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Mercedes GLA vs VW Golf Variant comparison

Compare performance (421 HP vs 204 HP), boot space and price (38,800 £ vs 28,800 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Mercedes GLA or VW Golf Variant?

Mercedes GLA vs VW Golf Variant: Key differences

Mercedes GLA

4.5 (4 Reviews)
rate
  • significantly more power
  • considerably more efficient
  • substantially quicker 0–100 km/h
details

VW Golf Variant

  • visibly cheaper
  • a bit lighter
  • noticeably more trunk space
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:

Price and efficiency are often the first things buyers look at. Here it becomes clear which model has the long-term edge – whether at the pump, the plug, or in purchase price.

VW Golf Variant is visibly cheaper – starting at 28,800 £ , while the Mercedes GLA costs 38,800 £ . That’s a price difference of around 9,989 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Mercedes GLA uses 2.9 L/100km and is considerably more efficient than the VW Golf Variant with 4.3 L/100km. The difference is about 1.4 L/100km.

Golf Variant

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 offers significantly more power – delivering 421 HP compared to 204 HP. That’s roughly 217 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Mercedes GLA is substantially quicker – completing the sprint in 4.3 s, while the VW Golf Variant takes 6.5 s. That’s about 2.2 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Mercedes GLA delivers clearly more torque with 500 Nm compared to 360 Nm. That’s about 140 Nm more.

GLA

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 a bit lighter – 1,366 kg compared to 1,570 kg. The difference is around 204 kg.

Looking at boot space, the VW Golf Variant offers noticeably more boot space – 611 L compared to 435 L. That’s a difference of about 176 L.

When it comes to payload, the VW Golf Variant carries very slightly more – 547 kg compared to 500 kg. That’s a difference of about 47 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Mercedes GLA is far ahead 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 £38,800
GLA

Mercedes GLA

  • Engine Type : Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid, Diesel, Petrol
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 116 - 421 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 2.9 - 9.5 L/100km
  • Electric Range : 74 km
details

Frequently compared as well

Mercedes B Class
Mercedes GLA
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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 …
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VW Golf Variant

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 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
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DB2021AU00624_medium
DB2021AU00625_medium
DB2021AU00816_medium
DB2021AU00818_medium
DB2021AU00641_medium
DB2021AU00910_medium

Reviews VW Golf Variant

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

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VW Golf Variant

Costs and Consumption
Price
38,800 - 75,300 £
Price
28,800 - 38,800 £
Consumption L/100km
2.9 - 9.5 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
4.3 - 7 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
74 km
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
66 - 216 g/km
co2
114 - 159 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
SUV
Body Type
Estate
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,570 - 1,810 kg
Curb weight
1,366 - 1,551 kg
Trunk capacity
385 - 435 L
Trunk capacity
611 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
509 - 547 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid, Diesel, Petrol
Engine Type
Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Diesel
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 - 204 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.3 - 11 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
6.5 - 10.5 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
230 - 500 Nm
Torque
220 - 360 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
85 - 310 kW
Power kW
85 - 150 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, F, C
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.