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Mercedes S Class vs Volvo XC90 comparison

Compare performance (585 HP vs 455 HP), boot space and price (104,000 £ vs 69,800 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Mercedes S Class or Volvo XC90?

Mercedes S Class vs Volvo XC90: Key differences

Mercedes S Class

  • visibly more power
  • considerably more efficient
  • markedly more electric range
  • visibly quicker 0–100 km/h
details

Volvo XC90

5 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • substantially cheaper
  • marginally 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.

By Achim Sedelmaier

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

S Class

Costs and Efficiency:

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

Volvo XC90 is substantially cheaper – starting at 69,800 £ , while the Mercedes S Class costs 104,000 £ . That’s a price difference of around 34,257 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Mercedes S Class uses 2.2 L/100km and is considerably more efficient than the Volvo XC90 with 3.5 L/100km. The difference is about 1.3 L/100km.

As for electric range, the Mercedes S Class offers markedly more range – reaching up to 118 km, about 47 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 S Class offers visibly more power – delivering 585 HP compared to 455 HP. That’s roughly 130 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Mercedes S Class is visibly quicker – completing the sprint in 4 s, while the Volvo XC90 takes 5.4 s. That’s about 1.4 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Mercedes S Class delivers only slightly more torque with 750 Nm compared to 709 Nm. That’s about 41 Nm more.

S Class

Space and Everyday Use:

Cabin size, boot volume and payload all play a role in everyday practicality. Here, comfort and flexibility make the difference.

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

In terms of curb weight, Volvo XC90 is marginally lighter – 2,080 kg compared to 2,165 kg. The difference is around 85 kg.

When it comes to payload, the Volvo XC90 carries marginally more – 710 kg compared to 660 kg. That’s a difference of about 50 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Mercedes S Class is far ahead overall 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 £104,000
S Class

Mercedes S Class

  • Engine Type : Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid, Diesel MHEV
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : All-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 336 - 585 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 2.2 - 10.6 L/100km
  • Electric Range : 102 - 118 km
details

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Mercedes S Class
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Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

Mercedes S Class

The Mercedes S-Class wraps peerless comfort, whisper-quiet luxury and subtle tech wizardry into a chauffeur-ready package that still knows how to engage the driver. It’s the car for buyers who want to arrive relaxed, be taken seriously and occasionally enjoy a grin when the road reminds them this limousine can dance.

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Reviews Mercedes S Class

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

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 (1 Reviews)
rate
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 S Class
Volvo XC90

Costs and Consumption
Price
104,000 - 139,100 £
Price
69,800 - 84,600 £
Consumption L/100km
2.2 - 10.6 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
3.5 - 8.5 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
102 - 118 km
Electric Range
71 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
50 - 241 g/km
co2
79 - 191 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
71 L

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
Sedan
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
7
Doors
-
Doors
5
Curb weight
2,165 - 2,515 kg
Curb weight
2,080 - 2,297 kg
Trunk capacity
-
Trunk capacity
262 - 302 L
Length
-
Length
4,953 mm
Width
1,921 mm
Width
1,923 mm
Height
-
Height
1,771 mm
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
1,856 L
Payload
555 - 660 kg
Payload
653 - 710 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid, Diesel MHEV
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
336 - 585 HP
Power HP
250 - 455 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4 - 5.7 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
5.4 - 7.7 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
180 km/h
Torque
560 - 750 Nm
Torque
360 - 709 Nm
Number of Cylinders
6 - 8
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
247 - 430 kW
Power kW
184 - 335 kW
Engine capacity
2,989 - 3,982 cm3
Engine capacity
1,969 cm3

General
Model Year
2026
Model Year
2,024 - 2,025
CO2 Efficiency Class
G, B, F
CO2 Efficiency Class
G, B
Brand
Mercedes-Benz
Brand
Volvo
Is the Mercedes S Class offered with different drivetrains?

The Mercedes S Class is offered with All-Wheel Drive or Rear-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.