Mercedes-Benz E-Class W212 vs Peugeot 508 R83

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

W212 · 2009 – 2016

The fourth-generation E-Class.

Peugeot 508

R83 · 2018 – 2026

The second 508 (R83), a fastback on EMP2 with PHEV and PSE.

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 508

Pick the R83 for the modern 508 with a sharp fastback design and strong engines.

Best engine: The 1.6 PureTech (petrol) or 2.0 BlueHDi (diesel) — post-2023.

Read the full guide

Performance

M274 E 200 · Petrol vs 1.6 PureTech 225 · Petrol

	Mercedes-Benz E-Class	Peugeot 508
Power	184 hp	225 hp Winner
Torque	300 Nm	300 Nm
0–100 km/h	7,9 s	7,3 s Winner
Top speed	235 km/h	250 km/h Winner
Power-to-weight	119,5 hp/t	158,5 hp/t Winner
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	138 g/km Winner	140 g/km
Consumption (WLTP)	5,8 L/100km Winner	6,0 L/100km

Dimensions & space

	Mercedes-Benz E-Class	Peugeot 508
Boot	540 L Winner	487 L
Boot (seats folded)	—	1.537 L
Wheelbase	2,87 m Winner	2,79 m
Length	4,87 m	4,75 m
Ground clearance	13,0 cm	—
Turning circle	11,3 m	11,2 m Winner
Towing capacity (braked)	2.100 kg Winner	1.600 kg

Powertrain & tech

	Mercedes-Benz E-Class	Peugeot 508
Platform	Rear-wheel-drive base (related to the C-Class W204)	EMP2 (modular)
Drive	Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive
Engine family	M271/M274/M276 petrol · OM651/OM642 diesel	1.2 PureTech · 1.6 PureTech petrol · 1.5/2.0 BlueHDi diesel · Hybrid/PSE PHEV
Transmission	7-speed 7G-TRONIC	EAT8 automatic
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 508

1.2 PureTech: wet timing belt
1.5 BlueHDi: AdBlue and chain on early units
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 508

Stylish fastback design
Strong 2.0 BlueHDi diesel
PHEV and PSE available

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 508

Boot smaller than classic saloons
Low driving position

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 508

The R83 wears a four-door coupé suit but rides the EMP2 bones of a family saloon, and that mix defines it. It sits low and wide, so the front axle feels keen and the car tracks calmly through corners, while the long wheelbase keeps it planted on the motorway. The small i-Cockpit wheel and raised dials are the most extreme Peugeot has done and demand a real acclimatisation; once settled, the steering is quick and accurate and body roll stays well held. Most versions ride on a comfort-tuned rear that smothers broken tarmac, though big wheels and firmer GT/PSE damping add some fidget. The 2.0 BlueHDi pulls strongly and quietly, the PSE is properly rapid, and the EAT8 automatic shifts without drama. It is a composed, comfortable fastback, not a sports saloon.