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VW Grand California vs Mercedes SL Class comparison

Compare performance (163 HP vs 816 HP), boot space and price (70,200 £ vs 112,700 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – VW Grand California or Mercedes SL Class?

VW Grand California vs Mercedes SL Class: Key differences

VW Grand California

  • significantly cheaper
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Mercedes SL Class

  • clearly more power
  • significantly lighter
  • significantly more trunk space
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By Achim Sedelmaier

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

Grand California

Costs and Efficiency:

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

VW Grand California is significantly cheaper – starting at 70,200 £ , while the Mercedes SL Class costs 112,700 £ . That’s a price difference of around 42,468 £.

SL Class

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 SL Class offers clearly more power – delivering 816 HP compared to 163 HP. That’s roughly 653 HP more horsepower.

Space and Everyday Use:

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

Both vehicles offer seating for 4 people.

In terms of curb weight, Mercedes SL Class is significantly lighter – 1,810 kg compared to 3,052 kg. The difference is around 1,242 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Mercedes SL Class offers significantly more boot space – 240 L compared to 0 L. That’s a difference of about 240 L.

When it comes to payload, the VW Grand California carries moderately more – 448 kg compared to 375 kg. That’s a difference of about 73 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Mercedes SL Class 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 £112,700
SL Class

Mercedes SL Class

  • Engine Type Petrol MHEV, Petrol, Plugin Hybrid
  • Transmission Automatic
  • Drive Type Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 435 - 816 HP
  • Consumption L/100km 9 - 13.6 L/100km
  • Electric Range 12 km
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VW Grand California
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Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

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.

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Mercedes SL Class

The Mercedes SL blends timeless elegance with a cheeky sense of occasion, its retractable roof turning any commute into a small celebratory parade. Behind the wheel it behaves like a grown-up sports car that prefers comfort and presence over headline-grabbing bravado, making it a tempting choice for buyers who want to arrive in style.

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Reviews Mercedes SL Class

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VW Grand California
Mercedes SL Class

Costs and Consumption
Price
70,200 - 77,900 £
Price
112,700 - 219,300 £
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption L/100km
9 - 13.6 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
12 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
-
co2
206 - 309 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
75 L
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
Bus
Body Type
Roadster
Seats
4
Seats
4
Doors
4
Doors
-
Curb weight
3,052 - 3,354 kg
Curb weight
1,810 - 2,195 kg
Trunk capacity
0 L
Trunk capacity
110 - 240 L
Length
5,986 - 6,836 mm
Length
-
Width
2,040 mm
Width
1,915 mm
Height
2,839 - 2,971 mm
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
146 - 448 kg
Payload
145 - 375 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Diesel
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Petrol, Plugin Hybrid
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
163 HP
Power HP
435 - 816 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
-
Acceleration 0-100km/h
2.9 - 4.7 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
-
Torque
500 - 1,420 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
4 - 8
Power kW
120 kW
Power kW
320 - 600 kW
Engine capacity
1,968 cm3
Engine capacity
1,991 - 3,982 cm3

General
Model Year
2024
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
-
CO2 Efficiency Class
G
Brand
VW
Brand
Mercedes-Benz
Is the VW Grand California offered with different drivetrains?

Available configurations include Front-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.