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Mercedes S Class vs VW Grand California - Differences and prices compared

Compare performance (802 HP vs 163 HP), boot space and price (97200 £ vs 70200 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Mercedes S Class or VW Grand California?

Mercedes S Class

VW Grand California

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

S Class

Costs and Efficiency:

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

VW Grand California has a noticeable advantage in terms of price – it starts at 70200 £ , while the Mercedes S Class costs 97200 £ . That’s a price difference of around 26934 £.

S Class

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 S Class has a convincingly edge – offering 802 HP compared to 163 HP. That’s roughly 639 HP more horsepower.

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S Class

Space and Everyday Use:

Cabin size, boot volume and payload all play a role in everyday practicality. Here, comfort and flexibility make the difference.

Seats: Mercedes S Class offers a bit more seating capacity – 5 vs 4.

In curb weight, Mercedes S Class is decisively lighter – 2070 kg compared to 3052 kg. The difference is around 982 kg.

In terms of boot space, the Mercedes S Class offers decisively more room – 550 L compared to 0 L. That’s a difference of about 550 L.

When it comes to payload, Mercedes S Class evident takes the win – 730 kg compared to 448 kg. That’s a difference of about 282 kg.

Who comes out on top?

Overall, the Mercedes S Class 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 £97,200
S Class

Mercedes S Class

  • Engine Type : Petrol MHEV, Petrol, Plugin Hybrid, Diesel MHEV
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : All-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 336 - 802 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 2.3 - 13.2 L
  • Electric Range : 31 - 117 km
details
Mercedes S Class
VW Grand California

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

Mercedes S Class

The Mercedes S-Class wraps peerless comfort, whisper-quiet luxury and subtle tech wizardry into a chauffeur-ready package that still knows how to engage the driver. It’s the car for buyers who want to arrive relaxed, be taken seriously and occasionally enjoy a grin when the road reminds them this limousine can dance.

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21C0428_004
21C0613_021
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VW Grand California

The Grand California is Volkswagen's remarkable take on the camper van, blending practicality with comfort for the ultimate road trip experience. With ample space for both living and storage, it's designed for adventure seekers who don't want to compromise on amenities. Whether you're exploring coastal roads or setting up camp in the mountains, the Grand California offers a perfect home away from home.

details

Reviews Mercedes S Class

Reviews VW Grand California

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VW Grand California

Costs and Consumption
Price
97200 - 204400 £
Price
70200 - 77900 £
Consumption L/100km
2.3 - 13.2 L
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
31 - 117 km
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
10.40 kWh
Battery Capacity
-
co2
52 - 301 g/km
co2
-
Fuel tank capacity
65 - 76 L
Fuel tank capacity
75 L

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
Sedan
Body Type
Bus
Seats
5
Seats
4
Doors
4
Doors
4
Curb weight
2070 - 2650 kg
Curb weight
3052 - 3354 kg
Trunk capacity
325 - 550 L
Trunk capacity
0 L
Length
5179 - 5469 mm
Length
5986 - 6836 mm
Width
1921 - 1954 mm
Width
2040 mm
Height
1503 - 1515 mm
Height
2839 - 2971 mm
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
420 - 730 kg
Payload
146 - 448 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Petrol, Plugin Hybrid, Diesel MHEV
Engine Type
Diesel
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
336 - 802 HP
Power HP
163 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
3.3 - 5.9 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
-
Max Speed
250 km/h
Max Speed
-
Torque
500 - 1430 Nm
Torque
-
Number of Cylinders
6 - 12
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
247 - 590 kW
Power kW
120 kW
Engine capacity
2989 - 5980 cm3
Engine capacity
1968 cm3

General
Model Year
2024 - 2025
Model Year
2024
CO2 Efficiency Class
G, E, F, B
CO2 Efficiency Class
-
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 shown are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted for local VAT. Local registration taxes (e.g. NoVA, BPM or CO2 malus) are not included. This information is not legally binding.