Mercedes-Benz GLC X253 vs Volvo XC60 MK2

Mercedes-Benz GLC

X253 · 2015 – 2022

The first-generation GLC on the MRA platform.

Volvo XC60

MK2 · 2017 – 2026

The second-generation XC60 (MK2), on the SPA 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 MK2 for a premium, safe and refined SUV with an efficient B5 mild-hybrid or quick T8.

Best engine: The B5 mild-hybrid (petrol) — or the T8 plug-in hybrid.

Read the full guide

Performance

M274 GLC 250 · Petrol vs B5 2.0 250 · Petrol

	Mercedes-Benz GLC	Volvo XC60
Power	211 hp	250 hp Winner
Torque	350 Nm	350 Nm
0–100 km/h	7,3 s	6,9 s Winner
Top speed	222 km/h Winner	180 km/h
Power-to-weight	121,6 hp/t	137,4 hp/t Winner
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	152 g/km Winner	154 g/km
Consumption (WLTP)	6,5 L/100km Winner	6,8 L/100km

Dimensions & space

	Mercedes-Benz GLC	Volvo XC60
Boot	550 L Winner	505 L
Boot (seats folded)	1.600 L Winner	1.543 L
Wheelbase	2,87 m Winner	2,87 m
Length	4,66 m	4,71 m
Ground clearance	12,3 cm	21,6 cm
Turning circle	11,8 m	11,4 m Winner
Towing capacity (braked)	2.500 kg Winner	2.400 kg

Powertrain & tech

	Mercedes-Benz GLC	Volvo XC60
Platform	MRA (rear-wheel-drive base)	SPA (shared with XC90/V90/S90)
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 D4/D5 diesel · 2.0 B4/B5/B6 mild-hybrid · 2.0 T8 plug-in hybrid
Transmission	9-speed 9G-TRONIC	8-speed Geartronic automatic
Fuel	Petrol	Petrol
Euro standard	Euro 6	Euro 6d
LEZ access	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)

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

Infotainment software and Sensus glitches
12V battery drain (early cars)
T8: ERAD and battery need monitoring

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

Premium interior and hushed comfort
Strong safety equipment
Efficient mild-hybrids and quick T8

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

Infotainment can glitch
12V battery can drain
Not focused on sharp dynamics

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, with light, accurate steering that suits motorway and urban driving. The ride is comfortable on standard wheels but firmer on larger alloys, and body roll is present yet managed. Mild-hybrid petrols deliver usable performance with strong low-end torque; the T8 plug-in hybrid is notably quicker. It prioritises comfort and safety over sharp dynamics, with good visibility.