Mercedes-Benz C-Class W205 vs Peugeot 508 W23
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
W205 · 2014 – 2021
The fourth-generation C-Class (W205), on the MRA rear-wheel-drive platform.
Peugeot 508
W23 · 2010 – 2018
The first 508 (W23), an executive saloon/estate on PF3.
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 W23 for an affordable, comfortable executive 508 with a roomy boot.
Performance
M274 C 200 · Petrol vs 1.6 THP 165 · Petrol
| Mercedes-Benz C-Class | Peugeot 508 | |
|---|---|---|
| Power |
184 hp
Winner
|
165 hp
|
| Torque |
300 Nm
Winner
|
240 Nm
|
| 0–100 km/h |
7,2 s
Winner
|
8,5 s
|
| Top speed |
237 km/h
Winner
|
220 km/h
|
| Power-to-weight |
125,2 hp/t
Winner
|
111,5 hp/t
|
| CO₂ emissions (WLTP) |
131 g/km
Winner
|
150 g/km
|
| Consumption (WLTP) |
5,8 L/100km
Winner
|
6,5 L/100km
|
Dimensions & space
| Mercedes-Benz C-Class | Peugeot 508 | |
|---|---|---|
| Boot |
480 L
|
545 L
Winner
|
| Boot (seats folded) |
—
|
1.500 L
|
| Wheelbase |
2,84 m
Winner
|
2,82 m
|
| Length |
4,69 m
|
4,79 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) | PF3 |
| 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 | 1.6 VTi/THP petrol · 1.6/2.0/2.2 HDi diesel |
| Transmission | 9G-Tronic (9-speed) | 6-speed manual |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Euro standard | Euro 6 | Euro 5 |
| 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
- 1.6 THP: timing chain and tensioner
- HDi: DPF/EGR and turbo at high mileage
- 2.2 HDi: bi-turbo needs checking
Pros
- S-Class-inspired interior
- Quiet, refined ride (Airmatic)
- Efficient OM654 diesel (post-facelift)
- Roomy boot (especially SW)
- Comfortable
- Affordable used
Cons
- Firm ride on AMG Line
- Dated pre-facelift infotainment
- 1.6 THP carries timing-chain risk
- Conventional styling
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 W23 is the 508 that replaced the 407 with a more settled, comfortable feel. Built on the PF3 platform, it stays reasonably light for its size, so the front axle turns in cleanly and the long wheelbase keeps it planted and calm on the motorway. The conventional driving position is easy to live with, and most versions ride on a comfort-tuned rear that irons out broken tarmac. The 1.6 THP is eager, the 2.0 HDi pulls strongly and quietly, and the 6-speed automatic shifts smoothly when working correctly. It is a comfortable, easy saloon, not a sporty one.
Belgian taxes & LEZ
For sale at dealers
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
0 for saleNo listings at the moment
