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Mercedes S-Class vs VW Passat comparison

Compare performance (635 HP vs 272 HP), boot space and price (104,000 £ vs 36,500 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Mercedes S-Class or VW Passat?

Mercedes S-Class vs VW Passat: Key differences

Mercedes S-Class

  • considerably more power
  • substantially quicker 0–100 km/h
details

VW Passat

4.8 (4 Reviews)
rate
  • significantly cheaper
  • substantially more efficient
  • a bit more electric range
  • clearly lighter
  • clearly more trunk space
details

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

S-Class

Costs and Efficiency:

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

VW Passat is significantly cheaper – starting at 36,500 £ , while the Mercedes S-Class costs 104,000 £ . That’s a price difference of around 67,557 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the VW Passat uses 1.2 L/100km and is substantially more efficient than the Mercedes S-Class with 2.2 L/100km. The difference is about 1 L/100km.

As for electric range, the VW Passat offers a bit more range – reaching up to 135 km, about 17 km more than the Mercedes S-Class.

Passat

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 S-Class offers considerably more power – delivering 635 HP compared to 272 HP. That’s roughly 363 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Mercedes S-Class is substantially quicker – completing the sprint in 4 s, while the VW Passat takes 7.1 s. That’s about 3.1 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Mercedes S-Class delivers clearly more torque with 850 Nm compared to 400 Nm. That’s about 450 Nm more.

S-Class

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 terms of curb weight, VW Passat is clearly lighter – 1,573 kg compared to 2,165 kg. The difference is around 592 kg.

Looking at boot space, the VW Passat offers clearly more boot space – 690 L compared to 530 L. That’s a difference of about 160 L.

When it comes to payload, the Mercedes S-Class carries slightly more – 660 kg compared to 577 kg. That’s a difference of about 83 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The VW Passat holds a decisive overall lead 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 £36,500
Passat

VW Passat

  • Engine Type Petrol MHEV, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
  • Transmission Automatic
  • Drive Type Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 122 - 272 HP
  • Consumption L/100km 1.2 - 5.8 L/100km
  • Electric Range 124 - 135 km
details

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Mercedes S-Class
VW Passat

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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Reviews Mercedes S-Class

No reviews yet. Share your experience and help others decide.

VW Passat

The VW Passat is the grown-up family car that gets the basics absolutely right — roomy, comfortable and built to handle weekday commutes and weekend getaways without fuss. It won't set your pulse racing, but its calm composure and sensible packaging make it boring in the best possible way: a dependable, no‑drama choice for buyers who value practicality over flash.

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Reviews VW Passat

4.8 (4 Reviews)
rate
Voller
28 May 2026, 16:12:12

That's just a Passat. Too expensive in my opinion, but it's up to each person to decide whether to throw their money into VW's maw. The car itself is somehow a legend.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Company car / Business
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
Sjaak
5 Dec 2025, 19:42:23

Spacious car that drives nicely and keeps its value for a long time.

Jack
5 Dec 2025, 15:24:16

Pleasant to drive, roomy and solid. The hybrid version is also very economical.

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Mercedes S-Class
VW Passat

Costs and Consumption
Price
104,000 - 201,400 £
Price
36,500 - 58,500 £
Consumption L/100km
2.2 - 11 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
1.2 - 5.8 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
98 - 118 km
Electric Range
124 - 135 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
50 - 252 g/km
co2
28 - 153 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
Sedan
Body Type
Estate
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
2,165 - 2,650 kg
Curb weight
1,573 - 1,858 kg
Trunk capacity
345 - 530 L
Trunk capacity
510 - 690 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,921 mm
Width
1,849 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
420 - 660 kg
Payload
501 - 577 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid, Diesel MHEV
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Diesel, Plugin Hybrid
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
336 - 635 HP
Power HP
122 - 272 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4 - 5.7 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7.1 - 10.7 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
560 - 850 Nm
Torque
250 - 400 Nm
Number of Cylinders
6 - 8
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
247 - 467 kW
Power kW
90 - 200 kW
Engine capacity
2,989 - 3,982 cm3
Engine capacity
1,498 - 1,968 cm3

General
Model Year
2026
Model Year
2,024 - 2,025
CO2 Efficiency Class
G, B, F
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, E, B
Brand
Mercedes-Benz
Brand
VW
Is the Mercedes S-Class offered with different drivetrains?

The Mercedes S-Class is offered with All-Wheel Drive or Rear-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.