Mercedes-Benz A-Class W177 vs Peugeot 308 P51

Mercedes-Benz A-Class

W177 · 2018 – 2026

The fourth-generation A-Class on the MFA2 platform.

Peugeot 308

P51 · 2021 – 2026

The third-generation 308 (P51), with i-Cockpit, hybrids and the all-electric e-308.

First car

Second car

Pick this one if…

Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Pick the A-Class for MBUX technology, a refined platform and efficient engines in a premium compact hatchback.

Best engine: The A 200 (petrol) or A 200 d / A 220 d (diesel) — the sweet spot.

Read the full guide

Pick this one if…

Peugeot 308

Pick the P51 for the most modern 308 with the widest powertrain range, from efficient hybrids to the electric e-308.

Best engine: The chain-driven 1.2 Hybrid (136/145) or 1.5 BlueHDi — or the e-308 for the city.

Read the full guide

Performance

M282 A 200 · Petrol vs 1.2 PureTech 130 · Petrol

	Mercedes-Benz A-Class	Peugeot 308
Power	163 hp Winner	130 hp
Torque	250 Nm Winner	230 Nm
0–100 km/h	8,0 s Winner	9,4 s
Top speed	230 km/h Winner	205 km/h
Power-to-weight	112,8 hp/t Winner	104,8 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	138 g/km	118 g/km Winner
Consumption (WLTP)	5,0 L/100km	5,0 L/100km

Dimensions & space

	Mercedes-Benz A-Class	Peugeot 308
Boot	370 L	412 L Winner
Boot (seats folded)	1.210 L	1.270 L Winner
Wheelbase	2,73 m Winner	2,68 m
Length	4,42 m	4,37 m
Ground clearance	10,4 cm	—
Turning circle	11,0 m	10,4 m Winner
Towing capacity (braked)	1.500 kg	1.500 kg

Powertrain & tech

	Mercedes-Benz A-Class	Peugeot 308
Platform	MFA2 (front-wheel-drive base)	EMP2 (modular)
Drive	Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive
Engine family	M282/M260 petrol · OM654 diesel · plug-in hybrid	1.2 PureTech · 1.2 Hybrid (48V) · 1.5 BlueHDi · Hybrid PHEV · e-308 (EV)
Transmission	7-speed 7G-DCT	6-speed manual · EAT8
Fuel	Petrol	Petrol
Euro standard	Euro 6d-TEMP	Euro 6d
LEZ access	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)

Reliability & watch-outs

Known issues

Mercedes-Benz A-Class

M282: thermostat/cooling issues and elevated oil consumption reported
M260 (A 250): cylinder-head valve seat wear reported
Early OM654 diesel: rocker arm / camshaft concerns
DCT fluid service recommended early; MBUX software updates

Peugeot 308

1.2 PureTech: wet belt on early cars
1.5 BlueHDi: AdBlue and chain
Infotainment software needs updates

Pros

Mercedes-Benz A-Class

MBUX dual-screen infotainment with voice control
Efficient OM654 diesels (A 200 d: 150 hp / 320 Nm, ~4.2 L/100 km)
Refined MFA2 platform with optional 4MATIC

Peugeot 308

Modern design and i-Cockpit with a big screen
Widest powertrain range: from diesel to electric
All-electric e-308 (~400+ km WLTP)

Cons

Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Rear torsion beam on base models (multi-link on higher versions)
Smaller boot than a typical C-segment hatchback
PHEV shrinks boot space

Peugeot 308

1.2 PureTech (early cars) carries the wet belt
Boot smaller than class leaders

Driving experience

Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Refined, techy and effortlessly easy to live with. Steering is light and accurate, the ride composed and hushed, and the A-Class feels grown-up and planted on the move. Front-drive is safe and predictable; 4MATIC adds all-weather security on the faster versions. The M282/M260 petrols are smooth and eager, the OM654 diesels pull strongly and stay quiet, and the A 250 e plug-in glides on electric power. The dual-clutch shifts quickly and smoothly. Overall a calm, tech-rich hatch that majors on comfort and connectivity.

Peugeot 308

The P51 leans on the same EMP2 bones as the old 308 but wears a sharper suit. It stays light and low, so the front axle turns in keenly and the car flows through corners without fuss, while the long wheelbase keeps it planted on the motorway. The small i-Cockpit wheel and raised dials are even more pronounced here and take a real acclimatisation; once settled, the steering feels quick and accurate and body roll stays well held. Most versions ride on a comfort-tuned rear that shrugs off broken tarmac, though big wheels firm things up. The 1.2 PureTech 130 is eager, the e-308 is near-silent and instant, and the EAT8 automatic shifts without drama. It is a composed, easy compact, not a hot hatch.