Mercedes-Benz E-Class W213 vs Peugeot 408 P54

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

W213 · 2016 – 2023

The fifth-generation E-Class on the MRA platform.

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 d (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	7,7 s Winner	10,5 s
Top speed	240 km/h Winner	200 km/h
Power-to-weight	114,6 hp/t Winner	92,9 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	138 g/km	120 g/km Winner
Consumption (WLTP)	5,9 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	2,94 m Winner	2,79 m
Length	4,92 m	4,69 m
Ground clearance	13,0 cm	—
Turning circle	11,6 m	11,2 m Winner
Towing capacity (braked)	2.100 kg Winner	1.400 kg

Powertrain & tech

	Mercedes-Benz E-Class	Peugeot 408
Platform	MRA (rear-wheel-drive base)	EMP2 (modular)
Drive	Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive
Engine family	M274/M264 petrol · OM654 diesel · plug-in hybrid	1.2 PureTech · 1.2 Hybrid (48V) · 1.6 PHEV · e-408 (EV)
Transmission	9-speed 9G-TRONIC	6-speed manual · e-DSC6
Fuel	Petrol	Petrol
Euro standard	Euro 6d-TEMP	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

Early OM654 diesel: rocker arm / camshaft concerns
9G-TRONIC: fluid changes recommended earlier than official intervals
AIRMATIC air suspension can leak at high mileage
Electronics/software: MBUX and driver-aid glitches (mostly fixed via updates)

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: 640–670 L) — roomy for an executive sedan
Efficient OM654 2.0 diesel (E 220 d: 194 hp / 400 Nm, ~4.6 L/100 km)
MRA rear-wheel-drive platform with optional 4MATIC
E 300 e PHEV: 320 hp system output and 700 Nm, company-car friendly

Peugeot 408

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

Cons

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

OM654 diesel: AdBlue/DPF watch-points with lots of short trips
PHEV (E 300 e) shrinks boot space
Complex electronics and air suspension need dealer maintenance

Peugeot 408

No diesel offered
Boot smaller than classic saloons

Driving experience

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Serene, isolating and effortlessly luxurious. Steering is light and accurate, the ride hushed and composed, and the E-Class swallows motorway miles without a trace of stress. 4MATIC adds all-weather security, though the character stays comfort-first rather than sporting. AIRMATIC air suspension, where fitted, irons out rough roads beautifully. The petrols are smooth and eager with 48-volt assistance, the OM654/OM656 diesels pull strongly and stay quiet, and the E 300 e plug-in glides on electric power. The 9G-Tronic shifts seamlessly, rarely drawing attention to itself. Overall a calm, tech-rich executive saloon built for distance, not drama.

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.