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Mercedes CLA Coupe vs VW Golf comparison

Compare performance (354 HP vs 333 HP), boot space and price (39600 £ vs 25200 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Mercedes CLA Coupe or VW Golf?

Mercedes CLA Coupe vs VW Golf: Key differences

Mercedes CLA Coupe

4.8 (2 Reviews)
rate
  • barely noticeable more power
  • convincingly more electric range
  • slight more trunk space

VW Golf

4.6 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • decisively cheaper
  • clearly more efficient
  • hardly perceptible quicker from 0–100 km/h
  • noticeable lighter

All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.

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

CLA Coupe

Costs and Efficiency:

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

VW Golf has a decisively advantage in terms of price – it starts at 25200 £ , while the Mercedes CLA Coupe costs 39600 £ . That’s a price difference of around 14441 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: VW Golf manages with 1.10 L and is therefore clearly more efficient than the Mercedes CLA Coupe with 4.90 L. The difference is about 3.80 L per 100 km.

As for electric range, the Mercedes CLA Coupe performs convincingly better – achieving up to 791 km, about 648 km more than the VW Golf.

Golf

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 CLA Coupe has a barely noticeable edge – offering 354 HP compared to 333 HP. That’s roughly 21 HP more horsepower.

In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the VW Golf is hardly perceptible quicker – completing the sprint in 4.60 s, while the Mercedes CLA Coupe takes 4.90 s. That’s about 0.30 s faster.

In terms of top speed, the VW Golf performs evident better – reaching 270 km/h, while the Mercedes CLA Coupe tops out at 210 km/h. The difference is around 60 km/h.

There’s also a difference in torque: Mercedes CLA Coupe pulls somewhat stronger with 515 Nm compared to 420 Nm. That’s about 95 Nm difference.

CLA Coupe

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 curb weight, VW Golf is noticeable lighter – 1307 kg compared to 1695 kg. The difference is around 388 kg.

In terms of boot space, the Mercedes CLA Coupe offers slight more room – 405 L compared to 381 L. That’s a difference of about 24 L.

When it comes to payload, VW Golf a bit takes the win – 508 kg compared to 455 kg. That’s a difference of about 53 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The VW Golf 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

VW Golf
VW T-Roc
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The VW Golf still sets the benchmark in the compact class — a composed, all‑round hatch that rewards drivers with precise steering, efficient engines and sensible practicality for daily life. The VW T‑Roc trades a bit of that pinch‑perfect poise for SUV style, a higher seating position and a …
VW Golf
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The VW Golf remains the benchmark compact hatchback with precise handling, sensible packaging and a grown-up interior that rewards drivers who value refinement and everyday usability; the Taigo, by contrast, trades some practicality for SUV looks and a higher ride, offering bolder styling, slightly …
Mercedes CLA Coupe
VW Golf

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis
from about £25,200
Golf

VW Golf

  • Engine Type : Petrol MHEV, Petrol, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
  • Transmission : Automatic, Manuel
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 116 - 333 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 1.1 - 8.1 L
  • Electric Range : 131 - 143 km
details

Mercedes CLA Coupe

4.8 (2 Reviews)
rate

The Mercedes CLA Coupe cuts a rakish silhouette that blends sporty coupe lines with everyday practicality, giving style-minded buyers a premium image without shouting. Inside it feels more luxurious than its size suggests, with a slick cabin, intuitive tech and a composed ride — the kind of car that parties in the city and still shows up polished on Sunday morning.

details
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VW Golf

4.6 (1 Reviews)
rate

The VW Golf remains the everyman’s favourite — cleverly balanced, composed and just posh enough to feel grown-up without pretending to be something it’s not. It slips through town and eats up longer trips with a refined cabin, practical layout and a kindly, capable character that turns everyday driving into something a little bit special.

details
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Reviews Mercedes CLA Coupe

4.8 (2 Reviews)
rate
marco
12 Mar 2026, 18:44:45

Auto con una linea unica, la short brake finalmente ha un retro sportivo e un bagagliaio capiente

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Family car
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
Dejf
18 Dec 2025, 14:59:40

Nice efficient car. Like it

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

Reviews VW Golf

4.6 (1 Reviews)
rate
Mercedes CLA Coupe
VW Golf

Costs and Consumption
Price
39600 - 59300 £
Price
25200 - 47600 £
Consumption L/100km
4.9 - 5.3 L
Consumption L/100km
1.1 - 8.1 L
Consumption kWh/100km
12.2 - 12.6 kWh
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
541 - 791 km
Electric Range
131 - 143 km
Battery Capacity
58 kWh
Battery Capacity
19.70 kWh
co2
0 - 120 g/km
co2
25 - 184 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
40 - 55 L

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
Coupe
Body Type
Hatchback
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
4
Doors
5
Curb weight
1695 - 2135 kg
Curb weight
1307 - 1662 kg
Trunk capacity
405 L
Trunk capacity
273 - 381 L
Length
4723 mm
Length
4282 - 4296 mm
Width
1855 mm
Width
1789 mm
Height
1468 mm
Height
1454 - 1483 mm
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
1129 - 1237 L
Payload
430 - 455 kg
Payload
438 - 508 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Electric, Petrol MHEV
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Petrol, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic, Manuel
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic, Manual Gearbox
Drive Type
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
156 - 354 HP
Power HP
116 - 333 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.9 - 8.8 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.6 - 10.2 s
Max Speed
210 km/h
Max Speed
202 - 270 km/h
Torque
280 - 515 Nm
Torque
220 - 420 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
115 - 260 kW
Power kW
85 - 245 kW
Engine capacity
1499 cm3
Engine capacity
1498 - 1984 cm3

General
Model Year
2025 - 2026
Model Year
2024 - 2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
A, C, D
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, F, G, C, B
Brand
Mercedes-Benz
Brand
VW

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What drive types are available for the Mercedes CLA Coupe?

The Mercedes CLA Coupe is available as Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive or Front-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.