Everyday use, family trips or long-distance drives – here’s where the differences show.
Discover whether Mercedes GLB or Volvo XC40 fits your lifestyle better.
In the crowded market of compact SUVs, two contenders from luxury marques are making waves: the Mercedes GLB and the Volvo XC40. Both proudly wear their brands' badges and offer a compelling mix of performance, style, and innovation. But what truly sets them apart? Let's take a deep dive into the technical aspects and innovations offered by these models!
The Mercedes GLB and Volvo XC40 both adopt the SUV body type with subtle differences in design and dimensions that cater to different consumer tastes. The Mercedes GLB is notably longer with a length of up to 4650 mm compared to the XC40's 4425 mm, offering a roomier feel that's ideal for families needing extra trunk capacity, which totals up to 570 liters against XC40's 452 liters.
The width on the XC40 is slightly more generous at 1863 mm compared to the GLB's 1850 mm, likely contributing to a more solid stance on the road. Both models sport five doors, making them versatile and accessible for daily use.
The Mercedes GLB offers a wide range of power options, from a modest 116 horsepower up to a robust 320 horsepower, with varied acceleration rates starting at 11.5 and speeding down to a swift 5.5 seconds from 0-100 km/h. This power diversity is mirrored in its torque, which ranges from 230 to 400 Nm, ensuring a drive catered to different performance preferences.
On the other hand, the Volvo XC40 keeps it simple with two main power outputs at 163 and 197 horsepower, achieving decent acceleration from 0-100 km/h in 8.6 and 7.6 seconds, respectively. With torque hovering around 265 to 300 Nm, the XC40 promises a balanced ride, staying competitive even with slightly lower output figures in comparison to the GLB's top specs.
Efficiency lies at the heart of every modern vehicle's performance metrics. The GLB and XC40 have adapted to environmentally-conscious norms with their Petrol Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle (MHEV) engines. The GLB's consumption varies based on the model configuration from 5.8 to 9 L/100 km. Primed with efficiency in mind, the XC40 offers a competitive fixed consumption rate of 6.5 L/100 km.
In CO2 efficiency, the GLB models range across classes E, F, and G reflecting diverse emissions levels, while the XC40 scores an E, showing a progressive edge in reducing emissions with its uniformed approach.
The GLB showcases versatility with front-wheel and all-wheel drive options, suiting various driving needs from everyday commutes to more adventurous terrains. Its dual-clutch automatic transmission ensures a seamless driving experience, crucial in any luxury compact SUV.
The XC40 sticks to a front-wheel-drive layout, providing a straightforward approach optimized for urban and suburban driving environments. Like the GLB, it features a dual-clutch automatic transmission, marking its capabilities in offering a smooth transition between gears.
Mercedes GLB boosts its claim with an innovative cockpit embedded with the latest MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) technology, transforming the dashboard into an interactive interface that revolutionizes the driving experience. Volvo, not one to be outdone, equips the XC40 with its heralded Volvo On Call system, integrating telematics for safety, connectivity, and convenience.
Both the Mercedes GLB and Volvo XC40 offer exceptional designs, responsive performance, and modern innovations, each tailored to specific market needs. The GLB shines with its variety of performance options and expansive space, while the XC40 appeals with its smart efficiency and straightforward elegance. Choosing between them boils down to individual preferences, where luxury, style, and cutting-edge technology ride hand-in-hand with either choice.
Looking at overall running costs, both models reveal some interesting differences in everyday economy.
Volvo XC40 has a a bit advantage in terms of price – it starts at 36800 £, while the Mercedes GLB costs 40500 £. That’s a price difference of around 3747 £.
Fuel consumption also shows a difference: Mercedes GLB manages with 5.60 L and is therefore to a small extent more efficient than the Volvo XC40 with 6.50 L. The difference is about 0.90 L per 100 km.
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 GLB has a noticeable edge – offering 320 HP compared to 197 HP. That’s roughly 123 HP more horsepower.
In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the Mercedes GLB is clearly perceptible quicker – completing the sprint in 5.50 s, while the Volvo XC40 takes 7.60 s. That’s about 2.10 s faster.
In terms of top speed, the Mercedes GLB performs clearly perceptible 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 GLB pulls evident stronger with 400 Nm compared to 300 Nm. That’s about 100 Nm difference.
Whether family car or daily driver – which one offers more room, flexibility and comfort?
Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.
In curb weight, Mercedes GLB is barely noticeable lighter – 1640 kg compared to 1688 kg. The difference is around 48 kg.
In terms of boot space, the Mercedes GLB offers clearly perceptible more room – 570 L compared to 452 L. That’s a difference of about 118 L.
In maximum load capacity, the Mercedes GLB performs noticeable better – up to 1805 L, which is about 477 L more than the Volvo XC40.
When it comes to payload, Volvo XC40 hardly perceptible takes the win – 532 kg compared to 500 kg. That’s a difference of about 32 kg.
The Mercedes GLB proves to be is largely superior and therefore becomes our DriveDuel Champion!
Mercedes GLB is the better all-rounder in this comparison.
@ Mercedes-Benz Group Media
The Mercedes GLB is a practical compact SUV that mixes boxy, family-friendly space with premium German polish, making it an appealing choice for buyers who want usefulness without pretension. It drives with a confident, composed feel and somehow manages to look both rugged and refined — the grown-up SUV that still likes to have fun.
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@ Mercedes-Benz Group Media
@ Mercedes-Benz Group Media
@ Mercedes-Benz Group Media
@ Mercedes-Benz Group Media
@ Mercedes-Benz Group Media
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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@ Volvo Cars
@ Volvo Cars
@ Volvo Cars
@ Volvo Cars
@ Volvo Cars
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@ Mercedes-Benz Group Media
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@ Volvo Cars
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Costs and Consumption |
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|---|---|
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Price
40500 - 65300 £
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Price
36800 - 47200 £
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Consumption L/100km
5.6 - 9 L
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Consumption L/100km
6.50 L
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Consumption kWh/100km
-
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Consumption kWh/100km
-
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Electric Range
-
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Electric Range
-
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Battery Capacity
-
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Battery Capacity
-
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co2
146 - 204 g/km
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co2
147 - 148 g/km
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Fuel tank capacity
52 - 60 L
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Fuel tank capacity
54 L
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Dimensions and Body |
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|---|---|
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Body Type
SUV
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Body Type
SUV
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Seats
5
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Seats
5
|
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Doors
5
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Doors
5
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Curb weight
1640 - 1820 kg
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Curb weight
1688 kg
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Trunk capacity
565 - 570 L
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Trunk capacity
452 L
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Length
4634 - 4650 mm
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Length
4425 mm
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Width
1834 - 1850 mm
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Width
1863 mm
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Height
1665 - 1692 mm
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Height
1652 mm
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Max trunk capacity
1800 - 1805 L
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Max trunk capacity
1328 L
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Payload
500 kg
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Payload
532 kg
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Engine and Performance |
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|---|---|
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Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Diesel
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Engine Type
Petrol MHEV
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Transmission
Automatic
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Transmission
Automatic
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Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
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Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
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Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
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Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
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Power HP
116 - 320 HP
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Power HP
163 - 197 HP
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Acceleration 0-100km/h
5.5 - 11.5 s
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Acceleration 0-100km/h
7.6 - 8.6 s
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Max Speed
188 - 250 km/h
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Max Speed
180 km/h
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Torque
230 - 400 Nm
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Torque
265 - 300 Nm
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Number of Cylinders
4
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Number of Cylinders
4
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Power kW
85 - 235 kW
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Power kW
120 - 145 kW
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Engine capacity
1332 - 1991 cm3
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Engine capacity
1969 cm3
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General |
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|---|---|
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Model Year
2025
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Model Year
2024
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CO2 Efficiency Class
E, F, G
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CO2 Efficiency Class
E
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Brand
Mercedes-Benz
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Brand
Volvo
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Available configurations include 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.
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