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Mercedes A Class vs Peugeot 208 comparison

Compare performance (421 HP vs 156 HP), boot space and price (32,600 £ vs 21,000 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Mercedes A Class or Peugeot 208?

Mercedes A Class vs Peugeot 208: Key differences

Mercedes A Class

2.7 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • clearly more power
  • considerably more efficient
  • substantially quicker 0–100 km/h
details

Peugeot 208

4 (2 Reviews)
rate
  • significantly cheaper
  • significantly more electric range
  • visibly lighter
  • barely more trunk space
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All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.

By Achim Sedelmaier

A Class

Introduction: A Tale of Two Hatchbacks

In the competitive landscape of compact hatchbacks, the Mercedes A-Klasse and the Peugeot 208 have emerged as standout contenders. Both vehicles bring a unique blend of design, technology, and performance to the table, appealing to a diverse range of customers. In this comparison, we will dive deep into their technical specifications, innovations, and overall driving experiences, helping you decide which of these two impressive rides aligns with your automotive aspirations.

208

Design and Dimensions

The Mercedes A-Klasse boasts a sleek and sporty aesthetic, measuring 4428 mm in length, 1796 mm in width, and 1423 mm in height. Its dynamic lines and aggressive stance capture attention on the road. The Peugeot 208, while smaller at 4055 mm long and 1745 mm wide, compensates for its dimensions with bold character lines and distinctive styling elements that signify a modern European hatchback.

A Class

Powertrains: A Range of Choices

Under the hood, the Mercedes A-Klasse offers a variety of engine options, including petrol, diesel, and hybrid powertrains. The petrol options range from 150 to 421 HP, supported by advanced features such as hybrid configurations achieving an impressive 86 km electric range. In contrast, the Peugeot 208 provides a more streamlined selection, featuring petrol engines with outputs of 101 to 156 HP and all-electric options that deliver up to 410 km of range, perfect for urban commuters.

208

Fuel Efficiency and Emissions

When it comes to fuel consumption, the A-Klasse showcases a respectable range from 4.9 to 8.3 L/100 km, depending on the variant. However, the Peugeot 208 excels with figures as low as 4.7 L/100 km, making it a more economical choice for daily driving. Emissions also reflect this efficiency, with the A-Klasse having CO2 figures ranging from 128 to 205 g/km; the Peugeot 208 offers lower emissions, peaking at 121 g/km for its petrol engines and achieving zero emissions for its electric variant.

A Class

Transmission and Driving Dynamics

Both cars come equipped with advanced transmission options, with the A-Klasse featuring a dual-clutch automatic transmission for a smooth and rapid shifting experience. The Peugeot 208 offers both automatic and manual gearboxes, appealing to driving purists. The driving dynamics of each vehicle also cater to different preferences. The A-Klasse, with its optional all-wheel drive, provides superior traction and handling, ideal for those who crave performance. The Peugeot, while front-wheel drive only, emphasizes a nimble and agile driving experience, particularly in urban environments.

208

Interior Technology and Comfort

On the inside, the A-Klasse paints a picture of luxury, equipped with the latest MBUX infotainment system that features voice control and high-resolution displays. The quality of materials, seating comfort, and the overall feel of the cabin scream premium. The Peugeot 208, while slightly more minimalist, showcases a stylish and functional interior with a user-friendly infotainment system and ample headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers.

A Class

Safety Features

Safety is paramount in both models, with the A-Klasse offering an extensive list of driver assistance features, including adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and autonomous emergency braking. The Peugeot 208 doesn’t fall short either, providing a comprehensive safety suite featuring similar technologies, ensuring peace of mind regardless of the choice made.

208

Conclusion: Choosing Your Hatchback

Ultimately, the choice between the Mercedes A-Klasse and the Peugeot 208 boils down to your personal preferences and lifestyle needs. The A-Klasse stands as a symbol of luxury and performance, ideal for those who prioritize a premium experience. Meanwhile, the Peugeot 208 caters to eco-conscious buyers and offers a compact, efficient, and stylish alternative. Whichever model you choose, both offer excellent value in the saturated hatchback market.

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

A Class

Costs and Efficiency:

When it comes to price and running costs, the biggest differences usually appear. This is often where you see which car fits your budget better in the long run.

Peugeot 208 is significantly cheaper – starting at 21,000 £ , while the Mercedes A Class costs 32,600 £ . That’s a price difference of around 11,586 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Mercedes A Class uses 2.3 L/100km and is considerably more efficient than the Peugeot 208 with 4.5 L/100km. The difference is about 2.2 L/100km.

As for electric range, the Peugeot 208 offers significantly more range – reaching up to 432 km, about 347 km more than the Mercedes A Class.

208

Engine and Performance:

Under the bonnet, it becomes clear which model is tuned for sportiness and which one takes the lead when you hit the accelerator.

When it comes to engine power, the Mercedes A Class offers clearly more power – delivering 421 HP compared to 156 HP. That’s roughly 265 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Mercedes A Class is substantially quicker – completing the sprint in 3.9 s, while the Peugeot 208 takes 8.3 s. That’s about 4.4 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Mercedes A Class delivers substantially more torque with 500 Nm compared to 270 Nm. That’s about 230 Nm more.

A Class

Space and Everyday Use:

Whether family car or daily driver – which one offers more room, flexibility and comfort?

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, Peugeot 208 is visibly lighter – 1,165 kg compared to 1,440 kg. The difference is around 275 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Peugeot 208 offers barely more boot space – 352 L compared to 350 L. That’s a difference of about 2 L.

When it comes to payload, the Mercedes A Class carries slightly more – 485 kg compared to 430 kg. That’s a difference of about 55 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Mercedes A Class stands well ahead of its rival in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

from £32,600
A Class

Mercedes A Class

  • Engine Type Petrol MHEV, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid, Petrol
  • Transmission Automatic
  • Drive Type Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 116 - 421 HP
  • Consumption L/100km 2.3 - 9 L/100km
  • Electric Range 85 km
Mercedes A Class
Peugeot 208

Costs and Consumption

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Engine and Performance

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Dimensions and Body

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Mercedes A Class

The Mercedes A‑Class arrives as a compact charmer that dresses premium materials and a cockpit full of screens in a tidy, city-friendly package, delivering surprising agility and poise. For buyers who want a luxury badge, clever tech and a car that's equally happy in tight streets or on a spirited country run, the A‑Class offers a grown-up feel with a cheeky streak.

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Peugeot 208

The Peugeot 208 feels like a city-savvy fox: compact, stylish and surprisingly grown-up, with a cabin that punches above its weight and enough personality to make daily commutes a little less boring. It’s a smart pick for buyers who want chic practicality without the showroom bluster — easy to park, thrifty to run and oddly fun when the road tightens up.

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Mercedes A Class
Peugeot 208

Costs and Consumption

Price
32,600 - 66,500 £
Price
21,000 - 33,200 £
Consumption L/100km
2.3 - 9 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
4.5 - 5.1 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
14.1 - 15.4 kWh/100km
Electric Range
85 km
Electric Range
363 - 432 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
53 - 205 g/km
co2
0 - 116 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
Hatchback
Body Type
Hatchback
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,440 - 1,695 kg
Curb weight
1,165 - 1,530 kg
Trunk capacity
310 - 350 L
Trunk capacity
309 - 352 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,796 - 1,850 mm
Width
1,745 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
450 - 485 kg
Payload
380 - 430 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid, Petrol
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Electric, Petrol
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic, Manuel
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic, Reduction Gearbox, Manual Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
116 - 421 HP
Power HP
101 - 156 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
3.9 - 9.7 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
8.3 - 10.9 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
200 - 500 Nm
Torque
205 - 270 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
3
Power kW
85 - 310 kW
Power kW
74 - 115 kW
Engine capacity
1,332 - 1,991 cm3
Engine capacity
1,199 cm3

General

Model Year
2025
Model Year
2,025 - 2,026
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, E, B, G
CO2 Efficiency Class
C, A, D
Brand
Mercedes-Benz
Brand
Peugeot
DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. The displayed prices are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted to the respective country’s VAT. Country-specific registration taxes are not included. This information is not legally binding.