Mercedes-Benz C-Class W205 vs Mercedes-Benz E-Class W212
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
W205 · 2014 – 2021
The fourth-generation C-Class (W205), on the MRA rear-wheel-drive platform.
Mercedes-Benz E-Class
W212 · 2009 – 2016
The fourth-generation E-Class.
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.
Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Pick the E-Class for space, comfort and efficient engines in a premium executive sedan.
Performance
M274 C 200 · Petrol vs M274 E 200 · Petrol
| Mercedes-Benz C-Class | Mercedes-Benz E-Class | |
|---|---|---|
| Power |
184 hp
|
184 hp
|
| Torque |
300 Nm
|
300 Nm
|
| 0–100 km/h |
7,2 s
Winner
|
7,9 s
|
| Top speed |
237 km/h
Winner
|
235 km/h
|
| Power-to-weight |
125,2 hp/t
Winner
|
119,5 hp/t
|
| CO₂ emissions (WLTP) |
131 g/km
Winner
|
138 g/km
|
| Consumption (WLTP) |
5,8 L/100km
|
5,8 L/100km
|
Dimensions & space
| Mercedes-Benz C-Class | Mercedes-Benz E-Class | |
|---|---|---|
| Boot |
480 L
|
540 L
Winner
|
| Boot (seats folded) |
—
|
—
|
| Wheelbase |
2,84 m
|
2,87 m
Winner
|
| Length |
4,69 m
|
4,87 m
|
| Ground clearance |
13,0 cm
|
13,0 cm
|
| Turning circle |
11,2 m
Winner
|
11,3 m
|
| Towing capacity (braked) |
1.800 kg
|
2.100 kg
Winner
|
Powertrain & tech
| Mercedes-Benz C-Class | Mercedes-Benz E-Class | |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | MRA (rear-wheel-drive base) | Rear-wheel-drive base (related to the C-Class W204) |
| Drive | Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive | Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive |
| Engine family | M274 2.0 petrol · OM651 2.1 / OM654 2.0 diesel · C 300 e PHEV | M271/M274/M276 petrol · OM651/OM642 diesel |
| Transmission | 9G-Tronic (9-speed) | 7-speed 7G-TRONIC |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Euro standard | Euro 6 | Euro 6 |
| LEZ access | Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation) | Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation) |
Reliability & watch-outs
Known issues
- Timing chain on early OM651 diesels
- 9G-Tronic service
- AdBlue (OM654) / Airmatic air suspension
- OM651 diesel: timing chain and AdBlue/NOx issues possible
- OM642 V6 diesel: oil cooler / intake manifold issues
- 7G-TRONIC: judder or delayed engagement if fluid is neglected
- AIRMATIC air suspension can leak at high mileage
Pros
- S-Class-inspired interior
- Quiet, refined ride (Airmatic)
- Efficient OM654 diesel (post-facelift)
- 540 L boot (Estate: 695 L) — roomy for an executive sedan
- Proven OM651 2.1 diesel (E 250 CDI: 204 hp / 500 Nm)
- Comfortable long-distance sedan with optional 4MATIC
- V6/V8 options (E 350 / E 500) for smooth performance
Cons
- Firm ride on AMG Line
- Dated pre-facelift infotainment
- OM651 diesel: timing chain and AdBlue/DPF need checking
- 7G-TRONIC needs earlier-than-official fluid changes
- Early M271 petrol: timing chain risk reported
Driving experience
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
The W205 leans fully into the Mercedes comfort remit: it wafts rather than corners hard. The ride is plush, the cabin library-quiet at speed, and the 9G-Tronic dissolves shifts so completely you forget it is there. The steering is relaxed and low-effort, matching the unhurried character. Engines matter more than chassis here: the M274/M264 petrols are smooth and unobtrusive, the OM654 diesel is the one to have, and the plug-in covers town trips almost entirely on battery. AIRMATIC, where fitted, turns poor roads into a distant murmur. It does not ask to be driven hard — it makes every journey feel shorter than it was.
Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Comfortable, quiet and built for long distances. The W212 rides with a soft, absorbent gait, especially on AIRMATIC, steers lightly with little feedback, and cruises with the calm composure of a large executive saloon. Rear-drive is standard and gives a classic balance; 4MATIC adds traction. The OM651 diesel is the sensible distance choice and stays quiet, the M276 V6 petrol is smooth and strong, and the 7G-Tronic shifts unobtrusively. It is a genuinely comfortable, dependable executive car that does motorway miles with little effort.
Belgian taxes & LEZ
For sale at dealers
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
0 for saleNo listings at the moment
Mercedes-Benz E-Class
32 for sale · from € 4.850
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