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Mercedes GLC vs VW Golf – Which model is better for everyday use?

Everyday use, family trips or long-distance drives – here’s where the differences show.
Discover whether Mercedes GLC or VW Golf fits your lifestyle better.

Mercedes GLC

4 (2 Reviews)
rate

VW Golf

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

GLC @ Mercedes-Benz Group Media

Costs and Efficiency:

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

VW Golf has a convincingly advantage in terms of price – it starts at 25200 £, while the Mercedes GLC costs 50300 £. That’s a price difference of around 25132 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: VW Golf manages with 1.10 L and is therefore clearly more efficient than the Mercedes GLC with 1.60 L. The difference is about 0.50 L per 100 km.

As for range, the Mercedes GLC performs significantly better – achieving up to 714 km, about 571 km more than the VW Golf.

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 GLC has a decisively edge – offering 680 HP compared to 333 HP. That’s roughly 347 HP more horsepower.

In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the Mercedes GLC is clearly perceptible quicker – completing the sprint in 3.50 s, while the VW Golf takes 4.60 s. That’s about 1.10 s faster.

In terms of top speed, the Mercedes GLC performs hardly perceptible better – reaching 275 km/h, while the VW Golf tops out at 270 km/h. The difference is around 5 km/h.

There’s also a difference in torque: Mercedes GLC pulls significantly stronger with 1020 Nm compared to 420 Nm. That’s about 600 Nm difference.

GLC @ Mercedes-Benz Group Media

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 curb weight, VW Golf is decisively lighter – 1307 kg compared to 1910 kg. The difference is around 603 kg.

In terms of boot space, the Mercedes GLC offers clearly perceptible more room – 620 L compared to 381 L. That’s a difference of about 239 L.

In maximum load capacity, the Mercedes GLC performs noticeable better – up to 1740 L, which is about 503 L more than the VW Golf.

When it comes to payload, Mercedes GLC somewhat takes the win – 600 kg compared to 508 kg. That’s a difference of about 92 kg.

Who wins the race?

The Mercedes GLC proves to be leaves the rival little chance and therefore becomes our DriveDuel Champion!
Mercedes GLC is the better all-rounder in this comparison.

Mercedes GLC
VW Golf

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis
from about £50,300
GLC @ Mercedes-Benz Group Media

Mercedes GLC

  • Engine Type : Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid, Diesel MHEV, Electric
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 186 - 680 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 1.6 - 9.9 L
  • Consumption kWh/100km : 14.9 - 16.6 kWh
  • Electric Range : 12 - 714 km
details

Mercedes GLC

4 (2 Reviews)
rate

The Mercedes GLC blends plush cabin comfort and composed road manners into an SUV that feels more grown-up than it looks. It won’t shout for attention, but will quietly please buyers who want refinement, usable space and a touch of luxury without the drama.

details
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22C0270_031 @ 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
DB2019AU02120_medium @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media
DB2019AU02082_medium @ Volkswagen AG / VW Media
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Reviews Mercedes GLC

4 (2 Reviews)
rate

Reviews VW Golf

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Costs and Consumption
Price
50300 - 126600 £
Price
25200 - 47600 £
Consumption L/100km
1.6 - 9.9 L
Consumption L/100km
1.1 - 8.1 L
Consumption kWh/100km
14.9 - 16.6 kWh
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
12 - 714 km
Electric Range
131 - 143 km
Battery Capacity
94 kWh
Battery Capacity
19.70 kWh
co2
0 - 225 g/km
co2
25 - 184 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
49 - 65 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
1910 - 2535 kg
Curb weight
1307 - 1662 kg
Trunk capacity
390 - 620 L
Trunk capacity
273 - 381 L
Length
4716 - 4845 mm
Length
4282 - 4296 mm
Width
1890 - 1913 mm
Width
1789 mm
Height
1603 - 1647 mm
Height
1454 - 1483 mm
Max trunk capacity
1335 - 1740 L
Max trunk capacity
1129 - 1237 L
Payload
475 - 600 kg
Payload
438 - 508 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid, Diesel MHEV, Electric
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Petrol, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic, Manuel
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox, Reduction Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic, Manual Gearbox
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
186 - 680 HP
Power HP
116 - 333 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
3.5 - 9 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.6 - 10.2 s
Max Speed
208 - 275 km/h
Max Speed
202 - 270 km/h
Torque
320 - 1020 Nm
Torque
220 - 420 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4 - 6
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
137 - 500 kW
Power kW
85 - 245 kW
Engine capacity
1991 - 2989 cm3
Engine capacity
1498 - 1984 cm3

General
Model Year
2025 - 2026
Model Year
2024 - 2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
F, G, B, A
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, F, G, C, B
Brand
Mercedes-Benz
Brand
VW

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What drive types are available for the Mercedes GLC?

The Mercedes GLC is offered with 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.

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