Mercedes-Benz C-Class W205 vs Peugeot 408 P54
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
W205 · 2014 – 2021
The fourth-generation C-Class (W205), on the MRA rear-wheel-drive platform.
Peugeot 408
P54 · 2022 – 2026
The 408 (P54), a fastback crossover on EMP2 with the electric e-408.
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 the electric e-408.
Performance
M274 C 200 · Petrol vs 1.2 PureTech 130 · Petrol
| Mercedes-Benz C-Class | Peugeot 408 | |
|---|---|---|
| Power |
184 hp
Winner
|
130 hp
|
| Torque |
300 Nm
Winner
|
230 Nm
|
| 0–100 km/h |
7,2 s
Winner
|
10,5 s
|
| Top speed |
237 km/h
Winner
|
200 km/h
|
| Power-to-weight |
125,2 hp/t
Winner
|
92,9 hp/t
|
| CO₂ emissions (WLTP) |
131 g/km
|
120 g/km
Winner
|
| Consumption (WLTP) |
5,8 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
|
| Ground clearance |
13,0 cm
|
—
|
| Turning circle |
11,2 m
|
11,2 m
|
| Towing capacity (braked) |
1.800 kg
Winner
|
1.400 kg
|
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 2.0 petrol · OM651 2.1 / OM654 2.0 diesel · C 300 e PHEV | 1.2 PureTech · 1.2 Hybrid (48V) · 1.6 PHEV · e-408 (EV) |
| Transmission | 9G-Tronic (9-speed) | 6-speed manual · e-DSC6 |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Euro standard | Euro 6 | Euro 6d |
| 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
- 1.2 PureTech (early): wet timing belt
- PHEV/EV: check battery and charger condition
- Infotainment software needs updates
Pros
- S-Class-inspired interior
- Quiet, refined ride (Airmatic)
- Efficient OM654 diesel (post-facelift)
- Striking fastback design
- Modern i-Cockpit interior
- All-electric e-408
Cons
- Firm ride on AMG Line
- Dated pre-facelift infotainment
- No diesel offered
- Boot smaller than classic saloons
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.
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.
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
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