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Mercedes C-Class Saloon vs VW Polo comparison

Compare performance (680 HP vs 207 HP), boot space and price (41,300 £ vs 17,300 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Mercedes C-Class Saloon or VW Polo?

Mercedes C-Class Saloon vs VW Polo: Key differences

Mercedes C-Class Saloon

  • clearly more power
  • somewhat more efficient
  • substantially quicker 0–100 km/h
  • markedly more trunk space
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VW Polo

4.2 (4 Reviews)
rate
  • substantially cheaper
  • considerably lighter
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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

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

C-Class Saloon

Costs and Efficiency:

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

VW Polo is substantially cheaper – starting at 17,300 £ , while the Mercedes C-Class Saloon costs 41,300 £ . That’s a price difference of around 24,067 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Mercedes C-Class Saloon uses 4.5 L/100km and is somewhat more efficient than the VW Polo with 5.1 L/100km. The difference is about 0.6 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 C-Class Saloon offers clearly more power – delivering 680 HP compared to 207 HP. That’s roughly 473 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Mercedes C-Class Saloon is substantially quicker – completing the sprint in 3.4 s, while the VW Polo takes 6.5 s. That’s about 3.1 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Mercedes C-Class Saloon delivers significantly more torque with 1,020 Nm compared to 320 Nm. That’s about 700 Nm more.

C-Class Saloon

Space and Everyday Use:

Beyond pure performance, interior space and usability matter most in daily life. This is where you see which car is more practical and versatile.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, VW Polo is considerably lighter – 1,143 kg compared to 1,695 kg. The difference is around 552 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Mercedes C-Class Saloon offers markedly more boot space – 455 L compared to 351 L. That’s a difference of about 104 L.

When it comes to payload, the Mercedes C-Class Saloon carries moderately more – 570 kg compared to 457 kg. That’s a difference of about 113 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Mercedes C-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 £41,300
C-Class Saloon

Mercedes C-Class Saloon

  • Engine Type Petrol MHEV, Diesel MHEV, Plugin Hybrid
  • Transmission Automatic
  • Drive Type Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 183 - 680 HP
  • Consumption L/100km 4.5 - 9 L/100km
  • Electric Range 11 km
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Mercedes C-Class Saloon
VW Polo

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

Mercedes C-Class Saloon

The Mercedes C‑Class is the compact executive that dresses like it owns the boulevard, with an interior that blends modern elegance and plush comfort to make everyday driving feel unexpectedly special. On the road it pairs poise with a hint of cheeky agility, rewarding drivers who want refinement without forfeiting a touch of fun — and yes, it still looks great in the driveway.

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Reviews Mercedes C-Class Saloon

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

VW Polo

The Polo is a well-built, comfortable hatchback that blends a refined cabin and composed manners into a compact package. It's easy to live with day to day, offering sensible space, tidy controls and reassuring quality that make it a practical choice for city or longer trips.

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Reviews VW Polo

4.2 (4 Reviews)
rate
Michel
13 Jun 2026, 15:24:46

Nice, spacious car with many options available (panoramic roof and travel assist).

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

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Mercedes C-Class Saloon
VW Polo

Costs and Consumption
Price
41,300 - 103,400 £
Price
17,300 - 30,800 £
Consumption L/100km
4.5 - 9 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
5.1 - 6.5 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
11 km
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
119 - 205 g/km
co2
116 - 148 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
Sedan
Body Type
Hatchback
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,695 - 2,165 kg
Curb weight
1,143 - 1,378 kg
Trunk capacity
280 - 455 L
Trunk capacity
351 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,820 - 1,900 mm
Width
1,751 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
485 - 570 kg
Payload
432 - 457 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Diesel MHEV, Plugin Hybrid
Engine Type
Petrol
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Manual, Automatic
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
183 - 680 HP
Power HP
80 - 207 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
3.4 - 8.6 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
6.5 - 15.6 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
250 - 1,020 Nm
Torque
93 - 320 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
Power kW
135 - 500 kW
Power kW
59 - 152 kW
Engine capacity
1,496 - 1,999 cm3
Engine capacity
999 - 1,984 cm3

General
Model Year
2,024 - 2,025
Model Year
2,024 - 2,025
CO2 Efficiency Class
E, D, G
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, E
Brand
Mercedes-Benz
Brand
VW
What drivetrain options does the Mercedes C-Class Saloon have?

The Mercedes C-Class Saloon is available as Rear-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.