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Mercedes S Class vs Volvo XC90 – Which model is better for everyday use?

Both models have their strengths – but which one suits you more?
Compare performance, efficiency, price and space directly: Mercedes S Class or Volvo XC90?

Mercedes S Class

Volvo XC90

5 (1 Reviews)
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Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

S Class @ Mercedes-Benz Group Media

Costs and Efficiency:

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

Volvo XC90 has a clearly perceptible advantage in terms of price – it starts at 69800 £, while the Mercedes S Class costs 97200 £. That’s a price difference of around 27408 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: Mercedes S Class manages with 2.30 L and is therefore significantly more efficient than the Volvo XC90 with 3.50 L. The difference is about 1.20 L per 100 km.

As for range, the Mercedes S Class performs distinct better – achieving up to 117 km, about 46 km more than the Volvo XC90.

XC90 @ Volvo Cars

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration say a lot about how a car feels on the road. This is where you see which model delivers more driving dynamics.

When it comes to engine power, the Mercedes S Class has a clearly edge – offering 802 HP compared to 455 HP. That’s roughly 347 HP more horsepower.

In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the Mercedes S Class is significantly quicker – completing the sprint in 3.30 s, while the Volvo XC90 takes 5.40 s. That’s about 2.10 s faster.

In terms of top speed, the Mercedes S Class performs evident better – reaching 250 km/h, while the Volvo XC90 tops out at 180 km/h. The difference is around 70 km/h.

There’s also a difference in torque: Mercedes S Class pulls convincingly stronger with 1430 Nm compared to 709 Nm. That’s about 721 Nm difference.

S Class @ Mercedes-Benz Group Media

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 noticeable more seating capacity – 7 vs 5.

In curb weight, Mercedes S Class is hardly perceptible lighter – 2070 kg compared to 2080 kg. The difference is around 10 kg.

In terms of boot space, the Mercedes S Class offers decisively more room – 550 L compared to 302 L. That’s a difference of about 248 L.

When it comes to payload, Mercedes S Class minimal takes the win – 730 kg compared to 710 kg. That’s a difference of about 20 kg.

Who comes out on top?

Overall, the Mercedes S Class shows itself to be leaves the rival little chance and secures the title of DriveDuel Champion.
It convinces with the more balanced overall package and proves to be the more versatile choice for everyday use.

Mercedes S Class
Volvo XC90

Costs and Consumption

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Engine and Performance

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Dimensions and Body

View detailed analysis
from about £97,200
S Class @ Mercedes-Benz Group Media

Mercedes S Class

  • Engine Type : Petrol MHEV, Petrol, Plugin Hybrid, Diesel MHEV
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : All-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 336 - 802 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 2.3 - 13.2 L
  • Electric Range : 31 - 117 km

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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Volvo XC90

5 (1 Reviews)
rate

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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Mercedes S Class
Volvo XC90
S Class @ Mercedes-Benz Group Media
XC90 @ Volvo Cars

Costs and Consumption

Price
97200 - 204400 £
Price
69800 - 84600 £
Consumption L/100km
2.3 - 13.2 L
Consumption L/100km
3.5 - 8.5 L
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
31 - 117 km
Electric Range
71 km
Battery Capacity
10.40 kWh
Battery Capacity
14.70 kWh
co2
52 - 301 g/km
co2
79 - 191 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
65 - 76 L
Fuel tank capacity
71 L

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
Sedan
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
7
Doors
4
Doors
5
Curb weight
2070 - 2650 kg
Curb weight
2080 - 2297 kg
Trunk capacity
325 - 550 L
Trunk capacity
262 - 302 L
Length
5179 - 5469 mm
Length
4953 mm
Width
1921 - 1954 mm
Width
1923 mm
Height
1503 - 1515 mm
Height
1771 mm
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
1816 - 1856 L
Payload
420 - 730 kg
Payload
653 - 710 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Petrol, 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 - 802 HP
Power HP
250 - 455 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
3.3 - 5.9 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
5.4 - 7.7 s
Max Speed
250 km/h
Max Speed
180 km/h
Torque
500 - 1430 Nm
Torque
360 - 709 Nm
Number of Cylinders
6 - 12
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
247 - 590 kW
Power kW
184 - 335 kW
Engine capacity
2989 - 5980 cm3
Engine capacity
1969 cm3

General

Model Year
2024 - 2025
Model Year
2024 - 2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
G, E, F, B
CO2 Efficiency Class
G, B
Brand
Mercedes-Benz
Brand
Volvo
What drive types are available for the Mercedes S Class?

The Mercedes S Class is available as All-Wheel Drive or Rear-Wheel Drive.

The prices and data displayed are estimates based on German list prices and may vary by country. This information is not legally binding.