Volvo EX40 vs Mercedes-Benz EQB
Two electric SUVs go head to head. Which EV is the better buy for Australian drivers in 2026?
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 Volvo EX40 starts from $76,990 before on-road costs, while the Mercedes-Benz EQB opens at $84,900. That makes the Volvo EX40 the more affordable entry point by $7,910.
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 $84,689 and $93,390 respectively.
Both models qualify for Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) exemption, which is a significant advantage for salary-sacrificed novated leases. Depending on your tax bracket, this can save $5,000-$15,000+ per year compared to an equivalent ICE vehicle.
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 Volvo EX40 features a 9-inch touchscreen, while the Mercedes-Benz EQB gets a 10.3-inch display and 10.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Volvo EX40 stands out with head-up display, heated front seats, power tailgate and Harman Kardon audio that you will not find on the Mercedes-Benz EQB. The Mercedes-Benz EQB counters with ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Volvo EX40 uses a Electric producing 185kW and 420Nm of torque, sent through a single-speed to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.3 seconds.
The Mercedes-Benz EQB responds with a Electric making 140kW and 375Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.9 seconds.
The Volvo EX40 has the clear power advantage at 185kW vs 140kW. In the real-world sprint, the Volvo EX40 is 1.6s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 82kWh (Volvo EX40) vs 66.5kWh (Mercedes-Benz EQB), giving WLTP ranges of 520km and 465km. DC fast charging peaks at 150kW (Volvo EX40) vs 100kW (Mercedes-Benz EQB).
Space & Comfort
The Volvo EX40 measures 4,440mm long on a 2,702mm wheelbase, 244mm shorter than the Mercedes-Benz EQB at 4,684mm (2,829mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mercedes-Benz EQB generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 536L in the Volvo EX40 and 495L in the Mercedes-Benz EQB, giving the Volvo EX40 a 41L advantage. The Mercedes-Benz EQB seats 7 vs 5.
For towing, the Mercedes-Benz EQB leads with a 1,800kg braked capacity vs 1,800kg. That 0kg 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 11.4m
Based on 11.4m 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 (Volvo EX40) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mercedes-Benz EQB). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Volvo EX40 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Volvo's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mercedes-Benz EQB if: You or prefer Mercedes-Benz's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Volvo EX40 takes 8 of 8 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. If boot space matters, the Volvo EX40 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, Volvo EX40 and Mercedes-Benz EQB?
The Volvo EX40 is the cheapest at $76,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Mercedes-Benz EQB by $7,910.
Which has the longest driving range?
The Volvo EX40 has the most range at 520km (WLTP).
Which charges fastest?
The Volvo EX40 accepts the highest DC charging at up to 150kW.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Mercedes-Benz EQB all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Volvo EX40 has the largest boot at 536L.
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.
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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