VS
At a Glance
Power
215 kW
145 kW
Torque
550 Nm
300 Nm
Fuel
5.5 l/100km
7.3 l/100km
Towing
2500 Kg
2100 Kg
0-100 km/h
6.3 s
8.4 s
Engine
1993 cc
1969 cc
Choosing between the Mercedes-Benz GLC and the Volvo XC40 is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Mercedes-Benz GLC delivers 215 kW while the Volvo XC40 produces 145 kW. On fuel, the GLC returns 5.5 l/100km while the XC40 uses 7.3 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 431 756 for the GLC and R842 300 for the XC40. 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
215 kW
145 kW
Torque
550 Nm
300 Nm
0-100 kph
6.3 s
8.4 s
Top Speed
243 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
front
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
5.5 l/100km
7.3 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
62 l
54 l
CO2 Emissions
147 g/km
165 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4716 mm
4425 mm
Width
1890-2076 mm
1863-2034 mm
Height
1640 mm
1652 mm
Wheelbase
2888 mm
2702 mm
Ground Clearance
—
211 mm
Kerb Weight
1950 DIN / 2025 EU Kg
1615 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
620-1680 l
452-893-1328 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2500 Kg
2100 Kg
Load Capacity
545 l
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ 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
Optional
Adaptive Cruise Control
Optional
Optional
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
—
Reversing Camera
Optional
Optional
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
Optional
Optional
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
Mercedes-Benz GLC
3 / 4 categories
Performance
GLC
Fuel Economy
GLC
Value
XC40
Practicality
GLC
Pros & Cons
Mercedes-Benz GLC
More powerful engine (215 kW)
Better fuel economy (5.5 l/100km)
Higher towing capacity (2500 Kg)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (6.3 ss)
Higher starting price
Volvo XC40
Lower starting price (R842 300)
Higher fuel consumption (7.3 l/100km)
Less power than rival (145 kW vs 215 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the GLC or XC40?
The GLC uses 5.5 l/100km and the XC40 uses 7.3 l/100km 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 XC40?
The GLC produces 215 kW and 550 Nm of torque while the XC40 delivers 145 kW and 300 Nm of torque. The GLC is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the GLC and XC40?
The GLC starts from R1 431 756 and the XC40 from R842 300. The XC40 is cheaper by R589 456 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the GLC or XC40?
The GLC has a braked towing capacity of 2500 Kg and the XC40 can tow 2100 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the GLC or the XC40?
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.