Volvo XC90 vs Mercedes-Benz GLC

The Volvo XC90 starts from $97,990 before on-road costs, while the Mercedes-Benz GLC opens at $89,900. That makes the Mercedes-Benz GLC the more affordable entry point by $8,090.

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 $107,789 and $98,890 respectively.

Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.

ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.

The Volvo XC90 features a 11.2-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Mercedes-Benz GLC gets a 11.9-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Volvo XC90 stands out with heated front seats and Bowers & Wilkins audio that you will not find on the Mercedes-Benz GLC. The Mercedes-Benz GLC counters with ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the Volvo XC90 gets leather upholstery while the Mercedes-Benz GLC offers synthetic leather. Climate control is 4-zone in the Volvo XC90 and 2-zone in the Mercedes-Benz GLC.

The Volvo XC90 uses a 2.0L 4-cyl turbocharged 48V mild hybrid B5 producing 183kW and 350Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 6.6 seconds.

The Mercedes-Benz GLC responds with a Petrol making 150kW and 300Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.2 seconds.

The Volvo XC90 has the clear power advantage at 183kW vs 150kW. In the real-world sprint, the Volvo XC90 is 1.6s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

The Volvo XC90 measures 4,953mm long on a 2,984mm wheelbase, 237mm longer than the Mercedes-Benz GLC at 4,716mm (2,888mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Volvo XC90 generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 810L in the Volvo XC90 and 600L in the Mercedes-Benz GLC, giving the Volvo XC90 a 210L advantage. The Volvo XC90 seats 7 vs 5.

For towing, the Volvo XC90 leads with a 2,400kg braked capacity vs 2,000kg. That 400kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,309/year for the Volvo XC90 and $2,138/year for the Mercedes-Benz GLC. That is a $171 annual difference in favour of the Mercedes-Benz GLC.

Estimated annual total: $2,309 (Volvo XC90) vs $2,138 (Mercedes-Benz GLC). The Mercedes-Benz GLC saves you roughly $171 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.

Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Volvo XC90) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz GLC). Both match on warranty length.