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Volvo XC40 vs Mercedes GLC comparison

Compare performance (197 HP vs 472 HP), boot space and price (41,900 £ vs 50,300 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Volvo XC40 or Mercedes GLC?

Volvo XC40 vs Mercedes GLC: Key differences

Volvo XC40

4.9 (8 Reviews)
rate
  • noticeably cheaper
  • moderately lighter
details

Mercedes GLC

4.4 (13 Reviews)
rate
  • substantially more power
  • considerably more efficient
  • significantly quicker 0–100 km/h
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

XC40

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are key factors when choosing a car – and this is often where the real differences emerge.

Volvo XC40 is noticeably cheaper – starting at 41,900 £ , while the Mercedes GLC costs 50,300 £ . That’s a price difference of around 8,422 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Mercedes GLC uses 1.6 L/100km and is considerably more efficient than the Volvo XC40 with 6.5 L/100km. The difference is about 4.9 L/100km.

GLC

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 GLC offers substantially more power – delivering 472 HP compared to 197 HP. That’s roughly 275 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Mercedes GLC is significantly quicker – completing the sprint in 4.2 s, while the Volvo XC40 takes 7.6 s. That’s about 3.4 s quicker.

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

XC40

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.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, Volvo XC40 is moderately lighter – 1,688 kg compared to 1,985 kg. The difference is around 297 kg.

When it comes to payload, the Mercedes GLC carries very slightly more – 575 kg compared to 532 kg. That’s a difference of about 43 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Mercedes GLC 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 £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
details

Frequently compared as well

Volvo EX40
Volvo XC40
VS
The Volvo EX40 and Volvo XC40 put two sides of Volvo’s compact-SUV line-up head-to-head: the EX40 is a dedicated electric model focused on efficiency, range and modern tech, while the XC40 is a versatile compact SUV available with petrol, hybrid and electric options that delivers a more traditional …
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 …
Volvo XC40
Mercedes GLC

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

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

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)
rate
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

Frequently compared as well

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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 …
Ford Kuga
Volvo XC40
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The Ford Kuga is the zippier, more practical pick — roomy, better value and a bit more fun to drive — while the Volvo XC40 trades that scrappiness for a quieter, upmarket cabin, class-leading safety tech and unmistakable Scandinavian polish. If you want driving engagement and bang for your buck go …
Lexus NX
Volvo XC40
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The Lexus NX and Volvo XC40 are two leading compact luxury SUVs that blend premium craftsmanship with everyday practicality. The NX leans toward refined comfort and dependable hybrid tech, while the XC40 emphasizes clean Scandinavian design, clever packaging and class-leading safety—so choice …
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 …
Hyundai Tucson
Volvo XC40
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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 …
Audi Q6 e-tron
Mercedes GLC
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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 …
Volvo EC40
Volvo XC40
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The Volvo C40 and Volvo XC40 are closely related compact Volvos that deliver strong safety, premium interiors and modern tech, but they take different routes: the C40 is a coupe‑styled, electric‑first model focused on design and emission‑free driving, while the XC40 is a more conventional SUV …
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
Mercedes GLC

Costs and Consumption
Price
41,900 - 46,100 £
Price
50,300 - 82,100 £
Consumption L/100km
6.5 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
1.6 - 9.4 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
122 - 128 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
148 g/km
co2
41 - 214 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
SUV
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,688 kg
Curb weight
1,985 - 2,400 kg
Trunk capacity
-
Trunk capacity
390 - 620 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,863 mm
Width
1,890 - 1,920 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
532 kg
Payload
475 - 575 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV
Engine Type
Diesel MHEV, Plugin Hybrid, Petrol MHEV
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
163 - 197 HP
Power HP
186 - 472 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7.6 - 8.6 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.2 - 9 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
265 - 300 Nm
Torque
380 - 750 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
4 - 6
Power kW
120 - 145 kW
Power kW
137 - 347 kW
Engine capacity
1,969 cm3
Engine capacity
1,993 - 2,999 cm3

General
Model Year
2026
Model Year
2,025 - 2,026
CO2 Efficiency Class
E
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, B, E, F, G
Brand
Volvo
Brand
Mercedes-Benz
What drive types are available for the Volvo XC40?

The Volvo XC40 is available as Front-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.