeds. The A6 sits between them and pulls ahead on interior material quality.
Cabin technology
Mercedes commits hardest to screen real estate, BMW to the curved display and physical shortcut keys, Audi to a layout that is easiest to learn in the first week. None of them are bad. Sit in all three before deciding.
- Best rear seat for adults: 5 Series.
- Quietest at 120 km/h: C-Class.
- Best traction in summer downpours: A6 quattro.