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Mercedes E-Class vs VW Polo comparison

Compare performance (585 HP vs 207 HP), boot space and price (50,500 £ vs 17,300 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Mercedes E-Class or VW Polo?

Mercedes E-Class vs VW Polo: Key differences

Mercedes E-Class

4.7 (2 Reviews)
rate
  • substantially more power
  • significantly more efficient
  • significantly quicker 0–100 km/h
  • clearly more trunk space
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VW Polo

4.2 (4 Reviews)
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  • clearly cheaper
  • significantly 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

E-Class

Costs and Efficiency:

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

VW Polo is clearly cheaper – starting at 17,300 £ , while the Mercedes E-Class costs 50,500 £ . That’s a price difference of around 33,232 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Mercedes E-Class uses 1.5 L/100km and is significantly more efficient than the VW Polo with 5.1 L/100km. The difference is about 3.6 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 E-Class offers substantially more power – delivering 585 HP compared to 207 HP. That’s roughly 378 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 Polo takes 6.5 s. That’s about 2.5 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Mercedes E-Class delivers clearly more torque with 750 Nm compared to 320 Nm. That’s about 430 Nm more.

E-Class

Space and Everyday Use:

Cabin size, boot volume and payload all play a role in everyday practicality. Here, comfort and flexibility make the difference.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, VW Polo is significantly lighter – 1,143 kg compared to 1,810 kg. The difference is around 667 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Mercedes E-Class offers clearly more boot space – 540 L compared to 351 L. That’s a difference of about 189 L.

When it comes to payload, the Mercedes E-Class carries markedly more – 640 kg compared to 457 kg. That’s a difference of about 183 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Mercedes E-Class 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 £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

VW Polo
VW Taigo
VS
The VW Polo is the sharp, no-nonsense hatchback that nails everyday practicality — nimble in town, economical to run and pleasantly composed on the motorway. The VW Taigo swaps a bit of luggage room and rear headroom for SUV flair, higher seating and a more eye-catching cabin, so pick the Polo for …
VW Golf
VW Polo
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The Volkswagen Golf and Volkswagen Polo are two of the brand’s best-known hatchbacks, with the Golf leaning toward greater space, refinement and tech while the Polo focuses on affordability, city-friendly size and economy. This comparison will show where the Golf justifies its extra cost and where …
Mercedes E-Class
VW Polo

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
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Reviews Mercedes E-Class

4.7 (2 Reviews)
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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 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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DB2021AU00741_medium

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

Frequently compared as well

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VW Polo
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Comparing the ID.3 and the Polo pits Volkswagen's all-electric compact against its conventional small hatchback, highlighting a choice between emissions-free efficiency and traditional practicality. The ID.3 emphasizes electric range, advanced tech and a spacious cabin, while the Polo offers lower …
Toyota Yaris
VW Polo
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Choosing between the Toyota Yaris and the VW Polo comes down to whether you prioritise reliability and efficiency or a more refined drive and cabin quality. Both are compact, practical hatchbacks ideal for city life, but the Yaris leans toward excellent fuel economy and low running costs while the …
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VW Polo
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In a head-to-head comparison, the Honda Jazz impresses with its spacious interior and versatile Magic Seats, making it an ideal choice for those prioritizing practicality and flexibility. On the other hand, the VW Polo stands out with its refined cabin and a more premium feel, coupled with agile …
Mercedes GLC
Mercedes E-Class
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The Mercedes GLC and the Mercedes E‑Class target different buyers: the GLC is a compact luxury SUV that prioritizes versatility and a raised driving position, while the E‑Class is a mid‑size executive sedan focused on comfort, refinement and technology. This comparison looks at how they differ in …
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VW Polo
VW T-Cross
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The VW Polo is a nimble, wallet-friendly hatch that makes city driving and tight parking effortless, while the VW T-Cross trades the Polo’s sprightliness for SUV practicality — higher seating, a roomier boot and a more commanding road presence. Pick the Polo if you want cheap, lively motoring; …
Mercedes A Class
VW Polo
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Mercedes A Class and VW Polo go head-to-head: compare performance, space, features and price in one quick overview to see which model suits your daily driving, budget and lifestyle better. A clear, side-by-side look helps you make the smarter choice. || Unsure whether the Mercedes A Class or the …
Mercedes E-Class
VW Polo

Costs and Consumption
Price
50,500 - 119,700 £
Price
17,300 - 30,800 £
Consumption L/100km
1.5 - 7.5 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
5.1 - 6.5 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
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
1,810 - 2,390 kg
Curb weight
1,143 - 1,378 kg
Trunk capacity
370 - 540 L
Trunk capacity
351 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,880 mm
Width
1,751 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
530 - 640 kg
Payload
432 - 457 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid, Diesel MHEV
Engine Type
Petrol
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
Power HP
186 - 585 HP
Power HP
80 - 207 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4 - 8.5 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
6.5 - 15.6 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
320 - 750 Nm
Torque
93 - 320 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4 - 6
Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
Power kW
137 - 430 kW
Power kW
59 - 152 kW
Engine capacity
1,993 - 2,999 cm3
Engine capacity
999 - 1,984 cm3

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