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Mercedes B Class vs Volvo XC40 – Which car suits you better?

Everyday use, family trips or long-distance drives – here’s where the differences show.
Discover whether Mercedes B Class or Volvo XC40 fits your lifestyle better.

B Class @ Mercedes-Benz Group Media

Comparing the Mercedes B-Klasse and Volvo XC40: Which Compact Front-Runner Takes the Lead?

In the realm of compact cars, both the Mercedes B-Klasse and Volvo XC40 stand as prominent contenders. While one strikes as an epitome of versatility, the other captivates with sophistication. Here, we delve into the technical specs, innovations, and overall performance of these compact powerhouses, helping you make a decision tailored to your needs.

XC40 @ Volvo Cars

Design and Dimensions: Compact Luxury Meets Swedish Simplicity

The Mercedes B-Klasse, designed as an MPV (Multi-Purpose Vehicle), flaunts a compact yet elegant design with a length of 4419 mm, width of 1796 mm, and a height of 1562 mm. Contrastingly, the Volvo XC40, an SUV, boasts Scandinavian simplicity with a slightly larger stature: 4425 mm in length, 1863 mm in width, and 1652 mm in height. Both models house five doors, maintaining practicality without compromising on style.

B Class @ Mercedes-Benz Group Media

Engine and Performance: Power and Efficiency

The B-Klasse offers a versatile range of engines including Petrol Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicles (MHEV), Diesel, and Plugin Hybrid. It spans a power range of 116 to 238 HP with consumption figures ranging from a mere 0.8 L/100km in hybrid mode to 7.1 L/100km. Its electric variant offers an impressive electric range of 83 km, supported by a 12.9 kWh battery. Torque varies between 200 and 450 Nm, with a robust acceleration of up to 6.5 seconds to reach 100 km/h.

The XC40 predominantly offers petrol MHEV with power outputs between 163 and 197 HP and maintains an efficient consumption of 6.5 L/100km. Its acceleration performance is commendable, reaching 100 km/h in as little as 7.6 seconds, with a maximum speed capped at 180 km/h, thanks to its torque spanning between 265 and 300 Nm.

XC40 @ Volvo Cars

Transmission and Drivetrain: Flexible and Responsive

Both models utilize a dual-clutch automatic transmission, with the B-Klasse offering flexibility with either front-wheel or all-wheel drive, unlike the XC40, which sticks to a front-wheel-drive system. This difference of choice grants the B-Klasse an edge in terms of driving adaptability.

B Class @ Mercedes-Benz Group Media

Environmental Footprint: Efficiency at Its Core

When examining CO2 emissions, the B-Klasse presents a range from 18 to 160 g/km, reflecting its adaptability with hybrid options. The XC40, while limited to MHEV, records emissions at 147 to 148 g/km. The B-Klasse also showcases a broader spectrum of CO2 efficiency classes, ranging from B to F, compared to the XC40's class E rating.

XC40 @ Volvo Cars

Sophisticated Interiors and Practicality

Both the Mercedes B-Klasse and Volvo XC40 offer spacious interiors with seating for five. The B-Klasse boasts a trunk capacity ranging from 405 to 455 liters, while the XC40 offers a marginally smaller trunk space of 452 liters. Payload potentials also favor the B-Klasse with up to 550 kg capacity compared to the XC40's 532 kg.

B Class @ Mercedes-Benz Group Media

Conclusion: Versatility versus Style

The ultimate choice between the Mercedes B-Klasse and Volvo XC40 hinges on personal preference. If versatility, extended electric range, and driving adaptability are priorities, the B-Klasse earns the spotlight. In contrast, if Swedish elegance with consistent performance without hybrid complexity is more your lane, the XC40 shines as a compelling choice. In the end, both vehicles offer compelling narratives in their ways, ready to cater to diverse automotive tastes.

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

XC40 @ Volvo Cars

Costs and Efficiency:

When it comes to price and running costs, the biggest differences usually appear. This is often where you see which car fits your budget better in the long run.

Mercedes B Class has a somewhat advantage in terms of price – it starts at 33100 £, while the Volvo XC40 costs 36800 £. That’s a price difference of around 3633 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: Mercedes B Class manages with 2.50 L and is therefore convincingly more efficient than the Volvo XC40 with 6.50 L. The difference is about 4 L per 100 km.

B Class @ Mercedes-Benz Group Media

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 B Class has a somewhat edge – offering 238 HP compared to 197 HP. That’s roughly 41 HP more horsepower.

In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the Mercedes B Class is to a small extent quicker – completing the sprint in 6.50 s, while the Volvo XC40 takes 7.60 s. That’s about 1.10 s faster.

In terms of top speed, the Mercedes B Class performs evident better – reaching 250 km/h, while the Volvo XC40 tops out at 180 km/h. The difference is around 70 km/h.

There’s also a difference in torque: Mercedes B Class pulls evident stronger with 450 Nm compared to 300 Nm. That’s about 150 Nm difference.

XC40 @ Volvo Cars

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 curb weight, Mercedes B Class is noticeable lighter – 1405 kg compared to 1688 kg. The difference is around 283 kg.

In terms of boot space, the Mercedes B Class offers slight more room – 455 L compared to 452 L. That’s a difference of about 3 L.

In maximum load capacity, the Mercedes B Class performs somewhat better – up to 1540 L, which is about 212 L more than the Volvo XC40.

When it comes to payload, Mercedes B Class minimal takes the win – 550 kg compared to 532 kg. That’s a difference of about 18 kg.

Who wins the race?

The Mercedes B Class proves to be outperforms in nearly all aspects and therefore becomes our DriveDuel Champion!
Mercedes B Class is the better all-rounder in this comparison.

from about £33,100
B Class @ Mercedes-Benz Group Media

Mercedes B Class

  • Engine Type : Plugin Hybrid, Petrol MHEV, Diesel
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 116 - 238 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 2.5 - 6.9 L
  • Electric Range : 83 km
details

Mercedes B Class

5 (3)
rate

The Mercedes B-Class is a smart, grown-up compact people carrier that dresses everyday practicality in a near‑premium polish, perfect for buyers who want comfort and a classy badge without the theatrics. It won’t set your pulse racing on a back road, but it will make school runs, commutes and grocery hauls feel pleasantly civilized — a reliable, slightly posh companion for real life.

details
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Volvo XC40

5 (2)
rate

The Volvo XC40 wraps Scandinavian minimalism into a compact, city-ready SUV with a premium cabin that feels both practical and grown-up. It will suit buyers who prize safety, clever storage and a composed ride, proving that small dimensions don't mean small personality.

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223202_XC40_Inscription_-_exterior @ Volvo Cars
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B Class @ Mercedes-Benz Group Media
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Costs and Consumption
Price
33100 - 52500 £
Price
36800 - 47200 £
Consumption L/100km
2.5 - 6.9 L
Consumption L/100km
6.50 L
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
83 km
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
12.90 kWh
Battery Capacity
-
co2
56 - 156 g/km
co2
147 - 148 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
35 - 51 L
Fuel tank capacity
54 L

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
MPV
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
5
Doors
5
Curb weight
1405 - 1745 kg
Curb weight
1688 kg
Trunk capacity
405 - 455 L
Trunk capacity
452 L
Length
4419 mm
Length
4425 mm
Width
1796 mm
Width
1863 mm
Height
1562 mm
Height
1652 mm
Max trunk capacity
1440 - 1540 L
Max trunk capacity
1328 L
Payload
505 - 550 kg
Payload
532 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Plugin Hybrid, Petrol MHEV, Diesel
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
116 - 238 HP
Power HP
163 - 197 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
6.5 - 10 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7.6 - 8.6 s
Max Speed
200 - 250 km/h
Max Speed
180 km/h
Torque
200 - 450 Nm
Torque
265 - 300 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
85 - 175 kW
Power kW
120 - 145 kW
Engine capacity
1332 - 1991 cm3
Engine capacity
1969 cm3

General
Model Year
2024 - 2025
Model Year
2024
CO2 Efficiency Class
B, D, E, F
CO2 Efficiency Class
E
Brand
Mercedes-Benz
Brand
Volvo

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What drivetrain options does the Mercedes B Class have?

The Mercedes B Class is offered with Front-Wheel Drive or All-Wheel Drive.

The prices and data displayed are estimates based on German list prices and may vary by country. This information is not legally binding.