Compare performance (472 HP vs 428 HP), boot space and price (50,300 £ vs 30,000 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Mercedes GLC or Volvo EX30?
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 world of luxury SUVs, two models stand out in 2024 and 2025 for their innovation, technical prowess, and style - the Mercedes GLC and the Volvo EX30. These vehicles are not just modes of transportation but statements of technology and power. Let's delve deep into the features that set them apart and see who takes the crown.
The Mercedes GLC comes with a variety of engine options to cater to different driving preferences - from petrol MHEV and diesel MHEV to plugin hybrid variants. This gives a power output ranging from 186 HP to a whopping 680 HP, offering every driver a perfect blend of efficiency and performance. The GLC boasts a top speed of up to 275 km/h, with the ability to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.5 seconds on its higher-end models. With a CO2 efficiency class varying from B to G, it also shows decent commitment to efficiency.
On the other hand, the Volvo EX30 embraces the electric wave, featuring pure electric powertrains. Available in rear-wheel and all-wheel drive options, the EX30 delivers substantial power with outputs of 272 HP and 428 HP, combined with a negligible CO2 efficiency, as expected from an electric vehicle. The Volvo EX30's acceleration, ranging from 3.6 to 5.7 seconds for the 0 to 100 km/h sprint, is nothing short of impressive. The electric range of up to 476 km reflects its capacity to comfortably handle long journeys in one charge.
The Mercedes GLC is slightly larger with a length of between 4716 mm and 4792 mm, a width of 1890 mm, and a height that ranges from 1603 mm to 1647 mm. Its interior offers a spacious trunk capacity of up to 620 liters, ensuring ample space for luggage and utility.
In comparison, the Volvo EX30 is more compact with a length of 4233 mm, a width of 1837 mm, and a height between 1549 mm and 1567 mm. While its trunk capacity is 318 liters, which is smaller than the GLC, the EX30 compensates for this with a sleek, modern design focusing on electrification benefits and environmental sustainability.
Both SUVs are equipped with automatic transmission systems, enhancing the driving experience with seamless speed transitions. The Mercedes GLC features a modern automatic gearbox, whereas the Volvo EX30 incorporates a reduction gearbox, specifically designed to optimize the electric motor's performance.
Mercedes, with its legacy in luxury vehicular design, provides plush interiors that reflect elegance, while offering a range of driving assistance technologies. The GLC comes with a dynamic MBUX infotainment system, emphasizing connectivity and user interaction.
Volvo pledges its commitment to safety and ecological benefits with the EX30 by providing advanced driver assistance systems that align with its brand promise of making life safer and more sustainable. The use of eco-friendly materials in its design also appeals to the environmentally conscious consumer base.
Choosing between the Mercedes GLC and the Volvo EX30 ultimately comes down to personal preference. If power, diverse engine options, and luxury are paramount, the Mercedes GLC has a slight edge. However, if cutting-edge electric technology, sustainability, and efficiency are your primary focus, then the Volvo EX30 is an outstanding contender.
Both SUVs signify the future of automotive innovation, showcasing how traditional luxury can seamlessly blend with new-age technology. No matter the choice, buyers are set for an exhilarating ride in 2024 and beyond.
Looking at overall running costs, both models reveal some interesting differences in everyday economy.
Volvo EX30 is clearly cheaper – starting at 30,000 £ , while the Mercedes GLC costs 50,300 £ . That’s a price difference of around 20,336 £.
As for electric range, the Volvo EX30 offers considerably more range – reaching up to 475 km, about 347 km more than the Mercedes GLC.
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 GLC offers only slightly more power – delivering 472 HP compared to 428 HP. That’s roughly 44 HP more horsepower.
When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Volvo EX30 is slightly quicker – completing the sprint in 3.6 s, while the Mercedes GLC takes 4.2 s. That’s about 0.6 s quicker.
There’s also a difference in torque: the Mercedes GLC delivers clearly more torque with 750 Nm compared to 543 Nm. That’s about 207 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 EX30 is barely lighter – 1,840 kg compared to 1,985 kg. The difference is around 145 kg.
Looking at boot space, the Mercedes GLC offers considerably more boot space – 620 L compared to 318 L. That’s a difference of about 302 L.
When it comes to payload, the Mercedes GLC carries clearly more – 575 kg compared to 390 kg. That’s a difference of about 185 kg.
The Volvo EX30 stands well ahead of its rival 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 GLC blends quiet refinement with premium materials to create a comfortable, modern cabin that feels more upscale than its size might suggest. It delivers composed handling and confident on-road manners while offering practical versatility and a strong suite of driver assistance and infotainment features.
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The Volvo EX30 is a compact all-electric crossover that mixes Volvo's strong safety focus with clean Scandinavian design for a really city-friendly package. It feels lively and easy to live with, pairing a premium-feeling interior and modern connectivity with a practical footprint for urban driving.
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Costs and Consumption |
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Price
50,300 - 82,100 £
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Price
30,000 - 47,800 £
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Consumption L/100km
1.6 - 9.4 L/100km
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Consumption L/100km
-
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Consumption kWh/100km
-
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Consumption kWh/100km
17 - 18.3 kWh/100km
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Electric Range
122 - 128 km
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Electric Range
339 - 475 km
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Battery Capacity
-
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Battery Capacity
-
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co2
41 - 214 g/km
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co2
0 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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|---|---|
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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
1,985 - 2,400 kg
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Curb weight
1,840 - 1,960 kg
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Trunk capacity
390 - 620 L
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Trunk capacity
318 L
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Length
-
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Length
-
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Width
1,890 - 1,920 mm
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Width
1,838 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
475 - 575 kg
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Payload
370 - 390 kg
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Engine and Performance |
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Engine Type
Diesel MHEV, Plugin Hybrid, Petrol MHEV
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Engine Type
Electric
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Transmission
Automatic
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Transmission
Automatic
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Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox
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Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox
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Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive
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Drive Type
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
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Power HP
186 - 472 HP
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Power HP
150 - 428 HP
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Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.2 - 9 s
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Acceleration 0-100km/h
3.6 - 8.6 s
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Max Speed
-
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Max Speed
-
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Torque
380 - 750 Nm
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Torque
343 - 543 Nm
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Number of Cylinders
4 - 6
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Number of Cylinders
-
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Power kW
137 - 347 kW
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Power kW
110 - 315 kW
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Engine capacity
1,993 - 2,999 cm3
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Engine capacity
-
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General |
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|---|---|
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Model Year
2,025 - 2,026
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Model Year
2026
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CO2 Efficiency Class
D, B, E, F, G
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CO2 Efficiency Class
A
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Brand
Mercedes-Benz
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Brand
Volvo
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France
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