Mercedes-Benz GLB vs Volvo EX40
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Price Breakdown
The Mercedes-Benz GLB starts from $63,900 before on-road costs, while the Volvo EX40 opens at $69,990. That makes the Mercedes-Benz GLB the more affordable entry point by $6,090.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $70,290 and $76,989 respectively.
The Volvo EX40 qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Mercedes-Benz GLB, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
The Mercedes-Benz GLB features a 10.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-inch digital dash, while the Volvo EX40 gets a 9-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Mercedes-Benz GLB stands out with ambient lighting that you will not find on the Volvo EX40. The Volvo EX40 counters with head-up display and Harman Kardon audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Mercedes-Benz GLB gets synthetic leather upholstery while the Volvo EX40 offers textile/leather blend.
Drivetrain
The Mercedes-Benz GLB uses a Petrol producing 120kW and 250Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9.4 seconds.
The Volvo EX40 responds with a Electric making 185kW and 420Nm, paired to a single-speed driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.3 seconds.
The Volvo EX40 has the clear power advantage at 185kW vs 120kW. In the real-world sprint, the Volvo EX40 is 2.1s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Mercedes-Benz GLB measures 4,634mm long on a 2,829mm wheelbase, 194mm longer than the Volvo EX40 at 4,440mm (2,702mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mercedes-Benz GLB generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 570L in the Mercedes-Benz GLB and 536L in the Volvo EX40, giving the Mercedes-Benz GLB a 34L advantage. The Mercedes-Benz GLB seats 7 vs 5.
For towing, the Volvo EX40 leads with a 1,800kg braked capacity vs 1,600kg. That 200kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.4m to 11.6m
Based on 11.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz GLB) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Volvo EX40). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mercedes-Benz GLB if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Volvo EX40 if: You prioritise performance, need stronger towing, or prefer Volvo's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Volvo EX40 takes 3 of 5 key spec categories. If boot space matters, the Mercedes-Benz GLB has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Mercedes-Benz GLB and Volvo EX40?
The Mercedes-Benz GLB is the cheapest at $63,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Volvo EX40 by $6,090.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mercedes-Benz GLB uses the least fuel at 6.5L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Mercedes-Benz GLB all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Mercedes-Benz GLB has the largest boot at 570L.
Which can tow the most?
The Volvo EX40 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,800kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Volvo EX40 makes the most power at 185kW. The Volvo EX40 is quickest to 100km/h in 7.3s.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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