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Mercedes Citan vs VW Golf Variant comparison

Compare performance (131 HP vs 204 HP), boot space and price (22,400 £ vs 28,800 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Mercedes Citan or VW Golf Variant?

Mercedes Citan vs VW Golf Variant: Key differences

Mercedes Citan

  • markedly cheaper
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VW Golf Variant

  • visibly more power
  • markedly more efficient
  • clearly quicker 0–100 km/h
  • somewhat lighter
  • only slightly more trunk space
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By Achim Sedelmaier

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

Citan

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 Citan is markedly cheaper – starting at 22,400 £ , while the VW Golf Variant costs 28,800 £ . That’s a price difference of around 6,404 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the VW Golf Variant uses 4.3 L/100km and is markedly more efficient than the Mercedes Citan with 5.2 L/100km. The difference is about 0.9 L/100km.

Golf Variant

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 Variant offers visibly more power – delivering 204 HP compared to 131 HP. That’s roughly 73 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the VW Golf Variant is clearly quicker – completing the sprint in 6.5 s, while the Mercedes Citan takes 13 s. That’s about 6.5 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the VW Golf Variant delivers visibly more torque with 360 Nm compared to 270 Nm. That’s about 90 Nm more.

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 Golf Variant is somewhat lighter – 1,366 kg compared to 1,556 kg. The difference is around 190 kg.

Looking at boot space, the VW Golf Variant offers only slightly more boot space – 611 L compared to 551 L. That’s a difference of about 60 L.

When it comes to payload, the Mercedes Citan carries slightly more – 644 kg compared to 547 kg. That’s a difference of about 97 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The VW Golf Variant is decisively ahead 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 £28,800
Golf Variant

VW Golf Variant

  • Engine Type : Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Diesel
  • Transmission : Manuel, Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 116 - 204 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 4.3 - 7 L/100km
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Mercedes Citan
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Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

Mercedes Citan

The Mercedes Citan is a clever urban van that dresses sensible practicality in a surprisingly premium suit, making light work of deliveries and family duties without feeling like a workhorse. With a calm, car-like driving feel, clever interior packaging and the Mercedes badge up front, it’s a smart pick for buyers who want function with a touch of luxury and a wink of personality.

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Reviews Mercedes Citan

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VW Golf Variant

The Golf Estate packs Volkswagen's familiar poise into a practical, grown-up estate that quietly makes everyday life easier without shouting for attention. It's clever, comfortable and roomy enough for weekend kit or family chaos, offering smart packaging and refined manners that make it a sensible and surprisingly stylish choice for buyers who need space but don't want a van.

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DB2021AU00910_medium

Reviews VW Golf Variant

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

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Costs and Consumption
Price
22,400 - 30,100 £
Price
28,800 - 38,800 £
Consumption L/100km
5.2 - 7.4 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
4.3 - 7 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
19.3 - 20.7 kWh/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
265 - 280 km
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
45 kWh
Battery Capacity
-
co2
0 - 167 g/km
co2
114 - 159 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
54 L
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
High Roof Estate
Body Type
Estate
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
5
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,556 - 2,010 kg
Curb weight
1,366 - 1,551 kg
Trunk capacity
0 - 551 L
Trunk capacity
611 L
Length
4,498 - 4,922 mm
Length
-
Width
1,859 mm
Width
1,789 mm
Height
1,811 - 1,830 mm
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
1,979 - 3,660 L
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
485 - 644 kg
Payload
509 - 547 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol, Diesel, Electric
Engine Type
Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Diesel
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic, Reduction Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
95 - 131 HP
Power HP
116 - 204 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
13 - 15.5 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
6.5 - 10.5 s
Max Speed
132 - 183 km/h
Max Speed
-
Torque
200 - 270 Nm
Torque
220 - 360 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
70 - 96 kW
Power kW
85 - 150 kW
Engine capacity
1,332 - 1,461 cm3
Engine capacity
1,498 - 1,984 cm3

General
Model Year
2,021 - 2,024
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
F, E, A
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, F, C
Brand
Mercedes-Benz
Brand
VW
What drivetrain options does the Mercedes Citan have?

The Mercedes Citan is offered with 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.