Mercedes-Benz GLB vs Volvo XC90
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.
Mercedes-Benz GLB
From $63,900
SUV
Petrol
120kW
6.5 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
570L
Volvo XC90
From $97,990
SUV
2.0L 4-cyl turbocharged 48V mild hybrid B5
183kW
8.4 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
810L
Price Breakdown
The Mercedes-Benz GLB starts from $63,900 before on-road costs, while the Volvo XC90 opens at $97,990. That makes the Mercedes-Benz GLB the more affordable entry point by $34,090.
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 $107,789 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Mercedes-Benz GLB by roughly $2,705 in fuel alone.
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, while the Volvo XC90 gets a 11.2-inch display. 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 XC90. The Volvo XC90 counters with head-up display, panoramic roof and Bowers & Wilkins audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
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 XC90 responds with a 2.0L 4-cyl turbocharged 48V mild hybrid B5 making 183kW and 350Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6.6 seconds.
The Volvo XC90 has the clear power advantage at 183kW vs 120kW. In the real-world sprint, the Volvo XC90 is 2.8s 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, 319mm shorter than the Volvo XC90 at 4,953mm (2,984mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Volvo XC90 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 570L in the Mercedes-Benz GLB and 810L in the Volvo XC90, giving the Volvo XC90 a 240L advantage.
For towing, the Volvo XC90 leads with a 2,400kg braked capacity vs 1,600kg. That 800kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.6m to 12.4m
Based on 11.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 12.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,853/year for the Mercedes-Benz GLB and $2,394/year for the Volvo XC90. That is a $541 annual difference in favour of the Mercedes-Benz GLB.
Estimated annual total: $1,853 (Mercedes-Benz GLB) vs $2,394 (Volvo XC90). The Mercedes-Benz GLB saves you roughly $541 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz GLB) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Volvo XC90). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mercedes-Benz GLB if: You want the lower entry price, want lower running costs, or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Volvo XC90 if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Volvo's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Volvo XC90 takes 4 of 6 key spec categories. The Mercedes-Benz GLB will save you roughly $541 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Volvo XC90 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 XC90?
The Mercedes-Benz GLB is the cheapest at $63,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Volvo XC90 by $34,090.
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 Volvo XC90 has the largest boot at 810L.
Which can tow the most?
The Volvo XC90 has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,400kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Volvo XC90 makes the most power at 183kW. The Volvo XC90 is quickest to 100km/h in 6.6s.
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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