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Mercedes-Benz C-Class vs Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Mercedes’ compact executive saloon.

VS
Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Mercedes' executive sedan on the MRA platform.

First car
Second car
Pick this one if…

Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Pick the C-Class for an S-Class-inspired interior, a hushed ride and efficient engines in a premium compact executive sedan.

Best engine: The C 200 (petrol) or C 220 d (diesel).
Read the full guide
Pick this one if…

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Pick the E-Class for space, comfort and efficient engines in a premium executive sedan.

Best engine: The E 220 d (diesel) or E 200 (petrol) — the sweet spot.
Read the full guide

Performance

M254 C 200 · Petrol vs M274 E 200 · Petrol

Mercedes-Benz C-Class Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Power
204 hp Winner
184 hp
Torque
300 Nm
300 Nm
0–100 km/h
7,3 s Winner
7,7 s
Top speed
246 km/h Winner
240 km/h
Power-to-weight
129,5 hp/t Winner
114,6 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)
140 g/km
138 g/km Winner
Consumption (WLTP)
6,2 L/100km
5,9 L/100km Winner

Dimensions & space

Mercedes-Benz C-Class Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Boot
480 L
540 L Winner
Boot (seats folded)
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Wheelbase
2,84 m
2,94 m Winner
Length
4,69 m
4,92 m
Width
1,81 m
1,85 m
Height
1,44 m
1,47 m
Seats
5
5

Powertrain & tech

Mercedes-Benz C-Class Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Platform MRA (rear-wheel-drive base) MRA (rear-wheel-drive base, shared with the C-Class W205)
Drive Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive
Engine family M274/M264 petrol · OM651/OM654 diesel · plug-in hybrid M274/M264 petrol · OM654 diesel · plug-in hybrid
Fuel Petrol · Diesel · Plug-in hybrid Petrol · Diesel · Plug-in hybrid
Transmission 9G-Tronic (9-speed automatic) 9G-TRONIC automatic
Euro standard Euro 6 (early) · Euro 6d-TEMP (later) Euro 6d-TEMP (early) · Euro 6d (later)
LEZ access Euro 6 diesel allowed in the LEZ (Brussels/Antwerp/Ghent) Euro 6 diesel allowed in the LEZ (Brussels/Antwerp/Ghent)

Reliability & watch-outs

Known issues

Mercedes-Benz C-Class
  • OM651 diesel: stretched timing chain on early cars
  • 9G-Tronic can shift jerkily (early software)
  • COMAND (NTG5) infotainment can freeze
Mercedes-Benz E-Class
  • Early OM654 diesel: rocker arm / camshaft concerns
  • 9G-TRONIC: fluid changes recommended earlier than official intervals
  • AIRMATIC air suspension can leak at high mileage
  • Electronics/software: MBUX and driver-aid glitches (mostly fixed via updates)

Pros

Mercedes-Benz C-Class
  • S-Class-inspired interior with high-grade materials
  • Quiet, refined ride (optional Airmatic air suspension)
  • Efficient OM654 diesel (post-facelift)
Mercedes-Benz E-Class
  • 540 L boot (Estate: 640–670 L) — roomy for an executive sedan
  • Efficient OM654 2.0 diesel (E 220 d: 194 hp / 400 Nm, ~4.6 L/100 km)
  • MRA rear-wheel-drive platform with optional 4MATIC
  • E 300 e PHEV: 320 hp system output and 700 Nm, company-car friendly

Cons

Mercedes-Benz C-Class
  • Firm ride on AMG Line + big wheels
  • Limited rear headroom (sloping roofline)
Mercedes-Benz E-Class
  • OM654 diesel: AdBlue/DPF watch-points with lots of short trips
  • PHEV (E 300 e) shrinks boot space
  • Complex electronics and air suspension need dealer maintenance

Compare specific generations

Belgian taxes & LEZ

Region
Fuel
Euro norm
First registration
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For sale at dealers