Mercedes-Benz GLC vs Volvo EX90
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 GLC starts from $89,900 before on-road costs, while the Volvo EX90 opens at $124,990. That makes the Mercedes-Benz GLC the more affordable entry point by $35,090.
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 $98,890 and $137,489 respectively.
The Volvo EX90 qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Mercedes-Benz GLC, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Safety Rundown
Both the Mercedes-Benz GLC and Volvo EX90 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 92% for the Mercedes-Benz GLC and 92% for the Volvo EX90.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. Both models are evenly matched with 6 out of 10 key ADAS systems.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 9 in the Mercedes-Benz GLC and 9 in the Volvo EX90. The Volvo EX90 adds a 360-degree camera that the Mercedes-Benz GLC misses.
Feature Showdown
The Mercedes-Benz GLC features a 11.9-inch touchscreen, while the Volvo EX90 gets a 14.5-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Volvo EX90 counters with heated front seats, ventilated seats and Bowers & Wilkins audio that the Mercedes-Benz GLC does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Mercedes-Benz GLC uses a Petrol producing 150kW and 300Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.2 seconds.
The Volvo EX90 responds with a Electric making 300kW and 770Nm, paired to a single-speed driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 5.9 seconds.
The Volvo EX90 has the clear power advantage at 300kW vs 150kW. In the real-world sprint, the Volvo EX90 is 2.3s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Mercedes-Benz GLC measures 4,716mm long on a 2,888mm wheelbase, 321mm shorter than the Volvo EX90 at 5,037mm (3,000mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Volvo EX90 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 600L in the Mercedes-Benz GLC and 365L in the Volvo EX90, giving the Mercedes-Benz GLC a 235L advantage. The Volvo EX90 seats 7 vs 5.
For towing, the Volvo EX90 leads with a 2,500kg braked capacity vs 2,000kg. That 500kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.9m to 12.4m
Based on 11.9m 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
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz GLC) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Volvo EX90). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mercedes-Benz GLC 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 EX90 if: You prioritise performance, need stronger towing, or prefer Volvo's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Volvo EX90 takes 4 of 6 key spec categories. If boot space matters, the Mercedes-Benz GLC 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 GLC and Volvo EX90?
The Mercedes-Benz GLC is the cheapest at $89,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Volvo EX90 by $35,090.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mercedes-Benz GLC uses the least fuel at 8.1L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Mercedes-Benz GLC and Volvo EX90 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 GLC has the largest boot at 600L.
Which can tow the most?
The Volvo EX90 has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,500kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Volvo EX90 makes the most power at 300kW. The Volvo EX90 is quickest to 100km/h in 5.9s.
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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