Compare performance (354 HP vs 197 HP), boot space and price (43,200 £ vs 41,900 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Mercedes GLB or Volvo XC40?
All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.
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.
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.
Volvo XC40 is very slightly cheaper – starting at 41,900 £ , while the Mercedes GLB costs 43,200 £ . That’s a price difference of around 1,292 £.
Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Mercedes GLB uses 5.7 L/100km and is moderately more efficient than the Volvo XC40 with 6.5 L/100km. The difference is about 0.8 L/100km.
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 offers substantially more power – delivering 354 HP compared to 197 HP. That’s roughly 157 HP more horsepower.
When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Mercedes GLB is clearly quicker – completing the sprint in 5.5 s, while the Volvo XC40 takes 7.6 s. That’s about 2.1 s quicker.
There’s also a difference in torque: the Mercedes GLB delivers significantly more torque with 515 Nm compared to 300 Nm. That’s about 215 Nm more.
Whether family car or daily driver – which one offers more room, flexibility and comfort?
Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.
In terms of curb weight, Volvo XC40 is only slightly lighter – 1,688 kg compared to 1,840 kg. The difference is around 152 kg.
When it comes to payload, the Volvo XC40 carries very slightly more – 532 kg compared to 505 kg. That’s a difference of about 27 kg.
The Mercedes GLB holds a decisive overall lead 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.
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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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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Costs and Consumption |
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Price
43,200 - 62,400 £
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Price
41,900 - 46,100 £
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Consumption L/100km
5.7 - 6.1 L/100km
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Consumption L/100km
6.5 L/100km
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Consumption kWh/100km
15.4 - 15.9 kWh/100km
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Consumption kWh/100km
-
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Electric Range
431 - 631 km
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Electric Range
-
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Battery Capacity
-
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Battery Capacity
-
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co2
0 - 138 g/km
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co2
148 g/km
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Fuel tank capacity
-
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Fuel tank capacity
-
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Dimensions and Body |
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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
-
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Doors
-
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Curb weight
1,840 - 2,280 kg
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Curb weight
1,688 kg
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Trunk capacity
540 L
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Trunk capacity
-
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Length
-
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Length
-
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Width
1,861 mm
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Width
1,863 mm
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Height
-
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Height
-
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Max trunk capacity
-
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Max trunk capacity
-
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Payload
485 - 505 kg
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Payload
532 kg
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Engine and Performance |
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Engine Type
Electric, Full Hybrid
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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
Reduction Gearbox
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Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
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Drive Type
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
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Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
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Power HP
156 - 354 HP
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Power HP
163 - 197 HP
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Acceleration 0-100km/h
5.5 - 9.7 s
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Acceleration 0-100km/h
7.6 - 8.6 s
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Max Speed
-
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Max Speed
-
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Torque
280 - 515 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
115 - 260 kW
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Power kW
120 - 145 kW
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Engine capacity
1,499 cm3
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Engine capacity
1,969 cm3
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General |
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Model Year
2026
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Model Year
2026
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CO2 Efficiency Class
A, D, E
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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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Deutschland
France
Nederland
Great Britain
Sverige
Danmark
Suomi
Italia
Polska
España