Mercedes-Benz C-Class W206 vs Peugeot 408 P54
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
W206 · 2021 – 2026
The fifth-generation C-Class on the MRA2 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
M254 C 200 · Petrol vs 1.2 PureTech 130 · Petrol
| Mercedes-Benz C-Class | Peugeot 408 | |
|---|---|---|
| Power |
204 hp
Winner
|
130 hp
|
| Torque |
300 Nm
Winner
|
230 Nm
|
| 0–100 km/h |
7,3 s
Winner
|
10,5 s
|
| Top speed |
246 km/h
Winner
|
200 km/h
|
| Power-to-weight |
129,5 hp/t
Winner
|
92,9 hp/t
|
| CO₂ emissions (WLTP) |
140 g/km
|
120 g/km
Winner
|
| Consumption (WLTP) |
6,2 L/100km
|
5,5 L/100km
Winner
|
Dimensions & space
| Mercedes-Benz C-Class | Peugeot 408 | |
|---|---|---|
| Boot |
455 L
|
536 L
Winner
|
| Boot (seats folded) |
—
|
1.611 L
|
| Wheelbase |
2,87 m
Winner
|
2,79 m
|
| Length |
4,75 m
|
4,69 m
|
| Ground clearance |
13,0 cm
|
—
|
| Turning circle |
11,1 m
Winner
|
11,2 m
|
| Towing capacity (braked) |
1.800 kg
Winner
|
1.400 kg
|
Powertrain & tech
| Mercedes-Benz C-Class | Peugeot 408 | |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | MRA2 (rear-wheel-drive base) | EMP2 (modular) |
| Drive | Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive | Front-wheel drive |
| Engine family | M254 petrol · OM654 diesel · plug-in hybrid | 1.2 PureTech · 1.2 Hybrid (48V) · 1.6 PHEV · e-408 (EV) |
| Transmission | 9-speed 9G-TRONIC | 6-speed manual · e-DSC6 |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Euro standard | Euro 6d | Euro 6d |
| LEZ access | Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation) | Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation) |
Reliability & watch-outs
Known issues
- 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
- 1.2 PureTech (early): wet timing belt
- PHEV/EV: check battery and charger condition
- Infotainment software needs updates
Pros
- 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
- Striking fastback design
- Modern i-Cockpit interior
- All-electric e-408
Cons
- 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
- No diesel offered
- Boot smaller than classic saloons
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.
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
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6 for sale · from € 21.495
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