Mercedes-Benz C-Class vs Peugeot 408
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Mercedes’ compact executive saloon.
Peugeot 408
Peugeot’s sharp-lined fastback crossover.
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.
Peugeot 408
Pick the 408 for a striking fastback crossover with a modern interior and an electric option.
Performance
M254 C 200 · Petrol vs 1.2 PureTech 130 · Petrol
| Mercedes-Benz C-Class | Peugeot 408 | |
|---|---|---|
| Power |
204 hp
Winner
|
130 hp
|
| Torque |
300 Nm
Winner
|
230 Nm
|
| 0–100 km/h |
7,3 s
Winner
|
10,5 s
|
| Top speed |
246 km/h
Winner
|
200 km/h
|
| Power-to-weight |
129,5 hp/t
Winner
|
92,9 hp/t
|
| CO₂ emissions (WLTP) |
140 g/km
|
120 g/km
Winner
|
| Consumption (WLTP) |
6,2 L/100km
|
5,5 L/100km
Winner
|
Dimensions & space
| Mercedes-Benz C-Class | Peugeot 408 | |
|---|---|---|
| Boot |
480 L
|
536 L
Winner
|
| Boot (seats folded) |
—
|
1.611 L
|
| Wheelbase |
2,84 m
Winner
|
2,79 m
|
| Length |
4,69 m
|
4,69 m
|
| Width |
1,81 m
|
1,85 m
|
| Height |
1,44 m
|
1,48 m
|
| Seats |
5
|
5
|
Powertrain & tech
| Mercedes-Benz C-Class | Peugeot 408 | |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | MRA (rear-wheel-drive base) | EMP2 (modular) |
| Drive | Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive | Front-wheel drive |
| Engine family | M274/M264 petrol · OM651/OM654 diesel · plug-in hybrid | 1.2 PureTech · 1.2 Hybrid (48V) · 1.6 PHEV · e-408 |
| Fuel | Petrol · Diesel · Plug-in hybrid | Petrol · Plug-in hybrid · Electric |
| Transmission | 9G-Tronic (9-speed automatic) | 6-speed manual · e-DSC6 · EAT8 · single-speed |
| Euro standard | Euro 6 (early) · Euro 6d-TEMP (later) | Euro 6/6d · N/A (e-408) |
| LEZ access | Euro 6 diesel allowed in the LEZ (Brussels/Antwerp/Ghent) | Euro 6/6d petrol and the e-408 allowed in the LEZ |
Reliability & watch-outs
Known issues
- OM651 diesel: stretched timing chain on early cars
- 9G-Tronic can shift jerkily (early software)
- COMAND (NTG5) infotainment can freeze
- 1.2 PureTech (early): wet timing belt
- PHEV/EV: check battery and charger condition
- Infotainment software needs updates
Pros
- S-Class-inspired interior with high-grade materials
- Quiet, refined ride (optional Airmatic air suspension)
- Efficient OM654 diesel (post-facelift)
- Striking fastback design
- Modern i-Cockpit interior
- Electric e-408 available
Cons
- Firm ride on AMG Line + big wheels
- Limited rear headroom (sloping roofline)
- No diesel offered
- Boot smaller than classic saloons
Driving experience
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Serene, refined and quietly effortless to drive. The W206 puts comfort first: the ride is supple and isolating, the 9G-Tronic shifts are seamless, and the cabin stays hushed at speed. Steering is light and precise rather than talkative, and the body rolls a little more than a 3 Series in corners, but it never feels unsettled. 4MATIC adds all-weather traction without changing the relaxed character. Every engine is a 48-volt mild hybrid, so the petrols are smooth and eager, the diesels pull strongly and stay quiet, and the C 300 e plug-in glides on electric power around town. Overall a calm, tech-rich executive saloon that trades ultimate sportiness for effortless long-distance comfort.
Peugeot 408
The P54 is a liftback with a crossover stance, and it drives with an easy, planted feel. Built on the EMP2 bones shared with the 308 III, it stays light for its size, so the front axle turns in cleanly and the raised body adds visibility without making the ride busy. The small i-Cockpit wheel and raised dials need a short acclimatisation, then the steering feels accurate and the car settles into an easy rhythm. The 1.2 Hybrid is eager, the e-408 delivers instant, near-silent torque, and the EAT8 automatic shifts smoothly. It is a comfortable, easy crossover-liftback, not a sporty one.
Compare specific generations
Belgian taxes & LEZ
For sale at dealers
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
0 for saleNo listings at the moment
Peugeot 408
6 for sale · from € 21.495
Peugeot 408 GT-Line · Panoramic roof · 360° camera · CarPlay
DR Motors
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