Mercedes-Benz E-Class W212 vs Peugeot 508 W23

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

W212 · 2009 – 2016

The fourth-generation E-Class.

Peugeot 508

W23 · 2010 – 2018

The first 508 (W23), an executive saloon/estate on PF3.

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 W23 for an affordable, comfortable executive 508 with a roomy boot.

Best engine: The 2.0 HDi (diesel) or 1.6 THP (petrol) — post-2014 facelift.

Read the full guide

Performance

M274 E 200 · Petrol vs 1.6 THP 165 · Petrol

	Mercedes-Benz E-Class	Peugeot 508
Power	184 hp Winner	165 hp
Torque	300 Nm Winner	240 Nm
0–100 km/h	7,9 s Winner	8,5 s
Top speed	235 km/h Winner	220 km/h
Power-to-weight	119,5 hp/t Winner	111,5 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	138 g/km Winner	150 g/km
Consumption (WLTP)	5,8 L/100km Winner	6,5 L/100km

Dimensions & space

	Mercedes-Benz E-Class	Peugeot 508
Boot	540 L	545 L Winner
Boot (seats folded)	—	1.500 L
Wheelbase	2,87 m Winner	2,82 m
Length	4,87 m	4,79 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)	PF3
Drive	Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive
Engine family	M271/M274/M276 petrol · OM651/OM642 diesel	1.6 VTi/THP petrol · 1.6/2.0/2.2 HDi diesel
Transmission	7-speed 7G-TRONIC	6-speed manual
Fuel	Petrol	Petrol
Euro standard	Euro 6	Euro 5
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

1.6 THP: timing chain and tensioner
HDi: DPF/EGR and turbo at high mileage
2.2 HDi: bi-turbo needs checking

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

Roomy boot (especially SW)
Comfortable
Affordable used

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

1.6 THP carries timing-chain risk
Conventional styling

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 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.