VS
At a Glance
Power
162 kW
183 kW
Torque
440 Nm
350 Nm
Fuel
5.2 l/100km
8.1 l/100km
Towing
2500 Kg
2400 Kg
0-100 km/h
8.0 s
7.7 s
Engine
1993 cc
1969 cc
Choosing between the Mercedes-Benz GLC and the Volvo Xc90 is one of the most common decisions car buyers in South Africa face. The Mercedes-Benz GLC delivers 162 kW while the Volvo Xc90 produces 183 kW. On fuel, the GLC returns 5.2 l/100km while the Xc90 uses 8.1 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 278 902 for the GLC and R1 657 500 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.
Specification
Mercedes-Benz GLC220d 4matic AMG 2026 - From R1 278 902
Volvo Xc90B5 AWD Ultra DARK 2025 - From R1 657 500
Performance
Power Output
162 kW
183 kW
Torque
440 Nm
350 Nm
0-100 kph
8.0 s
7.7 s
Top Speed
219 Km/h
180 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1993 cc
1969 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
diesel
petrol
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
9
8
Drive Wheels
all
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
5.2 l/100km
8.1 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
62 l
71 l
CO2 Emissions
130 g/km
183 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4716 mm
4953 mm
Width
1890-2076 mm
1931-2140 mm
Height
1640 mm
1771 mm
Wheelbase
2888 mm
2984 mm
Ground Clearance
—
212-252 mm
Kerb Weight
1925 DIN / 2000 EU Kg
2035 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
7
Load Volume
620-1680 l
301-980-1950 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2500 Kg
2400 Kg
Load Capacity
550 lkg
—
Safety
Euro NCAP Rating
—
5stars
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
7
7
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
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
Optional
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
Optional
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
Optional
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
✓ Standard
Optional
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
2
5
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
100000 Km
Service Intervals
service interval indicator
20000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Xc90
Fuel Economy
GLC
Value
GLC
Practicality
Xc90
Pros & Cons
Mercedes-Benz GLC
Better fuel economy (5.2 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R1 278 902)
Higher towing capacity (2500 Kg)
Less power than rival (162 kW vs 183 kW)
Volvo Xc90
More powerful engine (183 kW)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (7.7 ss)
Higher fuel consumption (8.1 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the GLC or Xc90?
The GLC uses 5.2 l/100km and the Xc90 uses 8.1 l/100km on the combined cycle. The GLC is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the GLC or Xc90?
The GLC produces 162 kW and 440 Nm of torque while the Xc90 delivers 183 kW and 350 Nm of torque. The Xc90 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the GLC and Xc90?
The GLC starts from R1 278 902 and the Xc90 from R1 657 500. The GLC is cheaper by R378 598 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 2500 Kg and the Xc90 can tow 2400 Kg. 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.