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

Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Mercedes’ compact executive saloon.
VS

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) |
—
|
—
|
| 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
—
—
—
—
—
For sale at dealers
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
0 for saleNo listings at the moment