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Mercedes A Class vs VW Polo comparison

Compare performance (421 HP vs 207 HP), boot space and price (32,600 £ vs 17,300 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Mercedes A Class or VW Polo?

Mercedes A Class vs VW Polo: Key differences

Mercedes A Class

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

VW Polo

4.1 (3 Reviews)
rate
  • significantly cheaper
  • visibly lighter
  • barely more trunk space
details

By Achim Sedelmaier

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

A Class

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are key factors when choosing a car – and this is often where the real differences emerge.

VW Polo is significantly cheaper – starting at 17,300 £ , while the Mercedes A Class costs 32,600 £ . That’s a price difference of around 15,310 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Mercedes A Class uses 2.3 L/100km and is clearly more efficient than the VW Polo with 5.1 L/100km. The difference is about 2.8 L/100km.

Polo

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 Mercedes A Class offers substantially more power – delivering 421 HP compared to 207 HP. That’s roughly 214 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Mercedes A Class is clearly quicker – completing the sprint in 3.9 s, while the VW Polo takes 6.5 s. That’s about 2.6 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Mercedes A Class delivers markedly more torque with 500 Nm compared to 320 Nm. That’s about 180 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, VW Polo is visibly lighter – 1,143 kg compared to 1,440 kg. The difference is around 297 kg.

Looking at boot space, the VW Polo offers barely more boot space – 351 L compared to 350 L. That’s a difference of about 1 L.

When it comes to payload, the Mercedes A Class carries only slightly more – 485 kg compared to 457 kg. That’s a difference of about 28 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Mercedes A Class 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 £32,600
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
details

Frequently compared as well

Mercedes A Class
Mercedes B Class
VS
The Mercedes A‑Class is the sporty, tech‑savvy compact that thrills with sharp handling and a slick cockpit, while the Mercedes B‑Class trades a bit of attitude for towering practicality, roomier seats and a more useful boot. Choose the A‑Class if you want driving fun and style; pick the B‑Class if …
VW Polo
VW T-Cross
VS
The VW Polo is a nimble, wallet-friendly hatch that makes city driving and tight parking effortless, while the VW T-Cross trades the Polo’s sprightliness for SUV practicality — higher seating, a roomier boot and a more commanding road presence. Pick the Polo if you want cheap, lively motoring; …
Mercedes A Class
VW Polo

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

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.

details
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Reviews Mercedes A Class

2.7 (1 Reviews)
rate

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

VW Polo

The Polo is a small car with surprisingly grown-up refinement, delivering comfortable packaging, crisp handling and a build quality that punches above its class. For buyers who want a practical, fuss-free hatch that still feels a little premium, it’s a sensible, slightly cheeky choice you’ll enjoy every day.

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DB2021AU00741_medium

Reviews VW Polo

4.1 (3 Reviews)
rate

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

Frequently compared as well

Mercedes A Class
Mercedes GLA
VS
The Mercedes A‑Class is the sharper, more driver-focused hatch that feels nimble and refined on twisty roads, while the Mercedes GLA trades a bit of agility for SUV practicality with a higher ride height, extra luggage space and a commanding view of the road. Pick the A‑Class for sporty handling, …
VW Polo
VW Taigo
VS
The VW Polo is the sharp, no-nonsense hatchback that nails everyday practicality — nimble in town, economical to run and pleasantly composed on the motorway. The VW Taigo swaps a bit of luggage room and rear headroom for SUV flair, higher seating and a more eye-catching cabin, so pick the Polo for …
VW ID.3
VW Polo
VS
The VW ID.3 and VW Polo compete for the top spot in your garage. See how both models differ in key areas like performance, running costs, interior space and technology. A fast, clear comparison helps you pick the one that fits your needs best.
Ford Puma
VW Polo
VS
In the competitive segment of compact crossovers, the Ford Puma stands out with its sporty design and engaging driving dynamics, appealing to those who prioritize excitement behind the wheel. On the other hand, the VW Polo offers a more traditional hatchback experience, characterized by its solid …
Toyota Yaris
VW Polo
VS
In the compact car showdown, the Toyota Yaris and the VW Polo both make compelling cases, each boasting its own unique strengths. The Yaris shines with its impressive fuel efficiency and dependable reliability, making it a practical choice for everyday driving. On the other hand, the Polo …
Renault Clio
VW Polo
VS
In the competitive supermini segment, the Renault Clio and VW Polo stand out for their blend of style, performance, and practicality. The Clio boasts a more dynamic design and an engaging driving experience, while the Polo is celebrated for its refined build quality and advanced technology …
Dacia Sandero
VW Polo
VS
In the battle of hatchbacks, the Dacia Sandero and VW Polo offer distinctive appeals. The Sandero stands out with its budget-friendly pricing and practical simplicity, making it an attractive option for cost-conscious drivers. In contrast, the VW Polo delivers a more refined driving experience and …
VW Polo
VW T-Roc
VS
When comparing the VW Polo and the VW T-Roc, drivers will find distinct differences in style and functionality. The Polo excels with its compact design and agile handling, making it ideal for city driving, while the T-Roc offers a more rugged SUV look paired with a versatile interior and higher …
Mercedes A Class
VW Polo

Costs and Consumption
Price
32,600 - 66,500 £
Price
17,300 - 30,800 £
Consumption L/100km
2.3 - 9 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
5.1 - 6.5 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
85 km
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
53 - 205 g/km
co2
116 - 148 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
1,143 - 1,378 kg
Trunk capacity
310 - 350 L
Trunk capacity
351 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,796 - 1,850 mm
Width
1,751 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
450 - 485 kg
Payload
432 - 457 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid, Petrol
Engine Type
Petrol
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
116 - 421 HP
Power HP
80 - 207 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
3.9 - 9.7 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
6.5 - 15.6 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
200 - 500 Nm
Torque
93 - 320 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
Power kW
85 - 310 kW
Power kW
59 - 152 kW
Engine capacity
1,332 - 1,991 cm3
Engine capacity
999 - 1,984 cm3

General
Model Year
2025
Model Year
2,024 - 2,025
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, E, B, G
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, E
Brand
Mercedes-Benz
Brand
VW
Is the Mercedes A Class offered with different drivetrains?

The Mercedes A Class is offered with Front-Wheel Drive or All-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.