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Mercedes GLA vs VW Golf Variant – Which one offers the better deal?

Both models have their strengths – but which one suits you more?
Compare performance, efficiency, price and space directly: Mercedes GLA or VW Golf Variant?

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 Variant has a significantly advantage in terms of price – it starts at 26100 £, while the Mercedes GLA costs 38800 £. That’s a price difference of around 12698 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: Mercedes GLA manages with 2.90 L and is therefore convincingly more efficient than the VW Golf Variant with 4.30 L. The difference is about 1.40 L per 100 km.

Golf Variant @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media

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 GLA has a evident 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 somewhat quicker – completing the sprint in 4.30 s, while the VW Golf Variant takes 4.80 s. That’s about 0.50 s faster.

In terms of top speed, the Mercedes GLA performs minimal better – reaching 270 km/h, while the VW Golf Variant tops out at 250 km/h. The difference is around 20 km/h.

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

GLA @ Mercedes-Benz Group Media

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 curb weight, VW Golf Variant is slightly lighter – 1366 kg compared to 1570 kg. The difference is around 204 kg.

In terms of boot space, the VW Golf Variant offers distinct more room – 611 L compared to 435 L. That’s a difference of about 176 L.

In maximum load capacity, the VW Golf Variant performs to a small extent better – up to 1642 L, which is about 212 L more than the Mercedes GLA.

When it comes to payload, VW Golf Variant hardly perceptible takes the win – 547 kg compared to 500 kg. That’s a difference of about 47 kg.

Who comes out on top?

Overall, the Mercedes GLA 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 £38,800
GLA @ Mercedes-Benz Group Media

Mercedes GLA

  • Engine Type : Plugin Hybrid, Petrol MHEV, 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
  • Electric Range : 74 km
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Mercedes GLA

5 (1)
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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_067 @ Mercedes-Benz Group Media
20C0047_071 @ Mercedes-Benz Group Media
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20C0047_115 @ Mercedes-Benz Group Media

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.

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DB2021AU00446_medium @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media
DB2021AU00624_medium @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media
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Costs and Consumption
Price
38800 - 75300 £
Price
26100 - 48700 £
Consumption L/100km
2.9 - 9.5 L
Consumption L/100km
4.3 - 8.2 L
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
74 km
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
12.90 kWh
Battery Capacity
-
co2
66 - 216 g/km
co2
114 - 185 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
35 - 51 L
Fuel tank capacity
45 - 55 L

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
SUV
Body Type
Estate
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
5
Doors
5
Curb weight
1570 - 1810 kg
Curb weight
1366 - 1621 kg
Trunk capacity
385 - 435 L
Trunk capacity
611 L
Length
4412 - 4443 mm
Length
4631 - 4651 mm
Width
1834 - 1849 mm
Width
1789 mm
Height
1590 - 1616 mm
Height
1462 - 1487 mm
Max trunk capacity
1385 - 1430 L
Max trunk capacity
1624 - 1642 L
Payload
480 - 500 kg
Payload
489 - 547 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Plugin Hybrid, Petrol MHEV, Diesel, Petrol
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Petrol, Diesel
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
4.8 - 10.5 s
Max Speed
190 - 270 km/h
Max Speed
202 - 250 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, G, F, C
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.