K5 III (DL3) vs C-Class W206: which is better?
Kia K5 III (DL3) (2020–present) vs Mercedes-Benz C-Class W206 (2021–present): specs, fuel economy, tax and common problems.
Kia K5 III (DL3)
Mercedes-Benz C-Class W206Specifications
| Kia K5 III (DL3) | Mercedes-Benz C-Class W206 | |
|---|---|---|
| Production years | 2020–present | 2021–present |
| Body | sedan | sedan |
| Fuel | petrol | petrol |
| Engines | 2.5 Smartstream | 1.5 Turbo (C200) |
| Power, up to | 194 hp | 204 hp |
| Torque, up to | 246 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Gearbox | automatic | automatic |
| Drive | front-wheel drive | rear-wheel drive |
| Length | 4 905 mm | 4 751 mm |
| Width | 1 860 mm | 1 820 mm |
| Height | 1 445 mm | 1 438 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2 850 mm | 2 865 mm |
| Ground clearance | 155 mm | — |
| Fuel tank | 60 L | 66 L |
| KZ tax 2026 (car under 10 years) | ≈ 29 450 ₸ | ≈ 8 650 ₸ |
The better value is highlighted in green.
Pros, cons and common problems
Kia K5 III (DL3)
Pros
- Powerful versions: up to 194 hp
- Conventional automatic, no robotized gearbox or CVT
- Local assembly: Kazakhstan
- Currently in production — can be bought new
Cons
- Hyundai/Kia Smartstream G2.5 engine: some complaints of oil consumption
- Hyundai/Kia automatic: jolts on 2–3 shifts and when braking
Engine (Hyundai/Kia Smartstream G2.5): new engine, data still accumulating; some complaints about oil consumption.
Gearbox (Hyundai/Kia automatic): kicks on the 2–3 shift and when braking; solenoid and clutch pack wear at high mileage.
Mercedes-Benz C-Class W206
Pros
- Powerful versions: up to 204 hp
- Conventional automatic, no robotized gearbox or CVT
- Currently in production — can be bought new
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Engine Mercedes M254/M256/M276/M278/M176: complex engines, expensive to repair
- Gearbox Mercedes 9G-Tronic: jerky shifts when worn, software updates
Engine (Mercedes M254/M256/M276/M278/M176): engines are complex and expensive to repair; oil leaks and chain issues occur on M276/M278 at high mileage.
Gearbox (Mercedes 9G-Tronic): jerks when worn, software updates.
Which one to choose
- C-Class W206 — if you care more about: power, torque, wheelbase, fuel tank, kz tax 2026.
The condition of a specific car matters more than the model: check the service history and get the engine and gearbox inspected before buying.
FAQ
Which is more powerful: K5 III (DL3) or C-Class W206?
K5 III (DL3): up to 194 hp, C-Class W206: up to 204 hp.
What is the vehicle tax in Kazakhstan?
For 2026, for a car under 10 years old: K5 III (DL3) — about 29 450 ₸, C-Class W206 — about 8 650 ₸ (base engine). A 0.7 factor applies to cars aged 10–20 years and 0.5 to cars over 20.