Mercedes-Benz C-Class W206 vs Peugeot 508 W23
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
W206 · 2021 – 2026
The fifth-generation C-Class on the MRA2 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
M254 C 200 · Petrol vs 1.6 THP 165 · Petrol
| Mercedes-Benz C-Class | Peugeot 508 | |
|---|---|---|
| Power |
204 hp
Winner
|
165 hp
|
| Torque |
300 Nm
Winner
|
240 Nm
|
| 0–100 km/h |
7,3 s
Winner
|
8,5 s
|
| Top speed |
246 km/h
Winner
|
220 km/h
|
| Power-to-weight |
129,5 hp/t
Winner
|
111,5 hp/t
|
| CO₂ emissions (WLTP) |
140 g/km
Winner
|
150 g/km
|
| Consumption (WLTP) |
6,2 L/100km
Winner
|
6,5 L/100km
|
Dimensions & space
| Mercedes-Benz C-Class | Peugeot 508 | |
|---|---|---|
| Boot |
455 L
|
545 L
Winner
|
| Boot (seats folded) |
—
|
1.500 L
|
| Wheelbase |
2,87 m
Winner
|
2,82 m
|
| Length |
4,75 m
|
4,79 m
|
| Ground clearance |
13,0 cm
|
—
|
| Turning circle |
11,1 m
Winner
|
11,2 m
|
| Towing capacity (braked) |
1.800 kg
Winner
|
1.600 kg
|
Powertrain & tech
| Mercedes-Benz C-Class | Peugeot 508 | |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | MRA2 (rear-wheel-drive base) | PF3 |
| Drive | Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive | Front-wheel drive |
| Engine family | M254 petrol · OM654 diesel · plug-in hybrid | 1.6 VTi/THP petrol · 1.6/2.0/2.2 HDi diesel |
| Transmission | 9-speed 9G-TRONIC | 6-speed manual |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Euro standard | Euro 6d | Euro 5 |
| 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
- 1.6 THP: timing chain and tensioner
- HDi: DPF/EGR and turbo at high mileage
- 2.2 HDi: bi-turbo needs checking
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
- Roomy boot (especially SW)
- Comfortable
- Affordable used
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
- 1.6 THP carries timing-chain risk
- Conventional styling
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 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
