VS

Mercedes GLA vs VW Golf comparison

Compare performance (421 HP vs 325 HP), boot space and price (38,800 £ vs 28,300 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Mercedes GLA or VW Golf?

Mercedes GLA vs VW Golf: Key differences

Mercedes GLA

4.5 (4 Reviews)
rate
  • noticeably more power
  • markedly quicker 0–100 km/h
  • somewhat more trunk space
details

VW Golf

4.6 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • noticeably cheaper
  • clearly more efficient
  • significantly more electric range
  • clearly lighter
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

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

GLA

Costs and Efficiency:

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

VW Golf is noticeably cheaper – starting at 28,300 £ , while the Mercedes GLA costs 38,800 £ . That’s a price difference of around 10,555 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the VW Golf uses 1.1 L/100km and is clearly more efficient than the Mercedes GLA with 2.9 L/100km. The difference is about 1.8 L/100km.

As for electric range, the VW Golf offers significantly more range – reaching up to 143 km, about 69 km more than the Mercedes GLA.

Golf

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 GLA offers noticeably more power – delivering 421 HP compared to 325 HP. That’s roughly 96 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Mercedes GLA is markedly quicker – completing the sprint in 4.3 s, while the VW Golf takes 5.3 s. That’s about 1 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Mercedes GLA delivers slightly more torque with 500 Nm compared to 420 Nm. That’s about 80 Nm more.

GLA

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 Golf is clearly lighter – 1,307 kg compared to 1,570 kg. The difference is around 263 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Mercedes GLA offers somewhat more boot space – 435 L compared to 381 L. That’s a difference of about 54 L.

When it comes to payload, the VW Golf carries only slightly more – 508 kg compared to 500 kg. That’s a difference of about 8 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The VW Golf 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 £28,300
Golf

VW Golf

  • Engine Type Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
  • Transmission Manuel, Automatic
  • Drive Type Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 116 - 325 HP
  • Consumption L/100km 1.1 - 7.6 L/100km
  • Electric Range 131 - 143 km
details

Frequently compared as well

VW Golf
VW T-Roc
VS
Deciding between the VW Golf and the VW T‑Roc is about choosing whether you prefer a classic, driver-focused hatchback or a compact SUV with higher ride height and added practicality. The Golf delivers sharper handling and refined efficiency, while the T‑Roc brings more interior space and a more …
Mercedes B Class
Mercedes GLA
VS
The Mercedes B‑Class and Mercedes GLA target buyers who want Mercedes practicality with premium touches, but they take different paths: the B‑Class is a spacious, hatchback-style people carrier while the GLA is a compact crossover with a higher ride height and sportier stance. This comparison looks …
Mercedes GLA
VW Golf

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

Mercedes GLA

The Mercedes GLA is a compact luxury crossover that brings Mercedes-Benz's refined design and premium cabin materials into a practical, city-friendly package. It combines comfortable ride quality and intuitive tech with poised handling, making it a confident choice for everyday driving and longer journeys.

details
20C0047_067
20C0047_071
20C0047_104
20C0047_115

Reviews Mercedes GLA

4.5 (4 Reviews)
rate
Lucien
1 May 2026, 07:12:24

GLA 180 petrol. Ideal for city and highway. Very smooth and quiet. The automatic gearbox is a delight. Average consumption 6.2 L/100 km. Special edition 180 Cyber Edition, leather seats....

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Family car
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
Gutter
24 Feb 2026, 21:53:27

Super nimble, very impressive power from this 1,300cc mild‑hybrid engine — in town, on the road and on the motorway for this 2025 GLA 180 Style AMG... premium interior!

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Family car
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
Serge
16 Jan 2026, 16:09:11

You have to compare like with like — the GLA should be compared to the Q3, not the Q2 as in your study!

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Family car
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money

VW Golf

The Golf is a quietly accomplished compact that blends practicality, refinement and approachable driving manners into a very usable everyday package. It’s well built, comfortable and versatile, making it a smart choice whether you want sensible family transport or an enjoyable commuter.

details
DB2019AU02117_medium
DB2019AU02116_medium
DB2019AU02120_medium
DB2019AU02082_medium
DB2019AU02081_medium
DB2019AU02087_medium
DB2019AU02105_medium

Reviews VW Golf

4.6 (1 Reviews)
rate

No reviews yet. Share your experience and help others decide.

Frequently compared as well

VW Golf
VW ID.Polo
VS
Choosing between the VW Golf and the VW ID. Polo means deciding between a proven, practical compact hatchback and Volkswagen’s fresh electric-minded city model. I’ll walk you through the real-world differences in driving feel, space, running costs and tech so you can pick the one that suits your …
VW Golf
VW Taigo
VS
The VW Golf remains the benchmark compact hatchback with precise handling, sensible packaging and a grown-up interior that rewards drivers who value refinement and everyday usability; the Taigo, by contrast, trades some practicality for SUV looks and a higher ride, offering bolder styling, slightly …
Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake
Mercedes GLA
VS
The Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake and the Mercedes GLA take different approaches to compact luxury: the CLA Shooting Brake offers sleek, coupe‑like wagon styling and a focus on on‑road poise, while the GLA is a taller, more practical compact SUV with better visibility and load flexibility. This …
SEAT Ibiza
VW Golf
VS
The SEAT Ibiza and the VW Golf are two staple compact hatchbacks — the Ibiza leans toward youthful styling, sharp handling and strong value, while the Golf delivers a more refined cabin, broader model range and higher-tech options. Choosing between them comes down to whether you prioritise fun and …
VW Golf
VW Polo
VS
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 …
VW Golf
VW T-Cross
VS
Deciding between the VW Golf and the VW T‑Cross comes down to whether you want a traditional hatchback with sharper driving dynamics or a compact crossover that prioritizes space, practicality and a higher seating position. The Golf rewards with more engaging handling and a refined interior, while …
Skoda Fabia
VW Golf
VS
Two icons of the small-car world go head-to-head: the Skoda Fabia, the bargain-minded all-rounder, takes on the VW Golf, the class benchmark for driving refinement and pedigree. We’ll compare space, tech, engines and running costs to tell buyers which one delivers the best balance of value, comfort …
Toyota Yaris Cross
VW Golf
VS
When comparing the Toyota Yaris Cross to the VW Golf, both models present intriguing options in their respective categories. The Yaris Cross shines with its elevated height and dynamic hybrid technology, catering to drivers seeking versatility and fuel efficiency in an urban SUV package. Meanwhile, …
Mercedes GLA
VW Golf

Costs and Consumption
Price
38,800 - 75,300 £
Price
28,300 - 46,700 £
Consumption L/100km
2.9 - 9.5 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
1.1 - 7.6 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
74 km
Electric Range
131 - 143 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
66 - 216 g/km
co2
25 - 173 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
SUV
Body Type
Hatchback
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,570 - 1,810 kg
Curb weight
1,307 - 1,662 kg
Trunk capacity
385 - 435 L
Trunk capacity
273 - 381 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,834 - 1,849 mm
Width
1,789 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
480 - 500 kg
Payload
438 - 508 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid, Diesel, Petrol
Engine Type
Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
116 - 421 HP
Power HP
116 - 325 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.3 - 11 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
5.3 - 10.2 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
230 - 500 Nm
Torque
220 - 420 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
85 - 310 kW
Power kW
85 - 239 kW
Engine capacity
1,332 - 1,991 cm3
Engine capacity
1,498 - 1,984 cm3

General
Model Year
2025
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
E, F, B, G
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, C, F, B
Brand
Mercedes-Benz
Brand
VW
Is the Mercedes GLA offered with different drivetrains?

The Mercedes GLA is available as Front-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.