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Mercedes A Class vs VW Polo comparison

Compare performance (421 HP vs 207 HP), boot space and price (32600 £ vs 17300 £ ) 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

  • decisively more power
  • clearly more efficient
  • clearly quicker from 0–100 km/h

VW Polo

4.9 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • convincingly cheaper
  • noticeable lighter
  • minimal more trunk space

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

A Class

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.

VW Polo has a convincingly advantage in terms of price – it starts at 17300 £ , while the Mercedes A Class costs 32600 £ . That’s a price difference of around 15310 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: Mercedes A Class manages with 2.30 L and is therefore clearly more efficient than the VW Polo with 5.10 L. The difference is about 2.80 L per 100 km.

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 has a decisively edge – offering 421 HP compared to 207 HP. That’s roughly 214 HP more horsepower.

In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the Mercedes A Class is clearly quicker – completing the sprint in 3.90 s, while the VW Polo takes 6.50 s. That’s about 2.60 s faster.

There’s also a difference in torque: Mercedes A Class pulls noticeable stronger with 500 Nm compared to 320 Nm. That’s about 180 Nm difference.

A Class

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 curb weight, VW Polo is noticeable lighter – 1143 kg compared to 1440 kg. The difference is around 297 kg.

In terms of boot space, the VW Polo offers minimal more room – 351 L compared to 350 L. That’s a difference of about 1 L.

When it comes to payload, Mercedes A Class barely noticeable takes the win – 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.

Frequently compared as well

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Mercedes A Class
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Mercedes A Class
VW Polo

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis
from about £32,600
A Class

Mercedes A Class

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

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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18C0292_010
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18C0122_04

VW Polo

4.9 (1 Reviews)
rate

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.

details
DB2021AU00726_medium
DB2021AU00728_medium
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DB2021AU00741_medium

Reviews Mercedes A Class

Reviews VW Polo

4.9 (1 Reviews)
rate
Mercedes A Class
VW Polo

Costs and Consumption
Price
32600 - 66500 £
Price
17300 - 30800 £
Consumption L/100km
2.3 - 9 L
Consumption L/100km
5.1 - 6.5 L
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
85 km
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
12.90 kWh
Battery Capacity
-
co2
53 - 205 g/km
co2
116 - 148 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
35 L
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
Hatchback
Body Type
Hatchback
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
5
Doors
-
Curb weight
1440 - 1695 kg
Curb weight
1143 - 1378 kg
Trunk capacity
310 - 350 L
Trunk capacity
351 L
Length
4428 mm
Length
-
Width
1796 - 1850 mm
Width
1751 mm
Height
1423 mm
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
1125 L
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
450 - 485 kg
Payload
432 - 457 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Plugin Hybrid, Petrol MHEV, Diesel, 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
225 km/h
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
1332 - 1991 cm3
Engine capacity
999 - 1984 cm3

General
Model Year
2024 - 2025
Model Year
2024 - 2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
B, D, E, G
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, E
Brand
Mercedes-Benz
Brand
VW

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Is the Mercedes A Class offered with different drivetrains?

Available configurations include Front-Wheel Drive or All-Wheel Drive.

The prices shown are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted for local VAT. Local registration taxes (e.g. NoVA, BPM or CO2 malus) are not included. This information is not legally binding.