2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class vs 2025 Volvo XC40

$49,250 · Crossover

$40,650 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical disparity between the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class (Car 1) and the 2025 Volvo XC40 (Car 2) is the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), with the GLC starting $8,600 higher at $49,250 versus the XC40's $40,650 entry point. Performance metrics favor the GLC, as it delivers 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, exceeding the XC40's 247 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. Fuel efficiency is nearly identical, with the GLC achieving a combined 27 MPG against the XC40's 26 MPG, though the GLC requires premium fuel while the XC40 only recommends it. In terms of size, the GLC is notably longer at 185.7 inches compared to the XC40's 174.8 inches, translating to slightly more available cargo space at 21.9 cubic feet versus 20.4 cubic feet. While both are premium crossovers, the Mercedes offers superior raw output and space for a substantial premium.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Volvo XC40

The Volvo XC40 is the better commuter due to its lower entry price of $40,650 and standard All-Wheel Drive configuration.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

The Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class offers 21.9 cu ft of cargo capacity and a marginally superior 27 MPG combined rating for family utility.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

The GLC produces higher output with 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque compared to the XC40's 247 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2025 Volvo XC40

The Volvo XC40 offers a compelling feature set for $8,600 less than the base Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class if...

You prioritize higher engine performance, evidenced by the 255 hp output.
You require the maximum available cargo volume of 21.9 cubic feet in this comparison.
You prefer a standard Rear Wheel Drive platform paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission.

Choose the Volvo XC40 if...

Budget sensitivity is paramount, given the $40,650 starting MSRP.
All-Wheel Drive capability is essential, as it comes standard on the XC40.
You want to use regular fuel, as the XC40 only recommends premium, unlike the GLC which requires it.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class	Volvo XC40
Length	185.7"	174.8"
Width	74.4"	73.7"
Height	64.6"	65.0"
Wheelbase	113.7"	106.4"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Volvo
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Brake Drying	✓	—
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	—
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Preparation System	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Adaptive Headlights	✓	—
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	—
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Power Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	—	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	—	✓
Front Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Rear Folding Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Volvo
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	mild hybrid
Horsepower	255 hp @ 5800 rpm	247 hp @ 5400 rpm
Torque	295 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm	258 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm
Number of Valves	16	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Volvo
Transmission Type	9-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	rear wheel drive	all wheel drive
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Volvo
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	premium unleaded (recommended)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	24/32 MPG	23/30 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	27 MPG	26 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	417.6/556.8 mi.	326.6/426.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	17.4 gal.	14.2 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Volvo
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	—
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	—
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	✓	—
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Automatic Parking Assist	✓	—
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	✓
Cruise Control	✓	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	—
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	—
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	—	✓
Simulated Alloy Trim on Steering Wheel	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Volvo
Infotainment Display	11.9 in	9.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	5	8
Subwoofer Count	1	—
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	6 months	3 months
Stereo Power	—	250W
Android Auto (Wired)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Volvo
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Moonroof Type	1st Row Power Glass	—
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Reverse Tilt Dual Mirrors	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Volvo
Front Head Room	41.3 in.	39.0 in.
Front Leg Room	40.7 in.	40.9 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.3 in.	56.7 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	10-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Thigh Extension	✓	—
Driver Seat Memory Settings	3	2
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	10-way	—
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	✓	—
Passenger Seat Memory Settings	3	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Front Hip Room	—	54.7 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	—	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	—	8-way

Rearseats

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Volvo
Rear Head Room	39.7 in.	39.1 in.
Rear Leg Room	37.4 in.	36.1 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	56.6 in.	56.3 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	—
Rear Hip Room	—	54.6 in.
Folding Rear Seat Feature	—	✓
Pass-Thru Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Volvo
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Size	18 x 8.0 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	235/60R18	235/55R18
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy
Wheel Diameter	—	18 in

Suspension

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Volvo
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Volvo
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Hybrid Component Warranty	6 yr./ 62000 mi.	—
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	12 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ unlimited mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	—	3 yr./ 30000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class and 2025 Volvo XC40.

What is the primary cost difference between the 2025 GLC-Class and the 2025 XC40?

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class has an MSRP of $49,250, which is $8,600 more expensive than the 2025 Volvo XC40's starting price of $40,650. This price gap is the largest quantifiable difference between the two base models.

How do the horsepower and torque figures compare for these two premium crossovers?

The Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class slightly leads in performance specifications, offering 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. The Volvo XC40 is rated at 247 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque.

Which vehicle is physically larger based on exterior dimensions?

The GLC-Class is the physically larger vehicle, measuring 185.7 inches in length compared to the XC40's 174.8 inches. However, the XC40 is marginally taller by 0.4 inches (65.0 in vs 64.6 in).

Is there a significant difference in fuel economy between the two models?

The difference is minimal, with the GLC achieving 27 MPG combined (24/32) and the XC40 achieving 26 MPG combined (23/30). A key difference is the fuel requirement: the GLC mandates premium fuel, while the XC40 only recommends it.

Does one vehicle include All-Wheel Drive standard over the other?

Yes, the 2025 Volvo XC40 comes standard with an All-Wheel Drive system. In contrast, the base 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class is configured with Rear Wheel Drive.

How does the cargo space compare between the GLC-Class and the XC40?

The GLC-Class offers a larger usable space with 21.9 cubic feet of cargo capacity. The Volvo XC40 trails slightly, providing 20.4 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats.