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Mercedes SL Class vs Volvo XC40 comparison

Compare performance (816 HP vs 197 HP), boot space and price (112,700 £ vs 41,900 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Mercedes SL Class or Volvo XC40?

Mercedes SL Class vs Volvo XC40: Key differences

Mercedes SL Class

  • considerably more power
  • clearly quicker 0–100 km/h
details

Volvo XC40

4.9 (8 Reviews)
rate
  • significantly cheaper
  • noticeably more efficient
  • 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

SL Class

Costs and Efficiency:

When it comes to price and running costs, the biggest differences usually appear. This is often where you see which car fits your budget better in the long run.

Volvo XC40 is significantly cheaper – starting at 41,900 £ , while the Mercedes SL Class costs 112,700 £ . That’s a price difference of around 70,799 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Volvo XC40 uses 6.5 L/100km and is noticeably more efficient than the Mercedes SL Class with 9 L/100km. The difference is about 2.5 L/100km.

XC40

Engine and Performance:

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 SL Class offers considerably more power – delivering 816 HP compared to 197 HP. That’s roughly 619 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Mercedes SL Class is clearly quicker – completing the sprint in 2.9 s, while the Volvo XC40 takes 7.6 s. That’s about 4.7 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Mercedes SL Class delivers considerably more torque with 1,420 Nm compared to 300 Nm. That’s about 1,120 Nm more.

SL Class

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: Volvo XC40 offers more seats – 5 vs 4.

In terms of curb weight, Volvo XC40 is marginally lighter – 1,688 kg compared to 1,810 kg. The difference is around 122 kg.

When it comes to payload, the Volvo XC40 carries markedly more – 532 kg compared to 375 kg. That’s a difference of about 157 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Mercedes SL Class 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.

from £112,700
SL Class

Mercedes SL Class

  • Engine Type Petrol MHEV, Petrol, Plugin Hybrid
  • Transmission Automatic
  • Drive Type Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 435 - 816 HP
  • Consumption L/100km 9 - 13.6 L/100km
  • Electric Range 12 km
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Frequently compared as well

Nissan Qashqai
Volvo XC40
VS
The Nissan Qashqai is the sensible, hard-working compact SUV that delivers excellent everyday comfort, clever interior space and strong value for money — perfect if you want a reliable family car without the premium price tag. The Volvo XC40, by contrast, is a sharper, more upscale choice with a …
Skoda Karoq
Volvo XC40
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The Skoda Karoq is the sensible, spacious family SUV that puts practicality and value first — roomy boot, low running costs and a no-nonsense interior that feels built to last. The Volvo XC40, by contrast, serves up Scandi style, sharper tech and a more premium cabin (plus safety kit you can brag …
Mercedes SL Class
Volvo XC40

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

Mercedes SL Class

The Mercedes SL blends timeless elegance with a cheeky sense of occasion, its retractable roof turning any commute into a small celebratory parade. Behind the wheel it behaves like a grown-up sports car that prefers comfort and presence over headline-grabbing bravado, making it a tempting choice for buyers who want to arrive in style.

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Reviews Mercedes SL Class

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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Volvo V60
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The Volvo V60 is a sleek, premium estate built for refined cruising and carrying larger loads, while the Volvo XC40 is a compact SUV focused on city agility, practicality and a taller driving position. Choosing between them comes down to whether you want wagon-style space and long-distance comfort …
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Hyundai Tucson
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The Hyundai Tucson turns heads with bold styling, generous kit and wallet-friendly practicality, while the Volvo XC40 answers with crisp Scandinavian design, a cosseting cabin and a premium badge that justifies the extra euros. If you want bang-for-buck family usability and lots of equipment go …
Peugeot 3008
Volvo XC40
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The Peugeot 3008 is the extrovert of the pair—bold styling, a quirky, techy interior and strong value that make it a fun crossover to live with, while the Volvo XC40 plays the long game with understated Scandinavian style, class-leading safety and a more premium feel. Pick the 3008 if you want …
Volvo XC40
VW T-Roc
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Mercedes SL Class
Volvo XC40

Costs and Consumption
Price
112,700 - 219,300 £
Price
41,900 - 46,100 £
Consumption L/100km
9 - 13.6 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
6.5 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
12 km
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
206 - 309 g/km
co2
148 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
Roadster
Body Type
SUV
Seats
4
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,810 - 2,195 kg
Curb weight
1,688 kg
Trunk capacity
110 - 240 L
Trunk capacity
-
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,915 mm
Width
1,863 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
145 - 375 kg
Payload
532 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Petrol, Plugin Hybrid
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
435 - 816 HP
Power HP
163 - 197 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
2.9 - 4.7 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7.6 - 8.6 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
500 - 1,420 Nm
Torque
265 - 300 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4 - 8
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
320 - 600 kW
Power kW
120 - 145 kW
Engine capacity
1,991 - 3,982 cm3
Engine capacity
1,969 cm3

General
Model Year
2025
Model Year
2026
CO2 Efficiency Class
G
CO2 Efficiency Class
E
Brand
Mercedes-Benz
Brand
Volvo
What drive types are available for the Mercedes SL Class?

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