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Mercedes GLA vs VW Golf - Differences and prices compared

Compare performance (421 HP vs 333 HP), boot space and price (38800 £ vs 25200 £) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Mercedes GLA or VW Golf?

Mercedes GLA

5 (1 Reviews)
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VW Golf

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

GLA @ Mercedes-Benz Group Media

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 Golf has a significantly advantage in terms of price – it starts at 25200 £, while the Mercedes GLA costs 38800 £. That’s a price difference of around 13641 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: VW Golf manages with 1.10 L and is therefore significantly more efficient than the Mercedes GLA with 2.90 L. The difference is about 1.80 L per 100 km.

As for range, the VW Golf performs convincingly better – achieving up to 143 km, about 69 km more than the Mercedes GLA.

Golf @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media

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 GLA has a clearly perceptible edge – offering 421 HP compared to 333 HP. That’s roughly 88 HP more horsepower.

In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the Mercedes GLA is slight quicker – completing the sprint in 4.30 s, while the VW Golf takes 4.60 s. That’s about 0.30 s faster.

In terms of top speed, the performs better – reaching , while the tops out at . The difference is around .

There’s also a difference in torque: Mercedes GLA pulls a bit stronger with 500 Nm compared to 420 Nm. That’s about 80 Nm difference.

GLA @ Mercedes-Benz Group Media

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: offers more seating capacity – vs .

In curb weight, VW Golf is distinct lighter – 1307 kg compared to 1570 kg. The difference is around 263 kg.

In terms of boot space, the Mercedes GLA offers a bit more room – 435 L compared to 381 L. That’s a difference of about 54 L.

In maximum load capacity, the Mercedes GLA performs slightly better – up to 1430 L, which is about 193 L more than the VW Golf.

When it comes to payload, VW Golf barely noticeable takes the win – 508 kg compared to 500 kg. That’s a difference of about 8 kg.

Who comes out on top?

Overall, the VW Golf shows itself to be wins the duel decisively and secures the title of DriveDuel Champion.
It convinces with the more balanced overall package and proves to be the more versatile choice for everyday use.

from about £25,200
Golf @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media

VW Golf

  • Engine Type : Petrol MHEV, Petrol, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
  • Transmission : Automatic, Manuel
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 116 - 333 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 1.1 - 8.1 L
  • Electric Range : 131 - 143 km
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Mercedes GLA
VW Golf

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

Mercedes GLA

5 (1 Reviews)
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The Mercedes GLA blends Mercedes style with compact crossover practicality, looking sharper than its size suggests while still feeling purposeful around town. Inside it serves up premium materials and tech-forward ergonomics, and the composed ride makes it an appealing pick for buyers who want luxury wrapped in a city-friendly package with a wink of adventurous spirit.

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20C0047_115 @ Mercedes-Benz Group Media

VW Golf

The VW Golf remains the everyman’s favourite — cleverly balanced, composed and just posh enough to feel grown-up without pretending to be something it’s not. It slips through town and eats up longer trips with a refined cabin, practical layout and a kindly, capable character that turns everyday driving into something a little bit special.

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DB2019AU02117_medium @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media
DB2019AU02116_medium @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media
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Reviews Mercedes GLA

5 (1 Reviews)
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Reviews VW Golf

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Costs and Consumption
Price
38800 - 75300 £
Price
25200 - 47600 £
Consumption L/100km
2.9 - 9.5 L
Consumption L/100km
1.1 - 8.1 L
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
74 km
Electric Range
131 - 143 km
Battery Capacity
12.90 kWh
Battery Capacity
19.70 kWh
co2
66 - 216 g/km
co2
25 - 184 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
35 - 51 L
Fuel tank capacity
40 - 55 L

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
SUV
Body Type
Hatchback
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
5
Doors
5
Curb weight
1570 - 1810 kg
Curb weight
1307 - 1662 kg
Trunk capacity
385 - 435 L
Trunk capacity
273 - 381 L
Length
4412 - 4443 mm
Length
4282 - 4296 mm
Width
1834 - 1849 mm
Width
1789 mm
Height
1590 - 1616 mm
Height
1454 - 1483 mm
Max trunk capacity
1385 - 1430 L
Max trunk capacity
1129 - 1237 L
Payload
480 - 500 kg
Payload
438 - 508 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Plugin Hybrid, Petrol MHEV, Diesel, Petrol
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Petrol, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic, Manuel
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic, Manual Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
116 - 421 HP
Power HP
116 - 333 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.3 - 11 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.6 - 10.2 s
Max Speed
190 - 270 km/h
Max Speed
202 - 270 km/h
Torque
230 - 500 Nm
Torque
220 - 420 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
85 - 310 kW
Power kW
85 - 245 kW
Engine capacity
1332 - 1991 cm3
Engine capacity
1498 - 1984 cm3

General
Model Year
2024 - 2025
Model Year
2024 - 2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
B, E, F, G
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, F, G, C, B
Brand
Mercedes-Benz
Brand
VW

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What drivetrain options does the Mercedes GLA have?

Available configurations include Front-Wheel Drive or All-Wheel Drive.

The prices and data displayed are estimates based on German list prices and may vary by country. This information is not legally binding.