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Mercedes E-Class vs VW Golf Variant comparison

Compare performance (585 HP vs 204 HP), boot space and price (50,500 £ vs 28,800 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Mercedes E-Class or VW Golf Variant?

Mercedes E-Class vs VW Golf Variant: Key differences

Mercedes E-Class

4.7 (2 Reviews)
rate
  • considerably more power
  • significantly more efficient
  • significantly quicker 0–100 km/h
details

VW Golf Variant

  • considerably cheaper
  • noticeably lighter
  • somewhat more trunk space
details

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

E-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 Golf Variant is considerably cheaper – starting at 28,800 £ , while the Mercedes E-Class costs 50,500 £ . That’s a price difference of around 21,643 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Mercedes E-Class uses 1.5 L/100km and is significantly more efficient than the VW Golf Variant with 4.3 L/100km. The difference is about 2.8 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 Mercedes E-Class offers considerably more power – delivering 585 HP compared to 204 HP. That’s roughly 381 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Mercedes E-Class is significantly quicker – completing the sprint in 4 s, while the VW Golf Variant takes 6.5 s. That’s about 2.5 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Mercedes E-Class delivers considerably more torque with 750 Nm compared to 360 Nm. That’s about 390 Nm more.

E-Class

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 noticeably lighter – 1,366 kg compared to 1,810 kg. The difference is around 444 kg.

Looking at boot space, the VW Golf Variant offers somewhat more boot space – 611 L compared to 540 L. That’s a difference of about 71 L.

When it comes to payload, the Mercedes E-Class carries somewhat more – 640 kg compared to 547 kg. That’s a difference of about 93 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Mercedes E-Class is clearly superior overall 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 £50,500
E-Class

Mercedes E-Class

  • Engine Type Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid, Diesel MHEV
  • Transmission Automatic
  • Drive Type Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 186 - 585 HP
  • Consumption L/100km 1.5 - 7.5 L/100km
  • Electric Range 101 - 116 km
details

Frequently compared as well

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VW Golf Variant
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Mercedes E-Class
VW Golf Variant

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

Mercedes E-Class

The Mercedes E‑Class is the executive saloon that balances calm refinement with a hint of sporting intent, wrapping luxury in tasteful understatement. It pampers occupants with a composed ride and intuitive tech while quietly reminding you that it’s still very much a Mercedes — authoritative, polished, and unwilling to shout for attention.

details
19C0741_014
19C0741_016
18C0338_006

Reviews Mercedes E-Class

4.7 (2 Reviews)
rate
Carlos
11 Apr 2026, 20:47:10

Comfortable car, beautiful lines, powerful and economical to run.

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

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.

details
DB2021AU00446_medium
DB2021AU00624_medium
DB2021AU00625_medium
DB2021AU00816_medium
DB2021AU00818_medium
DB2021AU00641_medium
DB2021AU00910_medium

Reviews VW Golf Variant

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

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Mercedes E-Class
VW Golf Variant

Costs and Consumption
Price
50,500 - 119,700 £
Price
28,800 - 38,800 £
Consumption L/100km
1.5 - 7.5 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
4.3 - 7 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
101 - 116 km
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
39 - 172 g/km
co2
114 - 159 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
Sedan
Body Type
Estate
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,810 - 2,390 kg
Curb weight
1,366 - 1,551 kg
Trunk capacity
370 - 540 L
Trunk capacity
611 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,880 mm
Width
1,789 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
530 - 640 kg
Payload
509 - 547 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid, Diesel MHEV
Engine Type
Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Diesel
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Manuel, 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, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
186 - 585 HP
Power HP
116 - 204 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4 - 8.5 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
6.5 - 10.5 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
320 - 750 Nm
Torque
220 - 360 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4 - 6
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
137 - 430 kW
Power kW
85 - 150 kW
Engine capacity
1,993 - 2,999 cm3
Engine capacity
1,498 - 1,984 cm3

General
Model Year
2,024 - 2,025
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
E, F, B, D
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, F, C
Brand
Mercedes-Benz
Brand
VW
What drivetrain options does the Mercedes E-Class have?

The Mercedes E-Class 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.