Mercedes-Benz C-Class W205 vs Mercedes-Benz E-Class W213
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
W205 · 2014 – 2021
The fourth-generation C-Class (W205), on the MRA rear-wheel-drive platform.
Mercedes-Benz E-Class
W213 · 2016 – 2023
The fifth-generation E-Class on the MRA platform.
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
|
7,7 s
|
| Top speed |
237 km/h
|
240 km/h
Winner
|
| Power-to-weight |
125,2 hp/t
Winner
|
114,6 hp/t
|
| CO₂ emissions (WLTP) |
131 g/km
Winner
|
138 g/km
|
| Consumption (WLTP) |
5,8 L/100km
Winner
|
5,9 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
|
2,94 m
Winner
|
| Length |
4,69 m
|
4,92 m
|
| Ground clearance |
13,0 cm
|
13,0 cm
|
| Turning circle |
11,2 m
Winner
|
11,6 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) | MRA (rear-wheel-drive base) |
| 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 | M274/M264 petrol · OM654 diesel · plug-in hybrid |
| Transmission | 9G-Tronic (9-speed) | 9-speed 9G-TRONIC |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Euro standard | Euro 6 | Euro 6d-TEMP |
| 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
- 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
- S-Class-inspired interior
- Quiet, refined ride (Airmatic)
- Efficient OM654 diesel (post-facelift)
- 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
- Firm ride on AMG Line
- Dated pre-facelift infotainment
- 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
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
Serene, isolating and effortlessly luxurious. Steering is light and accurate, the ride hushed and composed, and the E-Class swallows motorway miles without a trace of stress. 4MATIC adds all-weather security, though the character stays comfort-first rather than sporting. AIRMATIC air suspension, where fitted, irons out rough roads beautifully. The petrols are smooth and eager with 48-volt assistance, the OM654/OM656 diesels pull strongly and stay quiet, and the E 300 e plug-in glides on electric power. The 9G-Tronic shifts seamlessly, rarely drawing attention to itself. Overall a calm, tech-rich executive saloon built for distance, not drama.
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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