Volkswagen Up! vs Mercedes-Benz EQS
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Volkswagen Up! | Mercedes-Benz EQS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max power (hp) | 115 | 360 | -68.1% |
| Max torque (Nm) | 200 | 568 | -64.8% |
| NCAP safety | 3★ (Euro NCAP) | 5★ (Euro NCAP) | — |
| Fuel type | Petrol | Electric | — |
| Transmission | Manual | Automatic | — |
| Price (USD est.) | $21,816 | $119,016 | -81.7% |
- Mercedes-Benz EQS makes about 68% more power (360 vs 115 hp).
- Their economy figures use different measures (Petrol vs Electric), so compare running costs in your local fuel and electricity prices rather than head-to-head.
Verdict: Up! or EQS?
Volkswagen Up! advantages
- Affordability (+82%)
Mercedes-Benz EQS advantages
- Engine power (+68%)
- Pulling torque (+65%)
- Crash-test safety (+40%)
Which should you choose?
- Choose the Volkswagen Up! if you want the lower upfront cost.
- Choose the Mercedes-Benz EQS if you want stronger performance and overtaking confidence.
Value for money
Volkswagen Up! delivers more horsepower per dollar, making it the better value of the two at their listed prices.
Volkswagen Up! vs Mercedes-Benz EQS: which should you choose?
Volkswagen Up! (2021 GTI) — petrol hatchback with 115 hp and 200 Nm, rated at 18.2 km/L, 3-star Euro NCAP safety; priced near $21,816 in the Germany market.
Mercedes-Benz EQS (2024 EQS 450+ Facelift) — electric sedan with 360 hp and 568 Nm, rated at 15.1 kWh/100km, 5-star Euro NCAP safety; priced near $119,016 in the Germany market.
Volkswagen Up! vs Mercedes-Benz EQS: Mercedes-Benz EQS is more powerful. Mercedes-Benz EQS makes about 68% more power (360 vs 115 hp). Their economy figures use different measures (Petrol vs Electric), so compare running costs in your local fuel and electricity prices rather than head-to-head.
Performance
The Mercedes-Benz EQS is the more powerful, at 360 hp against 115 hp, with 568 Nm of torque on tap. Its electric drivetrain pairs with a automatic transmission.
Running costs
These cars use different energy types (Petrol vs Electric), so compare cost per kilometre at your local fuel and electricity prices rather than a single economy number.
Safety
Volkswagen Up! is rated 3 stars by Euro NCAP and Mercedes-Benz EQS 5 stars by Euro NCAP. Different NCAP programmes use different protocols, so same-programme comparisons are the most reliable.
Price and value
The Volkswagen Up! lists lower at about $21,816 (USD-converted from the Germany market). Factor in insurance, fuel or charging, taxes and resale — not just the sticker price.
The verdict
Both are credible choices in the car comparison space; the specification table above lays out every metric so you can weigh the trade-offs that matter to you. Pick the one whose strengths line up with how you will actually use it.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Volkswagen Up! better than the Mercedes-Benz EQS?
Mercedes-Benz EQS takes the overall edge, though Volkswagen Up! wins in specific areas worth weighing. Mercedes-Benz EQS makes about 68% more power (360 vs 115 hp).
What is the main difference between the Volkswagen Up! and the Mercedes-Benz EQS?
Mercedes-Benz EQS makes about 68% more power (360 vs 115 hp). Their economy figures use different measures (Petrol vs Electric), so compare running costs in your local fuel and electricity prices rather than head-to-head.
Which is better value?
Volkswagen Up! delivers more horsepower per dollar, making it the better value of the two at their listed prices.
Which should I choose?
Choose the Volkswagen Up! if you want the lower upfront cost. Choose the Mercedes-Benz EQS if you want stronger performance and overtaking confidence.
Methodology
Cars are compared on manufacturer-rated maximum power and torque, certified fuel economy (km/L, converted from each market's test cycle: EPA, WLTP, CLTC, JC08/WLTC, ARAI) or EV energy use (kWh/100km), official NCAP crash-test ratings from the model's home-market programme, and list prices converted to USD at recent exchange rates. Each model shows its newest listed year and its highest-priority market trim. Test cycles differ between regions, so cross-market economy figures are directional rather than exact; prices exclude local taxes and incentives.