Mercedes-Benz E-Class W213 vs Peugeot 508 R83

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

W213 · 2016 – 2023

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

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 d (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	7,7 s	7,3 s Winner
Top speed	240 km/h	250 km/h Winner
Power-to-weight	114,6 hp/t	158,5 hp/t Winner
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	138 g/km Winner	140 g/km
Consumption (WLTP)	5,9 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	2,94 m Winner	2,79 m
Length	4,92 m	4,75 m
Ground clearance	13,0 cm	—
Turning circle	11,6 m	11,2 m Winner
Towing capacity (braked)	2.100 kg Winner	1.600 kg

Powertrain & tech

	Mercedes-Benz E-Class	Peugeot 508
Platform	MRA (rear-wheel-drive base)	EMP2 (modular)
Drive	Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive
Engine family	M274/M264 petrol · OM654 diesel · plug-in hybrid	1.2 PureTech · 1.6 PureTech petrol · 1.5/2.0 BlueHDi diesel · Hybrid/PSE PHEV
Transmission	9-speed 9G-TRONIC	EAT8 automatic
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 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: 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 508

Stylish fastback design
Strong 2.0 BlueHDi diesel
PHEV and PSE available

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 508

Boot smaller than classic saloons
Low driving position

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 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.