Volkswagen Golf GTI vs Mercedes-Benz S-Class

2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
$114,500MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2024 Volkswagen Golf GTI
2024 Volkswagen Golf GTI
$31,965MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
$114,500MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2024 Volkswagen Golf GTI
$31,965MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

Years produced

1994-Present

Years produced

1985-1992

MSRP

$114,500

MSRP

$31,965

Average price

$66,775

Average price

$24,447

Listings

261

Listings

612

Ratings & Reviews

User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

8.5 out of 10

Expert reviews

7.8 out of 10
Pros
  • Impressive technology
  • Premium interior materials
  • Impressive electric range
Cons
  • Doesn’t qualify for federal tax rebate
  • Very expensive
Pros
  • Great handling
  • Manual transmission available (for now)
  • Excellent value for money
Cons
  • Potentially polarizing design
  • Poor ergonomic design

Reviews Summary

When it comes to good design, even better luxury, and stellar performance, it’s tough to beat the three-pointed star. The S-Class is a few years into its latest generation, but Mercedes trotted out a new powertrain for 2023. It’s not a full battery-electric vehicle—for that you’ll want the EQS—but for many consumers the plug-in hybrid can be a convenient stop-gap for those not ready to commit to leaving the gas station behind for good.

Reviews Summary

The eighth-generation Volkswagen Golf GTI was introduced for the 2022 model year and enters 2024 essentially unchanged. The main news is that 2024 marks the last year a manual transmission will be available in this classic hot hatchback. Volkswagen is making a 380 special edition package standard on all stick-shift GTIs to commemorate that. A more substantial update is expected for the 2025 model year.

Verdict: The GTI is a great all-rounder held back by poor interior design choices and a staid personality.

No video found
No video found

Popular Features & Specs

Engine

3.0L 429 hp I6

Engine

2.0L 241 hp I4

Drive Train

AWD

Drive Train

FWD

Seating Capacity

5

Seating Capacity

5

Horsepower

429 hp @ 6100 rpm

Horsepower

241 hp @ 5000 rpm

MPG City

20

MPG City

24

MPG Highway

28

MPG Highway

33
2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
$114,500MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2024 Volkswagen Golf GTI
2024 Volkswagen Golf GTI
$31,965MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2023 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
$114,500MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2024 Volkswagen Golf GTI
$31,965MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

Years produced
1994-Present
1985-1992
MSRP
$114,500
$31,965
Average price
$66,775
$24,447
Listings

Ratings & Reviews

User reviews
4.7
4.6
Expert reviews

8.5 out of 10

Read full review

7.8 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Pros
  • Impressive technology
  • Premium interior materials
  • Impressive electric range
Cons
  • Doesn’t qualify for federal tax rebate
  • Very expensive
Pros
  • Great handling
  • Manual transmission available (for now)
  • Excellent value for money
Cons
  • Potentially polarizing design
  • Poor ergonomic design
Summary
When it comes to good design, even better luxury, and stellar performance, it’s tough to beat the three-pointed star. The S-Class is a few years into its latest generation, but Mercedes trotted out a new powertrain for 2023. It’s not a full battery-electric vehicle—for that you’ll want the EQS—but for many consumers the plug-in hybrid can be a convenient stop-gap for those not ready to commit to leaving the gas station behind for good.

The eighth-generation Volkswagen Golf GTI was introduced for the 2022 model year and enters 2024 essentially unchanged. The main news is that 2024 marks the last year a manual transmission will be available in this classic hot hatchback. Volkswagen is making a 380 special edition package standard on all stick-shift GTIs to commemorate that. A more substantial update is expected for the 2025 model year.

Verdict: The GTI is a great all-rounder held back by poor interior design choices and a staid personality.

Video
No video found
No video found

Popular Features & Specs

Engine
3.0L 429 hp I6
2.0L 241 hp I4
Drive Train
AWD
FWD
Seating Capacity
5
5
Horsepower
429 hp @ 6100 rpm
241 hp @ 5000 rpm
MPG City
20
24
MPG Highway
28
33
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