Mercedes-Benz E-Class W212 vs Volkswagen Passat B8

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

W212 · 2009 – 2016

The fourth-generation E-Class.

Volkswagen Passat

B8 · 2014 – 2023

The eighth-generation Passat (B8), on the MQB platform.

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…

Volkswagen Passat

Pick the Passat for a roomy, refined family car with a huge boot and strong diesels for long distances.

Best engine: The 2.0 TDI (150 hp) — the sweet spot.

Read the full guide

Performance

M274 E 200 · Petrol vs 2.0 TDI 150 · Diesel

	Mercedes-Benz E-Class	Volkswagen Passat
Power	184 hp Winner	150 hp
Torque	300 Nm	340 Nm Winner
0–100 km/h	7,9 s Winner	8,7 s
Top speed	235 km/h Winner	220 km/h
Power-to-weight	119,5 hp/t Winner	98,0 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	138 g/km	109 g/km Winner
Consumption (WLTP)	5,8 L/100km	4,2 L/100km Winner

Dimensions & space

	Mercedes-Benz E-Class	Volkswagen Passat
Boot	540 L	586 L Winner
Boot (seats folded)	—	1.152 L
Wheelbase	2,87 m Winner	2,79 m
Length	4,87 m	4,77 m
Ground clearance	13,0 cm	14,5 cm
Turning circle	11,3 m Winner	11,7 m
Towing capacity (braked)	2.100 kg Winner	2.000 kg

Powertrain & tech

	Mercedes-Benz E-Class	Volkswagen Passat
Platform	Rear-wheel-drive base (related to the C-Class W204)	MQB (transverse)
Drive	Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive
Engine family	M271/M274/M276 petrol · OM651/OM642 diesel	EA211 1.4/1.5 TSI · EA888 Gen 3 1.8/2.0 TSI · EA288 1.6/2.0 TDI · GTE PHEV
Transmission	7-speed 7G-TRONIC	6-speed manual · 7-speed DSG
Fuel	Petrol	Diesel
Euro standard	Euro 6	Euro 6
LEZ access	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)	⚠️ Banned from Antwerp & Ghent from January 1, 2026

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

Volkswagen Passat

EA888 chain and oil consumption at high mileage (early 1.8/2.0 TSI)
Haldex 4Motion service (fluid/clutch)
Electronic parking-brake and software campaigns

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

Volkswagen Passat

Facelift (2019) brought improved DSG options and electronics
Alltrack variant with 4Motion and higher ground clearance
GTE PHEV with electric range for the city

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

Volkswagen Passat

Saloon boot (586 l) smaller than the Variant (650 l)
Bigger and less agile than a Golf

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.

Volkswagen Passat

Comfortable, spacious and easy to cover ground in. The Passat steers accurately with light, consistent weighting, rides well, and stays quiet at speed, with the Variant estate adding real practicality. Front-drive is the base; 4Motion adds traction in poor conditions. The 1.5 TSI is smooth and economical, the 2.0 TDI is the long-distance workhorse, and the GTE plug-in covers short trips on electric power. The DSG is smooth. It is a refined, tech-heavy family car that does everything well and has long been the default fleet choice.