Matchup
Volvo XC60 vs Mercedes-Benz GLC
The 2026 XC60 B5 Plus against the 2026 GLC 300 4MATIC, through ten physics labs and every official rating we could find.
Last checked Oct 3, 2026. Every figure links to its source.
The short answer
- In the trims shown, the GLC costs $2,895 less: $52,800 against $55,695 for the XC60, destination included. PublishedVolvoPublishedMercedes
- The GLC stops from 70 mph in 161 ft, 5 ft shorter than the XC60 (166 ft). TestedCar and DriverTestedCar and Driver
- On low beams, the fastest you can drive the GLC and still stop inside the lit road is 78 mph; in the XC60 it’s 57 mph (dry road, 1.5-second reaction). Simulatedfrom IIHSSimulatedfrom IIHS
- The GLC gets to 60 mph 0.7 s sooner: 5.7 s against 6.4 s. TestedCar and DriverTestedCar and Driver
At a glance
| XC60 | GLC | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price, this trim | $55,695PublishedVolvo | $52,800PublishedMercedes |
| Powertrain | 2.0 L turbo four (B420T11) + 48-V integrated starter-generator, mild hybrid · On-demand AWD (electronically controlled rear coupling) | 2.0 L turbo four (M254) + 48-V integrated starter-generator (up to 23 hp / 148 lb-ft boost), mild hybrid · 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive |
| 0–60 mph, tested or claimed | 6.4 sTestedCar and Driver | 5.7 sTestedCar and Driver |
| Braking 70–0 mph, tested | 166 ft (50.6 m)TestedCar and Driver | 161 ft (49.1 m)TestedCar and Driver |
| EPA combined | 26 mpg (9.0 L/100 km)PublishedEPA | 26 mpg (9.0 L/100 km)PublishedEPA |
| Cargo behind the second row | 21.6 cu ft (612 L)PublishedVolvo | 21.9 cu ft (620 L)PublishedMercedes |
| Large suitcases, packed | 3Simulatedfrom Volvo | 3Simulatedfrom Mercedes |
| Seats | 5PublishedEdmunds | 5Published |
| Crash ratings | NHTSA 5★ overall · IIHS crash tests G/G/A | IIHS Top Safety Pick |
Acceleration
The GLC gets to 60 mph 0.7 s sooner: 5.7 s against 6.4 s.
| XC60 | GLC | |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 247 hp (184 kW)PublishedVolvo | 255 hp (190 kW)PublishedMercedes |
| Torque | 266 lb-ft (361 Nm)PublishedVolvo | 295 lb-ft (400 Nm)PublishedMercedes |
| 0–60 mph, tested or claimed | 6.4 sTestedCar and Driver | 5.7 sTestedCar and Driver |
| 0–60 mph, our simulation | 6.6 sSimulatedfrom Volvo | 5.8 sSimulatedfrom Car and Driver |
| Passing, 50–70 mph | 5.1 sTestedCar and Driver | 4.5 sTestedCar and Driver |
| Quarter mile | 14.9 sTestedCar and Driver | 14.4 sTestedCar and Driver |
Braking and stopping distance
The GLC stops from 70 mph in 161 ft, 5 ft shorter than the XC60 (166 ft).
| XC60 | GLC | |
|---|---|---|
| Braking 70–0 mph, tested | 166 ft (50.6 m)TestedCar and Driver | 161 ft (49.1 m)TestedCar and Driver |
| Braking 60–0 mph, tested | 130 ft (39.6 m)TestedMotorTrend | 109 ft (33.2 m)TestedMotorTrend |
| Wet road from 70 mph, 1 s reaction | 348 ft (106.2 m)Simulatedfrom Car and Driver | 345 ft (105.0 m)Simulatedfrom Car and Driver |
| Dry road from 70 mph, 1 s reaction | 269 ft (81.9 m)Simulatedfrom Car and Driver | 264 ft (80.3 m)Simulatedfrom Car and Driver |
| Packed snow from 30 mph, 1 s reaction | 161 ft (49.2 m)Simulatedfrom Car and Driver | 230 ft (70.1 m)Simulatedfrom Car and Driver |
Rollover
No meaningful gap between the XC60 and the GLC on what we can measure here.
| XC60 | GLC | |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA rollover rating | 4★ · 14.7% riskTestedNHTSA | no data |
| Sideways slide that trips it into a roll | 12 mph (19 km/h)Simulated, estimated inputs | 12 mph (19 km/h)Simulated, estimated inputs |
| Static stability factor (half-track ÷ CoG height) | 1.26Simulated, estimated inputs | 1.26Simulated, estimated inputs |
Efficiency and running costs
No meaningful gap between the XC60 and the GLC on what we can measure here.
| XC60 | GLC | |
|---|---|---|
| EPA combined | 26 mpg (9.0 L/100 km)PublishedEPA | 26 mpg (9.0 L/100 km)PublishedEPA |
| Fuel or charging, 15,000 mi a year | $2,583/yrDerivedEPA | $2,583/yrDerivedEPA |
| Steady 75 mph, our simulation | 29 mpg (8.1 L/100 km)Simulated, estimated inputs | 31 mpg (7.6 L/100 km)Simulated, estimated inputs |
| Drag coefficient | 0.32PublishedVolvo | 0.29PublishedMercedes |
Grip, snow and maneuvering
On packed snow the XC60 can pull away at 0.28 g, against 0.17 g for the GLC.
| XC60 | GLC | |
|---|---|---|
| Skidpad grip, tested | 0.85 gTestedCar and Driver | 0.88 gTestedCar and Driver |
| Cornering grip, our simulation | 0.85 gSimulatedfrom Car and Driver | 0.88 gSimulatedfrom Car and Driver |
| Pulling away on packed snow | 0.28 gSimulatedfrom Car and Driver | 0.17 gSimulatedfrom Car and Driver |
| Turning circle | 37.4 ft (11.4 m)PublishedVolvo | 38.7 ft (11.8 m)PublishedMercedes |
| Ground clearance | 8.5 in (22 cm)PublishedEdmunds | 7.4 in (19 cm)PublishedFields Motorcars (dealer spec data) |
| Tires | All-season 235/55R19 · 235/55R19PublishedEdmunds | Continental EcoContact 6 MO 255/45R20 F / 285/40R20 R · 255/45R20 F / 285/40R20 RTestedCar and Driver |
Space, luggage and fit
No meaningful gap between the XC60 and the GLC on what we can measure here.
| XC60 | GLC | |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5PublishedEdmunds | 5Published |
| Large suitcases, packed | 3Simulatedfrom Volvo | 3Simulatedfrom Mercedes |
| Carry-ons in the space left | 0Simulatedfrom Volvo | 0Simulatedfrom Mercedes |
| Cargo behind the second row | 21.6 cu ft (612 L)PublishedVolvo | 21.9 cu ft (620 L)PublishedMercedes |
| Cargo, seats folded | 63.3 cu ft (1,792 L)PublishedVolvo | 56.3 cu ft (1,594 L)PublishedMercedes |
| Towing | 3,500 lb (1,588 kg)PublishedVolvo | 3,500 lb (1,588 kg)PublishedMercedes |
| Driver head room, 6 ft 4 in driver | −0.1 in (0 cm)Simulatedfrom Edmunds | +0.4 in (1 cm)Simulated, estimated inputs |
| Driver head room, 5 ft 11 in driver | +2.2 in (5 cm)Simulatedfrom Edmunds | +2.7 in (7 cm)Simulated, estimated inputs |
| Driver head room, 5 ft 4 in driver | +5.0 in (13 cm)Simulatedfrom Edmunds | +5.7 in (14 cm)Simulated, estimated inputs |
| Rear head room, 5 ft 11 in passenger | +2.1 in (5 cm)Simulatedfrom Edmunds | +2.2 in (6 cm)Simulated, estimated inputs |
| Rear knee room, 5 ft 11 in behind 5 ft 11 in | +2.5 in (6 cm)Simulatedfrom Edmunds | +2.1 in (5 cm)Simulated, estimated inputs |
| Rear head and knee, 6 ft 4 in behind 6 ft 4 in | −0.4 in head · −1.8 in kneeSimulatedfrom Edmunds | −0.3 in head · −2.2 in kneeSimulated, estimated inputs |
| Front head room, published | 38.0 in (97 cm)PublishedVolvo | 41.3 in (105 cm)PublishedMercedes |
| Rear head room, published | 38.0 in (97 cm)PublishedEdmunds | 39.7 in (101 cm)PublishedMercedes |
| Rear leg room, published | 38.0 in (97 cm)PublishedEdmunds | 37.4 in (95 cm)PublishedMercedes |
Visibility
From the driver’s seat the XC60’s hood hides the first 21 ft of road; the GLC’s hides 25 ft.
| XC60 | GLC | |
|---|---|---|
| Road hidden in front of the bumper, 5 ft 9 in driver | 21 ft (6.5 m)Simulated | 25 ft (7.7 m)Simulated |
| Ground visible within 33 ft ahead | 37%Simulated | 34%Simulated |
Headlights and night stopping
On low beams, the fastest you can drive the GLC and still stop inside the lit road is 78 mph; in the XC60 it’s 57 mph (dry road, 1.5-second reaction).
| XC60 | GLC | |
|---|---|---|
| IIHS headlight rating | AcceptableTestedIIHS | GoodTestedIIHS |
| Low beams, straight road (right edge) | 235 ft (71.7 m)TestedIIHS | 374 ft (114.0 m)TestedIIHS |
| Fastest you can stop inside the low beams | 57 mph (91 km/h)Simulatedfrom IIHS | 78 mph (126 km/h)Simulatedfrom IIHS |
| High beams, straight road (right edge) | 517 ft (157.6 m)TestedIIHS | 477 ft (145.5 m)TestedIIHS |
Crash safety
In the IIHS side test the GLC rates Good and the XC60 Acceptable.
| XC60 | GLC | |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA overall | 5★TestedNHTSA | no data |
| IIHS small overlap front | GoodTestedIIHS | GoodTestedIIHS |
| IIHS moderate overlap front (updated) | GoodTestedIIHS | GoodTestedIIHS |
| IIHS side (updated) | AcceptableTestedIIHS | GoodTestedIIHS |
| IIHS award | no data | 2026 Top Safety PickPublishedIIHS |
| Curb weight | 4,107 lb (1,863 kg)TestedCar and Driver | 4,406 lb (1,999 kg)TestedCar and Driver |
Where each one wins
Volvo XC60
- From the driver’s seat the XC60’s hood hides the first 21 ft of road; the GLC’s hides 25 ft. Simulated
- On packed snow the XC60 can pull away at 0.28 g, against 0.17 g for the GLC. Simulatedfrom Car and DriverSimulatedfrom Car and Driver
- The XC60 rides higher: 8.5 in of ground clearance against 7.4 in. PublishedEdmundsPublishedFields Motorcars (dealer spec data)
Mercedes-Benz GLC
- In the trims shown, the GLC costs $2,895 less: $52,800 against $55,695 for the XC60, destination included. PublishedVolvoPublishedMercedes
- The GLC stops from 70 mph in 161 ft, 5 ft shorter than the XC60 (166 ft). TestedCar and DriverTestedCar and Driver
- On low beams, the fastest you can drive the GLC and still stop inside the lit road is 78 mph; in the XC60 it’s 57 mph (dry road, 1.5-second reaction). Simulatedfrom IIHSSimulatedfrom IIHS
- The GLC gets to 60 mph 0.7 s sooner: 5.7 s against 6.4 s. TestedCar and DriverTestedCar and Driver
- IIHS measured the GLC’s low beams lighting the road 139 ft farther on a straightaway: 374 ft against 235 ft. TestedIIHSTestedIIHS
- Passing from 50 to 70 mph takes 4.5 s in the GLC and 5.1 s in the XC60. TestedCar and DriverTestedCar and Driver
- IIHS rates the GLC’s headlights Good and the XC60’s Acceptable. TestedIIHSTestedIIHS
- In the IIHS side test the GLC rates Good and the XC60 Acceptable. TestedIIHSTestedIIHS
- The GLC held 0.88 g on the skidpad against 0.85 g for the XC60. TestedCar and DriverTestedCar and Driver
Other trims
- XC60 B5 Plus · on this page
- XC60 T8 Ultra
- GLC 300 4MATIC · on this page
- GLC 350e 4MATIC
Keep comparing
Sources
- Volvo Cars USA: 2026 XC60 trims and starting MSRP (includes $1,395 destination) (2026-09)
- Mercedes-Benz USA (media.mbusa.com): 2026 Mercedes-Benz model line updates and pricing (GLC 300 4MATIC $51,550, GLC 350e 4MATIC $60,300; excludes $1,250 destination) (2025-09)
- Car and Driver: Tested: 2018 Volvo XC60 T5 AWD (2018-05)
- Car and Driver: Tested: 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC300 4Matic Adds Junk to the Trunk (2023-05)
- IIHS: 2026 Volvo XC60 ratings (crash tests apply to 2018–26 models) (2026-09)
- IIHS: 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC 4-door SUV ratings (apply to 2023–26 / 2024–26 models) (2026-10)
- US EPA (fueleconomy.gov): 2026 Volvo XC60 B5 AWD and T8 AWD ratings (2026-09)
- US EPA (fueleconomy.gov): 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC300 4matic ratings (2026-10)
- Volvo Cars USA: 2026 XC60 mild hybrid specifications (B5 AWD) (2026-09)
- Mercedes-Benz USA: GLC 300 4MATIC SUV specifications (mbusa.com, now showing model year 2027) (2026-10)
- Volvo Support US: XC60 vehicle dimensions (updated 03/30/2026) (2026-09)
- Edmunds: 2026 Volvo XC60 specs and features (prices, curb weight, tires, interior) (2026-09)
- Volvo Support: XC60 engine specifications (B420T11 B5 AWD) (2026-09)
- MotorTrend: 2018 Volvo XC60 T5 and T6 First Test (2017-10)
- MotorTrend: 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC300 4Matic First Test (2023-05)
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings: 2026 Volvo XC60 SUV MHEV AWD (VehicleId 20876) (2026-09)
- Volvo Car UK Media Newsroom: XC60 technical data (drag coefficient, frontal area, engine speeds) (2026-09)
- Mercedes-Benz AG (press kit): The new GLC: press kit (Cd 0.29, frontal area 2.60 m², dimensions) (2022-06)
- Fields Motorcars (dealer spec data): 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 SUV showroom: off-road geometry (187 mm max ground clearance) (2026-10)
- IIHS: IIHS pushes improvements in crash avoidance with 2026 awards (Mar 24, 2026) (2026-03)
Badges: Published figures come from the maker, a regulator or a rating agency; Tested from an independent instrumented test; Simulated are computed by our physics from those inputs (how); Estimate means no published value exists. Confirm figures with the maker or your dealer before you buy.