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Mercedes G Class vs VW Golf Variant comparison

Compare performance (605 HP vs 333 HP), boot space and price (106,600 £ vs 26,100 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Mercedes G Class or VW Golf Variant?

Mercedes G Class vs VW Golf Variant: Key differences

Mercedes G Class

  • substantially more power
  • barely quicker 0–100 km/h
  • barely more trunk space

VW Golf Variant

  • considerably cheaper
  • clearly more efficient
  • considerably lighter

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

G Class

Costs and Efficiency:

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

VW Golf Variant is considerably cheaper – starting at 26,100 £ , while the Mercedes G Class costs 106,600 £ . That’s a price difference of around 80,452 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the VW Golf Variant uses 4.3 L/100km and is clearly more efficient than the Mercedes G Class with 8.7 L/100km. The difference is about 4.4 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 G Class offers substantially more power – delivering 605 HP compared to 333 HP. That’s roughly 272 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Mercedes G Class is barely quicker – completing the sprint in 4.4 s, while the VW Golf Variant takes 4.8 s. That’s about 0.4 s quicker.

Looking at top speed, the VW Golf Variant is clearly faster – reaching 250 km/h, while the Mercedes G Class tops out at 180 km/h. The difference is around 70 km/h.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Mercedes G Class delivers significantly more torque with 1,164 Nm compared to 420 Nm. That’s about 744 Nm more.

G 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 Golf Variant is considerably lighter – 1,366 kg compared to 2,485 kg. The difference is around 1,119 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Mercedes G Class offers barely more boot space – 640 L compared to 611 L. That’s a difference of about 29 L.

For maximum load capacity, the Mercedes G Class offers somewhat more capacity – up to 1,990 L, about 348 L more than the VW Golf Variant.

When it comes to payload, the Mercedes G Class carries visibly more – 715 kg compared to 547 kg. That’s a difference of about 168 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The VW Golf Variant 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 £26,100
Golf Variant

VW Golf Variant

  • Engine Type : Petrol MHEV, Petrol, Diesel
  • Transmission : Automatic, Manuel
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 116 - 333 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 4.3 - 8.2 L/100km
Mercedes G Class
VW Golf Variant

Costs and Consumption

View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance

View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body

View detailed analysis

Mercedes G Class

The G-Class, often called the G‑Wagen, is a blocky icon that blends unapologetic off-road prowess with a plush, modern cabin, announcing your arrival before you even step out. It’s equally at home crawling over rocks or cruising city streets, and owning one feels like adopting a very expensive, very capable personality.

details

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
Mercedes G Class
VW Golf Variant

Costs and Consumption

Price
106,600 - 171,000 £
Price
26,100 - 48,700 £
Consumption L/100km
8.7 - 14.7 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
4.3 - 8.2 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
28 kWh/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
468 km
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
116 kWh
Battery Capacity
-
co2
0 - 336 g/km
co2
114 - 185 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
45 - 55 L

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
Off-Roader
Body Type
Estate
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
5
Doors
5
Curb weight
2,485 - 3,085 kg
Curb weight
1,366 - 1,621 kg
Trunk capacity
620 - 640 L
Trunk capacity
611 L
Length
4,624 mm
Length
4,631 - 4,651 mm
Width
1,931 - 1,984 mm
Width
1,789 mm
Height
1,983 mm
Height
1,462 - 1,487 mm
Max trunk capacity
1,990 L
Max trunk capacity
1,624 - 1,642 L
Payload
415 - 715 kg
Payload
489 - 547 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Electric, Petrol MHEV, Diesel MHEV
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Petrol, Diesel
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic, Manuel
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox, Automatic Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic, Manual Gearbox
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
387 - 605 HP
Power HP
116 - 333 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.4 - 5.8 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.8 - 10.5 s
Max Speed
180 km/h
Max Speed
203 - 250 km/h
Torque
760 - 1,164 Nm
Torque
220 - 420 Nm
Number of Cylinders
6 - 8
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
285 - 445 kW
Power kW
85 - 245 kW
Engine capacity
2,989 - 3,982 cm3
Engine capacity
1,498 - 1,984 cm3

General

Model Year
2,024 - 2,025
Model Year
2,024 - 2,025
CO2 Efficiency Class
A, G
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, G, F, C
Brand
Mercedes-Benz
Brand
VW
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.