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Mercedes GLC vs Volvo XC90 comparison

Compare performance (472 HP vs 406 HP), boot space and price (50,300 £ vs 74,300 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Mercedes GLC or Volvo XC90?

Mercedes GLC vs Volvo XC90: Key differences

Mercedes GLC

4.4 (13 Reviews)
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  • considerably cheaper
  • moderately more power
  • substantially more efficient
  • clearly more electric range
  • visibly quicker 0–100 km/h
  • very slightly lighter
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Volvo XC90

5 (2 Reviews)
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All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.

By Achim Sedelmaier

GLC

The Battle of the Luxury SUVs: Mercedes GLC vs. Volvo XC90

In the ever-evolving world of luxury SUVs, two models consistently capture the attention of both critics and consumers alike: the Mercedes GLC and the Volvo XC90. Each brings its flavor of elegance, power, and innovation to the table, making it a tough choice for potential buyers. Let's delve into the technical specifications and unique innovations that these two vehicles boast, enabling a closer look at their distinctive offerings.

XC90

Power and Performance

The Mercedes GLC offers an extensive range of engine options, including petrol mild hybrid (MHEV), diesel MHEV, and plug-in hybrid variants. With horsepower options ranging from 186 HP to an impressive 680 HP, the GLC ensures that there's a powertrain to suit diverse driving preferences. Notably, it can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in as little as 3.5 seconds, with a top speed reaching up to 275 km/h.

On the other hand, the Volvo XC90 leans towards a streamlined engine selection, available in petrol MHEV and plug-in hybrid formats. With power outputs of 250 HP and 455 HP, the XC90 is no slouch, and its rapid acceleration of 5.4 seconds for 0-100 km/h should satisfy those with a need for speed. However, it caps its speed at 180 km/h, adhering to Volvo's safety commitment.

GLC

Fuel Efficiency and Environment

Fuel efficiency stands as a significant factor in the SUV buying decision. The GLC demonstrates commendable fuel consumption, especially in its plug-in hybrid variant, which offers an incredibly low consumption rate of just 0.4 L/100 km and an electric range of up to 130 km. The CO2 efficiency class varies across its models, with the best offering a 'B' class rating.

Volvo's XC90, prioritizing eco-friendly options, achieves a consumption rate as low as 1.2 L/100 km in its plug-in hybrid version, with an electric range of 71 km. It distinguishes itself with a solid 'B' CO2 efficiency rating, making it an attractive choice for environmentally conscious consumers.

XC90

Interior Space and Features

The Mercedes GLC offers seating for five passengers and an ample trunk capacity reaching up to 620 liters. It balances practical dimensions without compromising on roominess or comfort, making it ideal for families and road trips alike.

In contrast, the Volvo XC90 accommodates seven passengers, which may appeal to larger families. However, its trunk capacity ranges from 262 to 302 liters, potentially limiting luggage space. Volvo compensates for this with its emphasis on luxury and advanced safety features, creating a comfortable and secure cabin environment.

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Innovative Technologies and Safety

Mercedes prides itself on innovative technologies in the GLC, integrating its hallmark features such as the MBUX infotainment system, known for intuitive controls and stunning visuals. The cockpit is further enhanced by advanced driver-assistance systems, designed to offer a serene and secure driving experience.

Meanwhile, Volvo maintains its reputation for safety with the XC90, featuring state-of-the-art safety assists like Pilot Assist and City Safety functions that prevent collisions with both vehicles and pedestrians. The XC90's infotainment system seamlessly blends modern tech with user-friendly controls, ensuring a luxurious experience on the road.

XC90

Conclusion: A Choice of Preferences

The decision between the Mercedes GLC and the Volvo XC90 ultimately boils down to personal preference. The GLC impresses with its broad engine range and sporty performance figures, catering to those who favor dynamic driving and cutting-edge technology. Conversely, the XC90 offers a harmonious mix of eco-friendliness, safety, and family-oriented design, making it a sensible choice for those prioritizing passenger capacity and environmental impact. With each SUV leading its domain, the choice is yours to make.

Frequently compared as well

Mercedes GLC
Volvo EX60
VS
The Mercedes GLC and the Volvo EX60 take different approaches to the premium compact SUV segment: the GLC leans on refined ride, traditional luxury and a choice of petrol, mild-hybrid or plug-in options, while the EX60 emphasizes all-electric power, minimalist Scandinavian design and advanced …
Audi Q6 e-tron
Mercedes GLC
VS
The Audi Q6 e-tron and the Mercedes GLC represent two different takes on luxury midsize SUVs: the Q6 e-tron is Audi’s all-electric, tech-forward offering while the GLC is Mercedes’ established compact-luxury SUV available in conventional and electrified drivetrains. Choosing between them comes down …

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

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Costs and Efficiency:

Looking at overall running costs, both models reveal some interesting differences in everyday economy.

Mercedes GLC is considerably cheaper – starting at 50,300 £ , while the Volvo XC90 costs 74,300 £ . That’s a price difference of around 23,978 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Mercedes GLC uses 1.6 L/100km and is substantially more efficient than the Volvo XC90 with 3.4 L/100km. The difference is about 1.8 L/100km.

As for electric range, the Mercedes GLC offers clearly more range – reaching up to 128 km, about 59 km more than the Volvo XC90.

XC90

Engine and Performance:

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 GLC offers moderately more power – delivering 472 HP compared to 406 HP. That’s roughly 66 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Mercedes GLC is visibly quicker – completing the sprint in 4.2 s, while the Volvo XC90 takes 5.4 s. That’s about 1.2 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Mercedes GLC delivers slightly more torque with 750 Nm compared to 669 Nm. That’s about 81 Nm more.

GLC

Space and Everyday Use:

Whether family car or daily driver – which one offers more room, flexibility and comfort?

Seats: Volvo XC90 offers more seats – 7 vs 5.

In terms of curb weight, Mercedes GLC is very slightly lighter – 1,985 kg compared to 2,080 kg. The difference is around 95 kg.

When it comes to payload, the Volvo XC90 carries somewhat more – 710 kg compared to 575 kg. That’s a difference of about 135 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Mercedes GLC 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.

from £50,300
GLC

Mercedes GLC

  • Engine Type Diesel MHEV, Plugin Hybrid, Petrol MHEV
  • Transmission Automatic
  • Drive Type All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 186 - 472 HP
  • Consumption L/100km 1.6 - 9.4 L/100km
  • Electric Range 122 - 128 km
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Mercedes GLC
Volvo XC90

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

Mercedes GLC

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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Reviews Mercedes GLC

4.4 (13 Reviews)
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Zede
10 May 2026, 20:12:35

Too expensive! To justify it with technology that's equal or inferior.

Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
Marek
2 Jan 2026, 18:32:30

There’s something about a Mercedes — you have to take it for a spin to feel it and understand why it’s special.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Commuter (short/medium distance)
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money

Volvo XC90

The Volvo XC90 is a serene Scandinavian SUV that mixes minimalist luxury with a composed, confidence-inspiring presence — ideal for buyers who want family practicality without sacrificing style. Inside it serves up a calm, well-crafted cabin and user-friendly tech that keeps long journeys pleasant and tantrums to a minimum, making the XC90 a smart, stylish pick for sensible drivers.

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Reviews Volvo XC90

5 (2 Reviews)
rate
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16 May 2026, 03:34:35

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How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Commuter (short/medium distance)
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
Borstel
11 Nov 2025, 12:59:12

I drive both cars. The XC90’s boot is — contrary to the figures posted here — noticeably larger than the GLC’s when carrying five people. Overall the XC90 is clearly the more comfortable and, above all, the more stable — and therefore the safer — car.

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Mercedes GLC
Mercedes E-Class
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Volvo XC90
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Volvo XC90
VW Tayron
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The Volvo XC90 is the serene, safety-obsessed family flagship—roomy, plush and blessed with Volvo’s calm Scandinavian style and efficient hybrid options that make long hauls a pleasure. The VW Tayron, by contrast, is the scrappy value player: sharper to drive, loaded with slick tech for less money, …
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MG MGS9
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The Volvo XC90 and MG MGS9 compete for the top spot in your garage. See how both models differ in key areas like performance, running costs, interior space and technology. A fast, clear comparison helps you pick the one that fits your needs best.
Mazda CX-80
Volvo XC90
VS
In the CX-80 vs XC90 duel, Mazda punches above its class with an elegant, driver-focused cabin and taut handling that makes this three-row SUV feel more like a sporty wagon, while Volvo’s XC90 leans into Scandinavian calm — airy space, top-tier safety kit and a plush ride. Choose the Mazda if you …
Mercedes GLC
Toyota RAV4
VS
Choosing between the Mercedes GLC and the Toyota RAV4 comes down to whether you prioritize luxury and driving refinement or practicality and low running costs. The GLC brings a more premium cabin, sharper handling and advanced tech, while the RAV4 focuses on reliability, fuel efficiency and …
Mercedes GLC
Volvo XC90

Costs and Consumption
Price
50,300 - 82,100 £
Price
74,300 - 84,600 £
Consumption L/100km
1.6 - 9.4 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
3.4 - 8.3 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
122 - 128 km
Electric Range
69 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
41 - 214 g/km
co2
71 - 188 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
SUV
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
7
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,985 - 2,400 kg
Curb weight
2,080 - 2,350 kg
Trunk capacity
390 - 620 L
Trunk capacity
-
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,890 - 1,920 mm
Width
1,923 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
475 - 575 kg
Payload
600 - 710 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Diesel MHEV, Plugin Hybrid, Petrol MHEV
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
186 - 472 HP
Power HP
250 - 406 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.2 - 9 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
5.4 - 7.7 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
380 - 750 Nm
Torque
360 - 669 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4 - 6
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
137 - 347 kW
Power kW
184 - 299 kW
Engine capacity
1,993 - 2,999 cm3
Engine capacity
1,969 cm3

General
Model Year
2,025 - 2,026
Model Year
2,025 - 2,026
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, B, E, F, G
CO2 Efficiency Class
G, B
Brand
Mercedes-Benz
Brand
Volvo
Is the Mercedes GLC offered with different drivetrains?

Available configurations include All-Wheel Drive.

DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. The displayed prices are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted to the respective country’s VAT. Country-specific registration taxes are not included. This information is not legally binding.