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Mercedes G-Class vs VW Grand California comparison

Compare performance (605 HP vs 163 HP), boot space and price (106,600 £ vs 70,200 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Mercedes G-Class or VW Grand California?

Mercedes G-Class vs VW Grand California: Key differences

Mercedes G-Class

  • substantially more power
  • visibly lighter
  • significantly more trunk space
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VW Grand California

  • considerably cheaper
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By Achim Sedelmaier

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

G-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 Grand California is considerably cheaper – starting at 70,200 £ , while the Mercedes G-Class costs 106,600 £ . That’s a price difference of around 36,354 £.

Grand California

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration say a lot about how a car feels on the road. This is where you see which model delivers more driving dynamics.

When it comes to engine power, the Mercedes G-Class offers substantially more power – delivering 605 HP compared to 163 HP. That’s roughly 442 HP more horsepower.

G-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.

Seats: Mercedes G-Class offers more seats – 5 vs 4.

In terms of curb weight, Mercedes G-Class is visibly lighter – 2,485 kg compared to 3,052 kg. The difference is around 567 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Mercedes G-Class offers significantly more boot space – 640 L compared to 0 L. That’s a difference of about 640 L.

When it comes to payload, the Mercedes G-Class carries noticeably more – 715 kg compared to 448 kg. That’s a difference of about 267 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Mercedes G-Class is decisively ahead 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 £106,600
G-Class

Mercedes G-Class

  • Engine Type : Petrol MHEV, Diesel MHEV, Electric
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 387 - 605 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 8.7 - 14.7 L/100km
  • Consumption kWh/100km : 28 kWh/100km
  • Electric Range : 479 km
Mercedes G-Class
VW Grand California

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.

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VW Grand California

The Grand California is Volkswagen's remarkable take on the camper van, blending practicality with comfort for the ultimate road trip experience. With ample space for both living and storage, it's designed for adventure seekers who don't want to compromise on amenities. Whether you're exploring coastal roads or setting up camp in the mountains, the Grand California offers a perfect home away from home.

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Mercedes G-Class
VW Grand California

Costs and Consumption

Price
106,600 - 171,000 £
Price
70,200 - 77,900 £
Consumption L/100km
8.7 - 14.7 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
28 kWh/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
479 km
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
0 - 336 g/km
co2
-
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
75 L

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
Off-Roader
Body Type
Bus
Seats
5
Seats
4
Doors
-
Doors
4
Curb weight
2,485 - 3,085 kg
Curb weight
3,052 - 3,354 kg
Trunk capacity
640 L
Trunk capacity
0 L
Length
-
Length
5,986 - 6,836 mm
Width
1,931 - 1,984 mm
Width
2,040 mm
Height
-
Height
2,839 - 2,971 mm
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
115 - 715 kg
Payload
146 - 448 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Diesel MHEV, Electric
Engine Type
Diesel
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox, Reduction Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
387 - 605 HP
Power HP
163 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.4 - 5.8 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
-
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
760 - 1,164 Nm
Torque
-
Number of Cylinders
6 - 8
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
285 - 445 kW
Power kW
120 kW
Engine capacity
2,989 - 3,982 cm3
Engine capacity
1,968 cm3

General

Model Year
2,025 - 2,026
Model Year
2024
CO2 Efficiency Class
G, A
CO2 Efficiency Class
-
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.