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Mercedes GLS vs Volvo XC40 comparison

Compare performance (404 HP vs 197 HP), boot space and price (92,700 £ vs 41,900 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Mercedes GLS or Volvo XC40?

Mercedes GLS vs Volvo XC40: Key differences

Mercedes GLS

4.3 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • substantially more power
  • markedly quicker 0–100 km/h
details

Volvo XC40

4.9 (8 Reviews)
rate
  • clearly cheaper
  • noticeably more efficient
  • clearly lighter
details

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

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

GLS

Costs and Efficiency:

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

Volvo XC40 is clearly cheaper – starting at 41,900 £ , while the Mercedes GLS costs 92,700 £ . That’s a price difference of around 50,757 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Volvo XC40 uses 6.5 L/100km and is noticeably more efficient than the Mercedes GLS with 7.9 L/100km. The difference is about 1.4 L/100km.

XC40

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 GLS offers substantially more power – delivering 404 HP compared to 197 HP. That’s roughly 207 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Mercedes GLS is markedly quicker – completing the sprint in 5.6 s, while the Volvo XC40 takes 7.6 s. That’s about 2 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Mercedes GLS delivers clearly more torque with 750 Nm compared to 300 Nm. That’s about 450 Nm more.

GLS

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.

Seats: Mercedes GLS offers more seats – 7 vs 5.

In terms of curb weight, Volvo XC40 is clearly lighter – 1,688 kg compared to 2,580 kg. The difference is around 892 kg.

When it comes to payload, the Mercedes GLS carries visibly more – 820 kg compared to 532 kg. That’s a difference of about 288 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Mercedes GLS is decisively ahead 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 £92,700
GLS

Mercedes GLS

  • Engine Type Petrol MHEV, Diesel MHEV
  • Transmission Automatic
  • Drive Type All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 336 - 404 HP
  • Consumption L/100km 7.9 - 9.9 L/100km
details

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Mercedes GLS
Volvo XC40

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

Mercedes GLS

The GLS — usually just called the GLS — is Mercedes' flagship SUV, wrapping limousine-like comfort and commanding road presence into a smart, family-ready package. It pampers occupants with a hushed cabin, premium materials and intuitive tech, while still managing to feel confident and a little indulgent on the daily commute.

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Reviews Mercedes GLS

4.3 (1 Reviews)
rate

No reviews yet. Share your experience and help others decide.

Volvo XC40

The Volvo XC40 blends Scandinavian design with practical versatility, offering a compact luxury crossover that feels composed and easy to live with. It’s refined and focused on safety with a high-quality interior, making it a smart choice for daily city driving and weekend escapes.

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Reviews Volvo XC40

4.9 (8 Reviews)
rate
Pim de Bruijn
15 Jun 2026, 14:27:59

After many new Volvos — including a V70 and an XC90 — I've now bought a lightly used XC40 from the dealer. In every respect it was the best choice.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Leisure / Weekend driver
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
Trentini Paolo
7 May 2026, 13:45:44

Delivered a few days ago — a radical change after 5 VW Golfs, most recently a T‑Roc.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): City / Short distance
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
S. M.
20 Apr 2026, 09:07:56

Excellent

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

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Mercedes GLS
Volvo XC40

Costs and Consumption
Price
92,700 - 104,600 £
Price
41,900 - 46,100 £
Consumption L/100km
7.9 - 9.9 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
6.5 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
206 - 226 g/km
co2
148 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
SUV
Body Type
SUV
Seats
7
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
2,580 - 2,670 kg
Curb weight
1,688 kg
Trunk capacity
355 L
Trunk capacity
-
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,956 mm
Width
1,863 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
810 - 820 kg
Payload
532 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Diesel MHEV
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
336 - 404 HP
Power HP
163 - 197 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
5.6 - 6.2 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7.6 - 8.6 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
560 - 750 Nm
Torque
265 - 300 Nm
Number of Cylinders
6
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
247 - 297 kW
Power kW
120 - 145 kW
Engine capacity
2,989 - 2,999 cm3
Engine capacity
1,969 cm3

General
Model Year
2026
Model Year
2026
CO2 Efficiency Class
G
CO2 Efficiency Class
E
Brand
Mercedes-Benz
Brand
Volvo
Is the Mercedes GLS offered with different drivetrains?

The Mercedes GLS is available as 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.