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Mercedes S Class vs VW Golf – Performance, range & efficiency compared

Two cars, one duel: Mercedes S Class meets VW Golf.
Which one wins in performance, efficiency and value for money? Find out now!

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

S Class @ group-media.mercedes-benz.com

Costs and Efficiency:

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

VW Golf has a decisively advantage in terms of price – it starts at 25200 £, while the Mercedes S Class costs 97200 £. That’s a price difference of around 71975 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: VW Golf manages with 0.30 L and is therefore decisively more efficient than the Mercedes S Class with 2.30 L. The difference is about 2 L per 100 km.

As for range, the VW Golf performs slightly better – achieving up to 143 km, about 26 km more than the Mercedes S Class.

Golf @ Volkswagen

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 S Class has a convincingly edge – offering 802 HP compared to 333 HP. That’s roughly 469 HP more horsepower.

In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the Mercedes S Class is noticeable quicker – completing the sprint in 3.30 s, while the VW Golf takes 4.60 s. That’s about 1.30 s faster.

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

There’s also a difference in torque: Mercedes S Class pulls clearly stronger with 1430 Nm compared to 420 Nm. That’s about 1010 Nm difference.

S Class @ group-media.mercedes-benz.com

Space and Everyday Use:

Beyond pure performance, interior space and usability matter most in daily life. This is where you see which car is more practical and versatile.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In curb weight, VW Golf is convincingly lighter – 1307 kg compared to 2070 kg. The difference is around 763 kg.

In terms of boot space, the Mercedes S Class offers noticeable more room – 550 L compared to 381 L. That’s a difference of about 169 L.

When it comes to payload, Mercedes S Class evident takes the win – 730 kg compared to 508 kg. That’s a difference of about 222 kg.

Who comes out on top?

Overall, the VW Golf shows itself to be dominates this comparison 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 £25,200
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VW Golf

  • Engine Type : Petrol MHEV, Petrol, Plugin Hybrid, Diesel
  • Transmission : Automatic, Manuel
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 116 - 333 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 0.3 - 8.2 L
  • Electric Range : 131 - 143 km
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Mercedes S Class

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class stands as a symbol of luxury and innovation in the automotive world, seamlessly blending cutting-edge technology with timeless elegance. Inside, the cabin offers an unparalleled level of comfort and sophistication, featuring high-quality materials and advanced infotainment systems that cater to the most discerning of drivers. On the road, the S-Class delivers an exceptionally smooth and engaging driving experience, ensuring that it remains a leader in its class.

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VW Golf

Der VW Golf überzeugt seit Jahrzehnten durch seine Vielseitigkeit und seine ausgewogene Mischung aus Komfort und Dynamik. Mit seinem zeitlosen Design und der hochwertigen Verarbeitung ist er ein treuer Begleiter im Alltag. Besonders beliebt ist der Golf wegen seiner innovativen Technologie und der großen Auswahl an Varianten, die für jeden Bedarf das passende Modell bietet.

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Mercedes S Class
VW Golf
S Class
Golf

Costs and Consumption
Price
97200 - 204400 £
Price
25200 - 51600 £
Consumption L/100km
2.3 - 13.2 L
Consumption L/100km
0.3 - 8.2 L
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
31 - 117 km
Electric Range
131 - 143 km
Battery Capacity
10.40 kWh
Battery Capacity
19.70 kWh
co2
52 - 301 g/km
co2
6 - 186 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
65 - 76 L
Fuel tank capacity
40 - 55 L

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
Sedan
Body Type
Hatchback
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
4
Doors
5
Curb weight
2070 - 2650 kg
Curb weight
1307 - 1668 kg
Trunk capacity
325 - 550 L
Trunk capacity
273 - 381 L
Length
5179 - 5469 mm
Length
4282 - 4296 mm
Width
1921 - 1954 mm
Width
1789 mm
Height
1503 - 1515 mm
Height
1454 - 1483 mm
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
1129 - 1237 L
Payload
420 - 730 kg
Payload
431 - 508 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Petrol, Plugin Hybrid, Diesel MHEV
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Petrol, Plugin Hybrid, Diesel
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic, Manuel
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic, Manual Gearbox
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
336 - 802 HP
Power HP
116 - 333 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
3.3 - 5.9 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.6 - 10.2 s
Max Speed
250 km/h
Max Speed
202 - 270 km/h
Torque
500 - 1430 Nm
Torque
220 - 420 Nm
Number of Cylinders
6 - 12
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
247 - 590 kW
Power kW
85 - 245 kW
Engine capacity
2989 - 5980 cm3
Engine capacity
1498 - 1984 cm3

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

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What drive types are available for the Mercedes S Class?

The Mercedes S Class is available as All-Wheel Drive or Rear-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.