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Mercedes-Benz C-Class W206 vs Mercedes-Benz E-Class W213

Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Mercedes-Benz C-Class

W206 · 2021 – 2026

The fifth-generation C-Class on the MRA2 platform.

VS
Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

W213 · 2016 – 2023

The fifth-generation E-Class on the MRA platform.

First car
Second car
Pick this one if…

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.

Best engine: The C 200 (petrol) or C 220 d (diesel) — the sweet spot.
Read the full guide
Pick this one if…

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Pick the E-Class for space, comfort and efficient engines in a premium executive sedan.

Best engine: The E 220 d (diesel) or E 200 (petrol) — the sweet spot.
Read the full guide

Performance

M254 C 200 · Petrol vs M274 E 200 · Petrol

Mercedes-Benz C-Class Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Power
204 hp Winner
184 hp
Torque
300 Nm
300 Nm
0–100 km/h
7,3 s Winner
7,7 s
Top speed
246 km/h Winner
240 km/h
Power-to-weight
129,5 hp/t Winner
114,6 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)
140 g/km
138 g/km Winner
Consumption (WLTP)
6,2 L/100km
5,9 L/100km Winner

Dimensions & space

Mercedes-Benz C-Class Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Boot
455 L
540 L Winner
Boot (seats folded)
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Wheelbase
2,87 m
2,94 m Winner
Length
4,75 m
4,92 m
Ground clearance
13,0 cm
13,0 cm
Turning circle
11,1 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 MRA2 (rear-wheel-drive base) MRA (rear-wheel-drive base)
Drive Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive
Engine family M254 petrol · OM654 diesel · plug-in hybrid M274/M264 petrol · OM654 diesel · plug-in hybrid
Transmission 9-speed 9G-TRONIC 9-speed 9G-TRONIC
Fuel Petrol Petrol
Euro standard Euro 6d Euro 6d-TEMP
LEZ access Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation) Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)

Reliability & watch-outs

Known issues

Mercedes-Benz C-Class
  • Early OM654 diesel: rocker arm / camshaft concerns
  • 9G-TRONIC: fluid changes recommended earlier than official intervals
  • MBUX software glitches (mostly fixed via updates)
  • M254 (48V mild-hybrid): electrical issues possible
Mercedes-Benz E-Class
  • 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

Mercedes-Benz C-Class
  • MBUX dual-screen and modern S-Class-inspired styling
  • Efficient OM654 2.0 diesel (C 220 d: 200 hp / 440 Nm, ~4.6 L/100 km)
  • MRA2 rear-wheel-drive platform with optional 4MATIC
  • C 300 e PHEV: 313 hp and 550 Nm, ~100 km electric range
Mercedes-Benz E-Class
  • 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

Mercedes-Benz C-Class
  • OM654 diesel: AdBlue/DPF watch-points with lots of short trips
  • PHEV (C 300 e) shrinks boot space
  • 9G-TRONIC needs earlier-than-official fluid changes
Mercedes-Benz E-Class
  • 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

Serene, refined and quietly effortless to drive. The W206 puts comfort first: the ride is supple and isolating, the 9G-Tronic shifts are seamless, and the cabin stays hushed at speed. Steering is light and precise rather than talkative, and the body rolls a little more than a 3 Series in corners, but it never feels unsettled. 4MATIC adds all-weather traction without changing the relaxed character. Every engine is a 48-volt mild hybrid, so the petrols are smooth and eager, the diesels pull strongly and stay quiet, and the C 300 e plug-in glides on electric power around town. Overall a calm, tech-rich executive saloon that trades ultimate sportiness for effortless long-distance comfort.

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

Region
Fuel
Euro norm
First registration
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For sale at dealers