VS
At a Glance
Power
500 kW
232kW@5850
Torque
1020 Nm
440Nm@3900
Fuel
11.0 when hybrid battery discharged / 7.
13.5
Towing
1800 Kg
2250
0-100 km/h
3.5 s
7.3
Engine
1991 cc
4414
Choosing between the Mercedes-AMG GLC and the VOLVO XC90 is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Mercedes-AMG GLC delivers 500 kW while the VOLVO XC90 produces 232kW@5850. On fuel, the GLC returns 11.0 when hybrid battery discharged / 7.5 combined l/100km while the XC90 uses 13.5 — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R2 896 143 for the GLC and R774 900 for the XC90. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output
500 kW
232kW@5850
Torque
1020 Nm
440Nm@3900
0-100 kph
3.5 s
7.3
Top Speed
275 Km/h
210
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1991 cc
4414
Engine Layout
inline
TRANSVERSE V 8
Cylinders
4
8
Fuel Type
petrol-electric hybrid
UNLEADED
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
AUTOMATIC
Number of Gears
9
6
Drive Wheels
all
ALL
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Low Range
—
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
11.0 when hybrid battery discharged / 7.
13.5
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
20
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
9.8
Fuel Tank Capacity
65 l
80
CO2 Emissions
170 combined g/km
317
Dimensions
Length
4792 mm
4807
Width
1920-2076 mm
1898
Height
1603 mm
1784
Wheelbase
2888 mm
2857
Ground Clearance
—
218
Kerb Weight
2235 DIN / 2310 EU Kg
2201
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
7
Load Volume
390-1335 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
1800 Kg
2250
Load Capacity
550 l
914
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
7
6
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
Optional
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Optional
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✗
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
Optional
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✗
Sunroof
✓ Standard
Optional
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
Optional
Electric Seat Adjustment
—
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
Optional
✗
Tow Bar
✓ Standard
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
2
12
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
—
Service Plan
—
M
Service Intervals
service interval indicator
20000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
GLC
Fuel Economy
GLC
Value
XC90
Practicality
XC90
Pros & Cons
Mercedes-AMG GLC
Better fuel economy (11.0 when hybrid battery discharged / 7.5 combined l/100km)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (3.5 ss)
Higher starting price
VOLVO XC90
Lower starting price (R774 900)
Higher towing capacity (2250)
Higher fuel consumption (13.5)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the GLC or XC90?
The GLC uses 11.0 when hybrid battery discharged / 7.5 combined l/100km and the XC90 uses 13.5 on the combined cycle. The GLC is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the GLC or XC90?
The GLC produces 500 kW and 1020 Nm of torque while the XC90 delivers 232kW@5850 and 440Nm@3900 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the GLC and XC90?
The GLC starts from R2 896 143 and the XC90 from R774 900. The XC90 is cheaper by R2 121 243 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the GLC or XC90?
The GLC has a braked towing capacity of 1800 Kg and the XC90 can tow 2250. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the GLC or the XC90?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.