Mercedes-Benz C-Class W205 vs Peugeot 508 R83
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
W205 · 2014 – 2021
The fourth-generation C-Class (W205), on the MRA rear-wheel-drive platform.
Peugeot 508
R83 · 2018 – 2026
The second 508 (R83), a fastback on EMP2 with PHEV and PSE.
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 508
Pick the R83 for the modern 508 with a sharp fastback design and strong engines.
Performance
M274 C 200 · Petrol vs 1.6 PureTech 225 · Petrol
| Mercedes-Benz C-Class | Peugeot 508 | |
|---|---|---|
| Power |
184 hp
|
225 hp
Winner
|
| Torque |
300 Nm
|
300 Nm
|
| 0–100 km/h |
7,2 s
Winner
|
7,3 s
|
| Top speed |
237 km/h
|
250 km/h
Winner
|
| Power-to-weight |
125,2 hp/t
|
158,5 hp/t
Winner
|
| CO₂ emissions (WLTP) |
131 g/km
Winner
|
140 g/km
|
| Consumption (WLTP) |
5,8 L/100km
Winner
|
6,0 L/100km
|
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
|
| Ground clearance |
13,0 cm
|
—
|
| Turning circle |
11,2 m
|
11,2 m
|
| Towing capacity (braked) |
1.800 kg
Winner
|
1.600 kg
|
Powertrain & tech
| Mercedes-Benz C-Class | Peugeot 508 | |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | MRA (rear-wheel-drive base) | EMP2 (modular) |
| Drive | Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive | Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive |
| Engine family | M274 2.0 petrol · OM651 2.1 / OM654 2.0 diesel · C 300 e PHEV | 1.2 PureTech · 1.6 PureTech petrol · 1.5/2.0 BlueHDi diesel · Hybrid/PSE PHEV |
| Transmission | 9G-Tronic (9-speed) | EAT8 automatic |
| 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: wet timing belt
- 1.5 BlueHDi: AdBlue and chain on early units
- Infotainment software needs updates
Pros
- S-Class-inspired interior
- Quiet, refined ride (Airmatic)
- Efficient OM654 diesel (post-facelift)
- Stylish fastback design
- Strong 2.0 BlueHDi diesel
- PHEV and PSE available
Cons
- Firm ride on AMG Line
- Dated pre-facelift infotainment
- Boot smaller than classic saloons
- Low driving position
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 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.
Belgian taxes & LEZ
For sale at dealers
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
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