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Mercedes GLB vs VW Golf Variant comparison

Compare performance (354 HP vs 204 HP), boot space and price (43,200 £ vs 28,800 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Mercedes GLB or VW Golf Variant?

Mercedes GLB vs VW Golf Variant: Key differences

Mercedes GLB

3.6 (4 Reviews)
rate
  • considerably more power
  • moderately quicker 0–100 km/h
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VW Golf Variant

  • substantially cheaper
  • visibly more efficient
  • noticeably lighter
  • somewhat more trunk space
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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

GLB

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are key factors when choosing a car – and this is often where the real differences emerge.

VW Golf Variant is substantially cheaper – starting at 28,800 £ , while the Mercedes GLB costs 43,200 £ . That’s a price difference of around 14,350 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the VW Golf Variant uses 4.3 L/100km and is visibly more efficient than the Mercedes GLB with 5.7 L/100km. The difference is about 1.4 L/100km.

Golf Variant

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 GLB offers considerably more power – delivering 354 HP compared to 204 HP. That’s roughly 150 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Mercedes GLB is moderately quicker – completing the sprint in 5.5 s, while the VW Golf Variant takes 6.5 s. That’s about 1 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Mercedes GLB delivers noticeably more torque with 515 Nm compared to 360 Nm. That’s about 155 Nm more.

GLB

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 noticeably lighter – 1,366 kg compared to 1,840 kg. The difference is around 474 kg.

Looking at boot space, the VW Golf Variant offers somewhat more boot space – 611 L compared to 540 L. That’s a difference of about 71 L.

When it comes to payload, the VW Golf Variant carries very slightly more – 547 kg compared to 505 kg. That’s a difference of about 42 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Mercedes GLB stands well ahead of its rival 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 £43,200
GLB

Mercedes GLB

  • Engine Type : Electric, Full Hybrid
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 156 - 354 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 5.7 - 6.1 L/100km
  • Consumption kWh/100km : 15.4 - 15.9 kWh/100km
  • Electric Range : 431 - 631 km
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Frequently compared as well

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Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

Mercedes GLB

The Mercedes GLB is a compact luxury SUV that blends smart packaging with a polished, composed driving experience. Its flexible interior and premium feel make it a sensible pick for buyers who want Mercedes comfort and practicality in a smaller footprint.

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Reviews Mercedes GLB

3.6 (4 Reviews)
rate
Hans
19 Feb 2026, 02:39:00

Great car — very satisfied with the GLB 250 4MATIC.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Leisure / Weekend driver
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.

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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
43,200 - 62,400 £
Price
28,800 - 38,800 £
Consumption L/100km
5.7 - 6.1 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
4.3 - 7 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
15.4 - 15.9 kWh/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
431 - 631 km
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
0 - 138 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
1,840 - 2,280 kg
Curb weight
1,366 - 1,551 kg
Trunk capacity
540 L
Trunk capacity
611 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,861 mm
Width
1,789 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
485 - 505 kg
Payload
509 - 547 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Electric, Full Hybrid
Engine Type
Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Diesel
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
156 - 354 HP
Power HP
116 - 204 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
5.5 - 9.7 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
6.5 - 10.5 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
280 - 515 Nm
Torque
220 - 360 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
115 - 260 kW
Power kW
85 - 150 kW
Engine capacity
1,499 cm3
Engine capacity
1,498 - 1,984 cm3

General
Model Year
2026
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
A, D, E
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, F, C
Brand
Mercedes-Benz
Brand
VW
What drive types are available for the Mercedes GLB?

Available configurations include Rear-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.