Mercedes-Benz E-Class W212 vs Peugeot 408 P54

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

W212 · 2009 – 2016

The fourth-generation E-Class.

Peugeot 408

P54 · 2022 – 2026

The 408 (P54), a fastback crossover on EMP2 with the electric e-408.

First car

Second car

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 CDI / E 250 CDI (diesel) or E 200 (petrol) — the sweet spot.

Read the full guide

Pick this one if…

Peugeot 408

Pick the 408 for a striking fastback crossover with a modern interior and the electric e-408.

Best engine: The 1.2 Hybrid (136/145) or the e-408 for full electric.

Read the full guide

Performance

M274 E 200 · Petrol vs 1.2 PureTech 130 · Petrol

	Mercedes-Benz E-Class	Peugeot 408
Power	184 hp Winner	130 hp
Torque	300 Nm Winner	230 Nm
0–100 km/h	7,9 s Winner	10,5 s
Top speed	235 km/h Winner	200 km/h
Power-to-weight	119,5 hp/t Winner	92,9 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	138 g/km	120 g/km Winner
Consumption (WLTP)	5,8 L/100km	5,5 L/100km Winner

Dimensions & space

	Mercedes-Benz E-Class	Peugeot 408
Boot	540 L Winner	536 L
Boot (seats folded)	—	1.611 L
Wheelbase	2,87 m Winner	2,79 m
Length	4,87 m	4,69 m
Ground clearance	13,0 cm	—
Turning circle	11,3 m	11,2 m Winner
Towing capacity (braked)	2.100 kg Winner	1.400 kg

Powertrain & tech

	Mercedes-Benz E-Class	Peugeot 408
Platform	Rear-wheel-drive base (related to the C-Class W204)	EMP2 (modular)
Drive	Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive
Engine family	M271/M274/M276 petrol · OM651/OM642 diesel	1.2 PureTech · 1.2 Hybrid (48V) · 1.6 PHEV · e-408 (EV)
Transmission	7-speed 7G-TRONIC	6-speed manual · e-DSC6
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

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

OM651 diesel: timing chain and AdBlue/NOx issues possible
OM642 V6 diesel: oil cooler / intake manifold issues
7G-TRONIC: judder or delayed engagement if fluid is neglected
AIRMATIC air suspension can leak at high mileage

Peugeot 408

1.2 PureTech (early): wet timing belt
PHEV/EV: check battery and charger condition
Infotainment software needs updates

Pros

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

540 L boot (Estate: 695 L) — roomy for an executive sedan
Proven OM651 2.1 diesel (E 250 CDI: 204 hp / 500 Nm)
Comfortable long-distance sedan with optional 4MATIC
V6/V8 options (E 350 / E 500) for smooth performance

Peugeot 408

Striking fastback design
Modern i-Cockpit interior
All-electric e-408

Cons

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

OM651 diesel: timing chain and AdBlue/DPF need checking
7G-TRONIC needs earlier-than-official fluid changes
Early M271 petrol: timing chain risk reported

Peugeot 408

No diesel offered
Boot smaller than classic saloons

Driving experience

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Comfortable, quiet and built for long distances. The W212 rides with a soft, absorbent gait, especially on AIRMATIC, steers lightly with little feedback, and cruises with the calm composure of a large executive saloon. Rear-drive is standard and gives a classic balance; 4MATIC adds traction. The OM651 diesel is the sensible distance choice and stays quiet, the M276 V6 petrol is smooth and strong, and the 7G-Tronic shifts unobtrusively. It is a genuinely comfortable, dependable executive car that does motorway miles with little effort.

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.