AUDI A3 vs MERCEDES C CLASS
Both the AUDI A3 and the MERCEDES C CLASS are tracked here from official DVLA licensing data, and as of 2026 Q1 there are 482,917 AUDI A3s versus 388,408 MERCEDES C CLASSs still on UK roads. That makes the MERCEDES C CLASS the rarer of the two — there are about 1.2× as many AUDI A3s left. Year on year their fortunes diverge: the AUDI A3 is rising (+0.9%) while the MERCEDES C CLASS is falling (-3.3%).
Survivors over time
AUDI A3 MERCEDES C CLASS
AUDI A3
Common
482,917
left · 2026 Q1
▲ 4,253 (+0.9%) yr/yr
Peak 482,917 (2026 Q1)
452,111 licensed · 30,806 SORN
MERCEDES C CLASS
Common
388,408
left · 2026 Q1
▼ 13,331 (-3.3%) yr/yr
Peak 462,161 (2019 Q3)
338,174 licensed · 50,234 SORN
Head to head
| AUDI A3 | MERCEDES C CLASS | |
|---|---|---|
| Left in the UK (2026 Q1) | 482,917 | 388,408 |
| Rarity tier | Common | Common |
| Licensed | 452,111 | 338,174 |
| SORN (off-road) | 30,806 | 50,234 |
| Peak | 482,917 (2026 Q1) | 462,161 (2019 Q3) |
| Year-on-year | ▲ 4,253 (+0.9%) yr/yr | ▼ 13,331 (-3.3%) yr/yr |
AUDI A3 vs MERCEDES C CLASS — questions & answers
Which is rarer, the AUDI A3 or the MERCEDES C CLASS?
The MERCEDES C CLASS is rarer: 388,408 are left in the UK as of 2026 Q1, compared with 482,917 of the AUDI A3.
How many AUDI A3 are left compared to the MERCEDES C CLASS?
As of 2026 Q1 there are 482,917 AUDI A3 and 388,408 MERCEDES C CLASS still registered (taxed or SORN) in the UK, according to DVLA data.