Polestar 2 vs Mercedes C-Class C200: Which Should You Buy in 2025?

Considering switching to an EV? This comprehensive comparison between the Polestar 2 and the Mercedes C-Class C200 will help you make the right decision for your wallet and lifestyle in South Africa.

📊 Quick Comparison Overview

Feature	Polestar 2	Mercedes C-Class C200
Purchase Price	R1,150,000	R950,000
5-Year Fuel Cost	R55,792	R117,300
5-Year Maintenance	R15,000	R40,000
Total Cost of Ownership	R1,220,792	R1,107,300
Winner	Petrol wins by R113,492!

💰 The Real Cost: 5-Year Ownership Analysis

Here’s where electric vehicles shine. While the Polestar 2 costs R1,150,000 upfront compared to the Mercedes C-Class C200’s R950,000, the total cost of ownership tells a different story.

Fuel Costs Breakdown

Polestar 2 electricity cost: R11,158/year = R55,792 over 5 years
Mercedes C-Class C200 petrol cost: R23,460/year = R117,300 over 5 years
Fuel savings with EV: R61,508 over 5 years

Maintenance Costs

Polestar 2: R15,000 (minimal – no oil changes, less brake wear)
Mercedes C-Class C200: R40,000 (regular servicing, oil, filters, etc.)
Maintenance savings with EV: R25,000

🎯 Who Should Buy the Polestar 2?

The Polestar 2 is perfect for you if:

💰 Budget-conscious long-term: Save R-1,892 per month on running costs
🏠 Home charging available: Wake up to a “full tank” every morning for just R930/month
🌆 City/suburban driving: Perfect for the 540km range on a single charge
🔧 Low maintenance priority: No oil changes, no exhaust systems, minimal brake wear
🌍 Environmental responsibility: Zero tailpipe emissions in SA’s cities
⚡ Modern technology: Latest infotainment, over-the-air updates, advanced safety features

🎯 Who Should Buy the Mercedes C-Class C200?

The Mercedes C-Class C200 makes sense if:

💵 Lower upfront cost needed: R200,000 cheaper to purchase
⛽ Long-distance flexibility: Refuel anywhere in 5 minutes with petrol stations everywhere
🚗 Heavy towing/off-road: 1.5L engine provides proven capability
📍 Rural/remote areas: No charging infrastructure concerns
🔋 No home charging option: Petrol stations remain more accessible for now
👴 Familiar technology: Comfortable with traditional vehicle ownership

💡 Key Decision Factors

Choose the Polestar 2 if you:

✅ Drive less than 540km per day on average
✅ Have access to home charging or workplace charging
✅ Want to save R-1,892 per month on running costs
✅ Prioritize lower maintenance and running costs
✅ Want zero tailpipe emissions
✅ Can manage the higher upfront cost

Choose the Mercedes C-Class C200 if you:

✅ Need maximum flexibility for long-distance travel
✅ Don’t have reliable charging access
✅ Drive more than 540km daily
✅ Need to minimize upfront costs
✅ Prefer the familiarity of petrol stations
✅ Live in an area with limited charging infrastructure

🔋 Charging Infrastructure in South Africa

South Africa’s EV charging network is growing rapidly, with over 500 public charging points nationwide. Major cities like Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, and Pretoria have excellent coverage.

Home charging is the game-changer: Installing a home charger (R15,000-R30,000) gives you a “full tank” every morning at a fraction of petrol costs.

📈 Long-Term Value

Over 5 years of ownership (15,000km/year):

Total savings with Polestar 2: R-113,492
Monthly savings: R-1,892
Cost per kilometer – Polestar 2: R16.28
Cost per kilometer – Mercedes C-Class C200: R14.76

🌍 Environmental Impact

By choosing the Polestar 2 over the Mercedes C-Class C200, you’ll prevent approximately 11,781kg of CO₂ from entering the atmosphere over 5 years.

🏁 The Verdict

It’s Close: Consider Your Priorities

The cost difference is relatively small – just R-113,492 over 5 years (R-1,892/month). Your decision should be based on lifestyle factors:

Choose the Polestar 2 if environmental impact and modern technology matter to you
Choose the Mercedes C-Class C200 if maximum flexibility and lower upfront cost are priorities

Both are solid choices at this price point.

💰 Calculate Your Own Savings

Want to see how much you could save based on your specific driving habits? Use our EV Cost Savings Calculator to input your exact annual kilometers, electricity rate, and more.

🚗 Ready to Make the Switch?

Need help installing a home charger for your new EV? Get a free quote for professional EV charger installation anywhere in South Africa.

Last updated: December 2025