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Volvo XC40 vs Mercedes GLC comparison

Compare performance (197 HP vs 680 HP), boot space and price (36,800 £ 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

5 (4 Reviews)
rate
  • noticeably cheaper
  • moderately lighter

Mercedes GLC

4.4 (11 Reviews)
rate
  • substantially more power
  • considerably more efficient
  • significantly quicker 0–100 km/h
  • markedly more trunk space

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

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 36,800 £ , while the Mercedes GLC costs 50,300 £ . That’s a price difference of around 13,565 £.

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 680 HP compared to 197 HP. That’s roughly 483 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Mercedes GLC is significantly quicker – completing the sprint in 3.5 s, while the Volvo XC40 takes 7.6 s. That’s about 4.1 s quicker.

Looking at top speed, the Mercedes GLC is markedly faster – reaching 275 km/h, while the Volvo XC40 tops out at 180 km/h. The difference is around 95 km/h.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Mercedes GLC delivers considerably more torque with 1,020 Nm compared to 300 Nm. That’s about 720 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 1,910 kg. The difference is around 222 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Mercedes GLC offers markedly more boot space – 620 L compared to 452 L. That’s a difference of about 168 L.

For maximum load capacity, the Mercedes GLC offers clearly more capacity – up to 1,740 L, about 412 L more than the Volvo XC40.

When it comes to payload, the Mercedes GLC carries a bit more – 600 kg compared to 532 kg. That’s a difference of about 68 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 : Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid, Diesel MHEV, Electric
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 186 - 680 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 1.6 - 9.7 L/100km
  • Consumption kWh/100km : 14.9 - 16.6 kWh/100km
  • Electric Range : 12 - 714 km
details

Frequently compared as well

Skoda Karoq
Volvo XC40
VS
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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 wraps Scandinavian minimalism into a compact, city-ready SUV with a premium cabin that feels both practical and grown-up. It will suit buyers who prize safety, clever storage and a composed ride, proving that small dimensions don't mean small personality.

details
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Reviews Volvo XC40

5 (4 Reviews)
rate

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

Mercedes GLC

The Mercedes GLC blends plush cabin comfort and composed road manners into an SUV that feels more grown-up than it looks. It won’t shout for attention, but will quietly please buyers who want refinement, usable space and a touch of luxury without the drama.

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Reviews Mercedes GLC

4.4 (11 Reviews)
rate
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

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Volvo XC40
Mercedes GLC

Costs and Consumption
Price
36,800 - 47,200 £
Price
50,300 - 126,600 £
Consumption L/100km
6.5 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
1.6 - 9.7 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
14.9 - 16.6 kWh/100km
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
12 - 714 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
94 kWh
co2
147 - 148 g/km
co2
0 - 221 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
54 L
Fuel tank capacity
62 - 65 L

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
SUV
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
5
Doors
5
Curb weight
1,688 kg
Curb weight
1,910 - 2,535 kg
Trunk capacity
452 L
Trunk capacity
390 - 620 L
Length
4,425 mm
Length
4,716 - 4,845 mm
Width
1,863 mm
Width
1,890 - 1,913 mm
Height
1,652 mm
Height
1,603 - 1,644 mm
Max trunk capacity
1,328 L
Max trunk capacity
1,490 - 1,740 L
Payload
532 kg
Payload
475 - 600 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid, Diesel MHEV, Electric
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox, Reduction Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
163 - 197 HP
Power HP
186 - 680 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7.6 - 8.6 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
3.5 - 9 s
Max Speed
180 km/h
Max Speed
210 - 275 km/h
Torque
265 - 300 Nm
Torque
320 - 1,020 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
4 - 6
Power kW
120 - 145 kW
Power kW
137 - 500 kW
Engine capacity
1,969 cm3
Engine capacity
1,991 - 2,989 cm3

General
Model Year
2,024
Model Year
2,025 - 2,026
CO2 Efficiency Class
E
CO2 Efficiency Class
F, G, D, B, E, A
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.