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Lexus ES vs VW Golf comparison

Compare performance (218 HP vs 325 HP), boot space and price (46,600 £ vs 28,300 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Lexus ES or VW Golf?

Lexus ES vs VW Golf: Key differences

Lexus ES

4.7 (2 Reviews)
rate
  • a bit more trunk space
details

VW Golf

4.6 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • clearly cheaper
  • markedly more power
  • substantially more efficient
  • considerably quicker 0–100 km/h
  • noticeably lighter
details

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

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

ES

Costs and Efficiency:

Looking at overall running costs, both models reveal some interesting differences in everyday economy.

VW Golf is clearly cheaper – starting at 28,300 £ , while the Lexus ES costs 46,600 £ . That’s a price difference of around 18,304 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the VW Golf uses 1.1 L/100km and is substantially more efficient than the Lexus ES with 5.1 L/100km. The difference is about 4 L/100km.

Golf

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration are the classic benchmarks for car enthusiasts – and here, some clear differences start to show.

When it comes to engine power, the VW Golf offers markedly more power – delivering 325 HP compared to 218 HP. That’s roughly 107 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the VW Golf is considerably quicker – completing the sprint in 5.3 s, while the Lexus ES takes 8.9 s. That’s about 3.6 s quicker.

ES

Space and Everyday Use:

Cabin size, boot volume and payload all play a role in everyday practicality. Here, comfort and flexibility make the difference.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, VW Golf is noticeably lighter – 1,307 kg compared to 1,680 kg. The difference is around 373 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Lexus ES offers a bit more boot space – 454 L compared to 381 L. That’s a difference of about 73 L.

When it comes to payload, the VW Golf carries very slightly more – 508 kg compared to 470 kg. That’s a difference of about 38 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The VW Golf holds a decisive overall lead 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 £28,300
Golf

VW Golf

  • Engine Type Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
  • Transmission Manuel, Automatic
  • Drive Type Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 116 - 325 HP
  • Consumption L/100km 1.1 - 7.6 L/100km
  • Electric Range 131 - 143 km
details

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Lexus ES
VW Golf

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

Lexus ES

The Lexus ES delivers a supremely comfortable, quietly luxurious experience that favors serene cruising over sporting theatrics. It wraps everyday practicality, top-notch build quality and unimpeachable reliability in a handsome, grown-up package that will appeal to buyers who prize calm refinement over headline-grabbing excitement.

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Reviews Lexus ES

4.7 (2 Reviews)
rate
Patryk
9 Jan 2026, 23:36:16

Excellent car. Very comfortable and easy to use.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Family car
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money

VW Golf

The Golf is a quietly accomplished compact that blends practicality, refinement and approachable driving manners into a very usable everyday package. It’s well built, comfortable and versatile, making it a smart choice whether you want sensible family transport or an enjoyable commuter.

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Reviews VW Golf

4.6 (1 Reviews)
rate

No reviews yet. Share your experience and help others decide.

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Lexus ES
VW Golf

Costs and Consumption
Price
46,600 - 59,300 £
Price
28,300 - 46,700 £
Consumption L/100km
5.1 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
1.1 - 7.6 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
131 - 143 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
115 g/km
co2
25 - 173 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
50 L
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
Sedan
Body Type
Hatchback
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
4
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,680 kg
Curb weight
1,307 - 1,662 kg
Trunk capacity
454 L
Trunk capacity
273 - 381 L
Length
4,975 mm
Length
-
Width
1,865 mm
Width
1,789 mm
Height
1,445 mm
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
470 kg
Payload
438 - 508 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Full Hybrid
Engine Type
Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission Detail
CVT
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
218 HP
Power HP
116 - 325 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
8.9 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
5.3 - 10.2 s
Max Speed
180 km/h
Max Speed
-
Torque
-
Torque
220 - 420 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
160 kW
Power kW
85 - 239 kW
Engine capacity
2,487 cm3
Engine capacity
1,498 - 1,984 cm3

General
Model Year
2024
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
C
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, C, F, B
Brand
Lexus
Brand
VW
Is the Lexus ES offered with different drivetrains?

Available configurations include Front-Wheel Drive.

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.