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Mercedes E-Class vs VW Passat comparison

Compare performance (585 HP vs 272 HP), boot space and price (50,500 £ vs 36,500 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Mercedes E-Class or VW Passat?

Mercedes E-Class vs VW Passat: Key differences

Mercedes E-Class

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

VW Passat

4.8 (4 Reviews)
rate
  • clearly cheaper
  • clearly more efficient
  • somewhat more electric range
  • slightly lighter
  • visibly 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

E-Class

Luxury Meets Versatility: Mercedes E-Klasse vs VW Passat

In the landscape of modern automobiles, the Mercedes E-Klasse and the VW Passat stand as paragons of German engineering. Each caters to a different kind of driver, yet both represent the cutting edge in their respective categories. If you're in the market for a new car, understanding what sets these two apart could be the key to making the right decision.

Passat

Performance and Power

The Mercedes E-Klasse offers a spectrum of powerful engine options. It is available with various propulsion technologies, including Plugin Hybrid, Petrol MHEV, and Diesel MHEV, with power outputs ranging from a robust 186 HP to a formidable 585 HP. This level of power translates into breathtaking acceleration, with the fastest version sprinting from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4 seconds. For those prioritizing speed, the E-Klasse packs a punch with a top speed of up to 250 km/h.

In contrast, the VW Passat, known for its practicality, offers a different suite of engines. The lineup includes Plugin Hybrid, Petrol MHEV, Diesel, and Petrol, producing between 122 HP and 272 HP. The Plugin Hybrid variant is particularly notable for its electric range, which can stretch up to 126 km, a significant figure for a vehicle in this class. Although the Passat's acceleration may not rival that of the E-Klasse, with the quickest model reaching 100 km/h in 5.8 seconds, it is more than enough for daily use and a touch of spirited driving.

E-Class

Efficiency and Range

When it comes to fuel consumption, the E-Klasse offers excellent efficiency across its lineup. Its Plugin Hybrid variant achieves an impressive consumption of just 0.4-0.8 L/100km, paired with an electric range between 99 and 114 km, which is ideal for reducing emissions in urban settings. Meanwhile, the VW Passat's Plugin Hybrid models demonstrate superior efficiency with a competitive 0.4 L/100km figure.

For drivers considering both vehicles primarily for long-distance travel, the traditional engines in both lineups offer strong fuel economy. The E-Klasse's engines consume between 4.7 and 7.5 L/100km, while the Passat's tally between 4.9 and 8.1 L/100km.

Passat

Design and Comfort

Design-wise, the Mercedes E-Klasse exudes an aura of luxury and sophistication. Its sedan form offers a spacious interior with high-quality materials befitting its premium status. The E-Klasse also provides a trunk capacity of 370 to 540 liters, making it practical for family and business needs.

On the other hand, the VW Passat, with its wagon body type, emphasizes versatility without compromising style. With a larger trunk capacity of up to 690 liters, the Passat is perfect for those requiring additional luggage space, ensuring no family trip is left wanting. Despite its focus on practicality, the Passat maintains a refined interior atmosphere that echoes its German craftsmanship.

E-Class

Technological Innovations and Features

Both vehicles come loaded with state-of-the-art innovations. The E-Klasse boasts advanced driver assistance systems and infotainment features featuring a bold digital cockpit and intuitive interface. These systems not only provide a heightened sense of safety but enhance the driving experience to a new level.

Similarly, the Passat integrates cutting-edge technology, including its dual-clutch automatic transmission, which ensures smooth operations between gears, enhancing overall fuel efficiency and driving comfort. VW's latest infotainment system keeps drivers connected, with user-friendly controls that mirror the brand's focus on practicality and ease of use.

Passat

Conclusion

Whether choosing the luxurious Mercedes E-Klasse or the versatile VW Passat, both models deliver a blend of performance, efficiency, and innovation tailored for today's discerning driver. Where the E-Klasse thrives in offering a powerful, luxurious experience, the Passat excels in practicality and fuel efficiency. Ultimately, the decision rests on personal priorities—whether one values the opulence of Mercedes or the practicality of VW. Each vehicle stands as a testament to the ingenuity and commitment to quality inherent in the very fabric of German automotive engineering.

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

E-Class

Costs and Efficiency:

When it comes to price and running costs, the biggest differences usually appear. This is often where you see which car fits your budget better in the long run.

VW Passat is clearly cheaper – starting at 36,500 £ , while the Mercedes E-Class costs 50,500 £ . That’s a price difference of around 14,028 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the VW Passat uses 1.2 L/100km and is clearly more efficient than the Mercedes E-Class with 1.5 L/100km. The difference is about 0.3 L/100km.

As for electric range, the VW Passat offers somewhat more range – reaching up to 135 km, about 19 km more than the Mercedes E-Class.

Passat

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 E-Class offers significantly more power – delivering 585 HP compared to 272 HP. That’s roughly 313 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Mercedes E-Class is considerably quicker – completing the sprint in 4 s, while the VW Passat takes 7.1 s. That’s about 3.1 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Mercedes E-Class delivers clearly more torque with 750 Nm compared to 400 Nm. That’s about 350 Nm more.

E-Class

Space and Everyday Use:

Whether family car or daily driver – which one offers more room, flexibility and comfort?

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, VW Passat is slightly lighter – 1,573 kg compared to 1,810 kg. The difference is around 237 kg.

Looking at boot space, the VW Passat offers visibly more boot space – 690 L compared to 540 L. That’s a difference of about 150 L.

When it comes to payload, the Mercedes E-Class carries barely more – 640 kg compared to 577 kg. That’s a difference of about 63 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Mercedes E-Class stands well ahead of its rival 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
Mercedes E-Class
VW Passat

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 Passat

The VW Passat is the grown-up family car that gets the basics absolutely right — roomy, comfortable and built to handle weekday commutes and weekend getaways without fuss. It won't set your pulse racing, but its calm composure and sensible packaging make it boring in the best possible way: a dependable, no‑drama choice for buyers who value practicality over flash.

details
DB2019AU00685_large
DB2019AU00698_large
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Reviews VW Passat

4.8 (4 Reviews)
rate
Voller
28 May 2026, 16:12:12

That's just a Passat. Too expensive in my opinion, but it's up to each person to decide whether to throw their money into VW's maw. The car itself is somehow a legend.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Company car / Business
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
Sjaak
5 Dec 2025, 19:42:23

Spacious car that drives nicely and keeps its value for a long time.

Jack
5 Dec 2025, 15:24:16

Pleasant to drive, roomy and solid. The hybrid version is also very economical.

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Mercedes E-Class
VW Passat

Costs and Consumption
Price
50,500 - 119,700 £
Price
36,500 - 58,500 £
Consumption L/100km
1.5 - 7.5 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
1.2 - 5.8 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
101 - 116 km
Electric Range
124 - 135 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
39 - 172 g/km
co2
28 - 153 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
1,573 - 1,858 kg
Trunk capacity
370 - 540 L
Trunk capacity
510 - 690 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,880 mm
Width
1,849 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
530 - 640 kg
Payload
501 - 577 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid, Diesel MHEV
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox
Transmission Detail
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
122 - 272 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4 - 8.5 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7.1 - 10.7 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
320 - 750 Nm
Torque
250 - 400 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4 - 6
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
137 - 430 kW
Power kW
90 - 200 kW
Engine capacity
1,993 - 2,999 cm3
Engine capacity
1,498 - 1,968 cm3

General
Model Year
2,024 - 2,025
Model Year
2,024 - 2,025
CO2 Efficiency Class
E, F, B, D
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, E, B
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.