Mercedes-Benz GLC X253 vs Volvo XC60 MK1

Mercedes-Benz GLC

X253 · 2015 – 2022

The first-generation GLC on the MRA platform.

Volvo XC60

MK1 · 2008 – 2017

The first-generation XC60 (MK1), on the P3 platform.

First car

Second car

Pick this one if…

Mercedes-Benz GLC

Pick the GLC for space, comfort and efficient engines in a premium mid-size SUV.

Best engine: The GLC 220 d (diesel) or GLC 250 (petrol) — the sweet spot.

Read the full guide

Pick this one if…

Volvo XC60

Pick the MK1 for an affordable, safe and comfortable SUV with a strong D4/D5 diesel.

Best engine: The D4/D5 five-cylinder diesel, preferably post-2013 facelift.

Read the full guide

Performance

M274 GLC 250 · Petrol vs D4 2.0 190 · Diesel

	Mercedes-Benz GLC	Volvo XC60
Power	211 hp Winner	190 hp
Torque	350 Nm	400 Nm Winner
0–100 km/h	7,3 s Winner	8,4 s
Top speed	222 km/h Winner	205 km/h
Power-to-weight	121,6 hp/t Winner	105,6 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	152 g/km	129 g/km Winner
Consumption (WLTP)	6,5 L/100km	4,9 L/100km Winner

Dimensions & space

	Mercedes-Benz GLC	Volvo XC60
Boot	550 L Winner	495 L
Boot (seats folded)	1.600 L Winner	1.455 L
Wheelbase	2,87 m Winner	2,77 m
Length	4,66 m	4,64 m
Ground clearance	12,3 cm	23,0 cm
Turning circle	11,8 m	11,7 m Winner
Towing capacity (braked)	2.500 kg Winner	2.000 kg

Powertrain & tech

	Mercedes-Benz GLC	Volvo XC60
Platform	MRA (rear-wheel-drive base)	P3 (shared with V70/S80)
Drive	Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive
Engine family	M274/M264 petrol · OM651/OM654 diesel · plug-in hybrid	2.0/2.4 five-cylinder diesel (D3/D4/D5) · 2.0 T5 · 3.0 T6 petrol
Transmission	9-speed 9G-TRONIC	8-speed Geartronic automatic
Fuel	Petrol	Diesel
Euro standard	Euro 6	Euro 6
LEZ access	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)	⚠️ Banned from Antwerp & Ghent from January 1, 2026

Reliability & watch-outs

Known issues

Mercedes-Benz GLC

Early OM651 diesel: timing chain and AdBlue/NOx watch-points
9G-TRONIC: fluid changes recommended earlier than official intervals
AIRMATIC air suspension can leak at high mileage
COMAND/MBUX software glitches (mostly fixed via updates)

Volvo XC60

Neglected Haldex/AWD fluid services
Diesels: DPF/EGR with urban use
Timing belt (diesel) on interval

Pros

Mercedes-Benz GLC

550 L boot growing to ~1,600 L — roomy for a mid-size SUV
Efficient OM654 2.0 diesel (GLC 220 d: 194 hp / 400 Nm)
MRA rear-wheel-drive platform with optional 4MATIC
GLC 350 e PHEV: 320 hp system output and 560 Nm, company-car friendly

Volvo XC60

Comfortable and safe (early City Safety)
Strong five-cylinder diesels
Affordable used

Cons

Mercedes-Benz GLC

OM651/OM654 diesel: AdBlue/DPF watch-points with lots of short trips
PHEV (GLC 350 e) shrinks boot space (395 L)
Complex electronics and air suspension need dealer maintenance

Volvo XC60

Dated infotainment
Haldex/AWD needs fluid services
Early T6 can use oil

Driving experience

Mercedes-Benz GLC

Comfortable, quiet and more car-like than its height suggests. The GLC steers accurately with light, consistent weighting, rides well on the standard suspension, and stays hushed at motorway speeds. 4MATIC is standard on most versions and adds sure-footed traction without altering the relaxed character. The M274/M264 petrols are smooth and willing, the OM654 diesel is the economical distance choice, and the 300 e plug-in covers short trips on electric power. The 9G-Tronic shifts unobtrusively. It is a well-rounded, easy-to-live-with compact SUV that does everything competently.

Volvo XC60

Composed and secure for a mid-size SUV of its era, with light steering that suits motorway and urban driving. The ride is comfortable on standard wheels, and body roll is present yet managed. Diesels deliver strong low-end torque for motorway use. It prioritises comfort and safety over sharp dynamics, with good visibility.