Mercedes-Benz C-Class vs Peugeot 508

Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Mercedes’ compact executive saloon.

Peugeot 508

Peugeot’s executive fastback saloon.

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…

Peugeot 508

Pick the 508 for a stylish, comfortable executive fastback with strong diesels and PHEV options.

Best engine: The 1.6 PureTech (petrol) or 2.0 BlueHDi (diesel) — post-2023.

Read the full guide

Performance

M254 C 200 · Petrol vs 1.6 PureTech 225 · Petrol

	Mercedes-Benz C-Class	Peugeot 508
Power	204 hp	225 hp Winner
Torque	300 Nm	300 Nm
0–100 km/h	7,3 s	7,3 s
Top speed	246 km/h	250 km/h Winner
Power-to-weight	129,5 hp/t	158,5 hp/t Winner
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	140 g/km	140 g/km
Consumption (WLTP)	6,2 L/100km	6,0 L/100km Winner

Dimensions & space

	Mercedes-Benz C-Class	Peugeot 508
Boot	480 L	487 L Winner
Boot (seats folded)	—	1.537 L
Wheelbase	2,84 m Winner	2,79 m
Length	4,69 m	4,75 m
Width	1,81 m	1,86 m
Height	1,44 m	1,40 m
Seats	5	5

Powertrain & tech

	Mercedes-Benz C-Class	Peugeot 508
Platform	MRA (rear-wheel-drive base)	PF3 (W23) · EMP2 (R83)
Drive	Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive
Engine family	M274/M264 petrol · OM651/OM654 diesel · plug-in hybrid	1.2 PureTech · 1.6 THP/PureTech · 1.5/2.0 BlueHDi · Hybrid/PSE
Fuel	Petrol · Diesel · Plug-in hybrid	Petrol · Diesel · Plug-in hybrid
Transmission	9G-Tronic (9-speed automatic)	6-speed manual · EAT6/EAT8 automatic
Euro standard	Euro 6 (early) · Euro 6d-TEMP (later)	Euro 5/6 (W23) · Euro 6/6d (R83)
LEZ access	Euro 6 diesel allowed in the LEZ (Brussels/Antwerp/Ghent)	Euro 6/6d petrol/diesel and PHEV allowed in the LEZ

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

Peugeot 508

1.6 THP/PureTech (early): timing chain
1.5 BlueHDi: AdBlue and chain on early units
2.2 HDi (W23): bi-turbo needs checking

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)

Peugeot 508

Stylish fastback design
Comfortable and quiet
Strong diesels and PHEV options

Cons

Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Firm ride on AMG Line + big wheels
Limited rear headroom (sloping roofline)

Peugeot 508

Boot smaller than classic saloons
Low driving position

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 508

The R83 wears a four-door coupé suit but rides the EMP2 bones of a family saloon, and that mix defines it. It sits low and wide, so the front axle feels keen and the car tracks calmly through corners, while the long wheelbase keeps it planted on the motorway. The small i-Cockpit wheel and raised dials are the most extreme Peugeot has done and demand a real acclimatisation; once settled, the steering is quick and accurate and body roll stays well held. Most versions ride on a comfort-tuned rear that smothers broken tarmac, though big wheels and firmer GT/PSE damping add some fidget. The 2.0 BlueHDi pulls strongly and quietly, the PSE is properly rapid, and the EAT8 automatic shifts without drama. It is a composed, comfortable fastback, not a sports saloon.