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Mercedes A Class Saloon vs VW Grand California comparison

Compare performance (320 HP vs 163 HP), boot space and price (32,700 £ vs 70,200 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Mercedes A Class Saloon or VW Grand California?

Mercedes A Class Saloon vs VW Grand California: Key differences

Mercedes A Class Saloon

  • clearly cheaper
  • significantly more power
  • substantially lighter
  • significantly more trunk space
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VW Grand California

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By Achim Sedelmaier

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

A Class Saloon

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are often the first things buyers look at. Here it becomes clear which model has the long-term edge – whether at the pump, the plug, or in purchase price.

Mercedes A Class Saloon is clearly cheaper – starting at 32,700 £ , while the VW Grand California costs 70,200 £ . That’s a price difference of around 37,515 £.

Grand California

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 Saloon offers significantly more power – delivering 320 HP compared to 163 HP. That’s roughly 157 HP more horsepower.

A Class Saloon

Space and Everyday Use:

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

Seats: Mercedes A Class Saloon offers more seats – 5 vs 4.

In terms of curb weight, Mercedes A Class Saloon is substantially lighter – 1,450 kg compared to 3,052 kg. The difference is around 1,602 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Mercedes A Class Saloon offers significantly more boot space – 395 L compared to 0 L. That’s a difference of about 395 L.

When it comes to payload, the Mercedes A Class Saloon carries marginally more – 490 kg compared to 448 kg. That’s a difference of about 42 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Mercedes A Class Saloon 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 £32,700
A Class Saloon

Mercedes A Class Saloon

  • Engine Type Plugin Hybrid, Petrol MHEV, Diesel
  • Transmission Automatic
  • Drive Type Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 116 - 320 HP
  • Consumption L/100km 0.7 - 8.1 L/100km
  • Electric Range 88 km
Mercedes A Class Saloon
VW Grand California

Costs and Consumption

View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance

View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body

View detailed analysis

Mercedes A Class Saloon

The Mercedes A‑Class Saloon blends compact practicality with premium flair, wrapping a surprisingly spacious interior in a slick, modern package that feels more grown-up than its hatchback sibling. It’s an ideal choice for city drivers who want Mercedes polish and cutting-edge tech without the ostentation of a larger saloon, and it even manages to make the daily commute feel a little bit special.

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VW Grand California

The Grand California is Volkswagen's remarkable take on the camper van, blending practicality with comfort for the ultimate road trip experience. With ample space for both living and storage, it's designed for adventure seekers who don't want to compromise on amenities. Whether you're exploring coastal roads or setting up camp in the mountains, the Grand California offers a perfect home away from home.

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Mercedes A Class Saloon
VW Grand California

Costs and Consumption

Price
32,700 - 55,900 £
Price
70,200 - 77,900 £
Consumption L/100km
0.7 - 8.1 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
88 km
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
12.9 kWh
Battery Capacity
-
co2
16 - 184 g/km
co2
-
Fuel tank capacity
35 - 51 L
Fuel tank capacity
75 L

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
Sedan
Body Type
Bus
Seats
5
Seats
4
Doors
4
Doors
4
Curb weight
1,450 - 1,705 kg
Curb weight
3,052 - 3,354 kg
Trunk capacity
345 - 395 L
Trunk capacity
0 L
Length
4,558 - 4,570 mm
Length
5,986 - 6,836 mm
Width
1,796 mm
Width
2,040 mm
Height
1,413 - 1,429 mm
Height
2,839 - 2,971 mm
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
475 - 490 kg
Payload
146 - 448 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Plugin Hybrid, Petrol MHEV, Diesel
Engine Type
Diesel
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
116 - 320 HP
Power HP
163 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.8 - 9.9 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
-
Max Speed
206 - 250 km/h
Max Speed
-
Torque
200 - 450 Nm
Torque
-
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
85 - 235 kW
Power kW
120 kW
Engine capacity
1,332 - 1,991 cm3
Engine capacity
1,968 cm3

General

Model Year
2,024 - 2,025
Model Year
2024
CO2 Efficiency Class
B, D, G, E
CO2 Efficiency Class
-
Brand
Mercedes-Benz
Brand
VW
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.