VS
At a Glance
Power
215 kW
340 kW
Torque
550 Nm
709 Nm
Fuel
5.5 l/100km
1.8 combined l/100km
Towing
2500 Kg
2400 Kg
0-100 km/h
6.3 s
5.3 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 215 kW while the Volvo Xc90 produces 340 kW. On fuel, the GLC returns 5.5 l/100km while the Xc90 uses 1.8 combined l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 431 756 for the GLC and R1 834 500 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 GLC300d 4matic AMG 2026 - From R1 431 756
Volvo Xc90T8 PLUS Bright (phev) 2025 - From R1 834 500
Performance
Power Output
215 kW
340 kW
Torque
550 Nm
709 Nm
0-100 kph
6.3 s
5.3 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-electric hybrid
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
supercharger + turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
9
8
Drive Wheels
all
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
5.5 l/100km
1.8 combined l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
62 l
71 litre + 19 kWh l
CO2 Emissions
147 g/km
40 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4716 mm
4953 mm
Width
1890-2076 mm
1931-2140 mm
Height
1640 mm
1767 mm
Wheelbase
2888 mm
2984 mm
Ground Clearance
—
212-252 mm
Kerb Weight
1950 DIN / 2025 EU Kg
2258 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
7
Load Volume
620-1680 l
298-977-1941 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2500 Kg
2400 Kg
Load Capacity
545 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 vehicle / 8 hybrid battery
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
100000 vehicle / 160000 hybrid battery Kkm
Service Intervals
service interval indicator
20000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Volvo Xc90
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Xc90
Fuel Economy
Xc90
Value
GLC
Practicality
Xc90
Pros & Cons
Mercedes-Benz GLC
Lower starting price (R1 431 756)
Higher towing capacity (2500 Kg)
Higher fuel consumption (5.5 l/100km)
Less power than rival (215 kW vs 340 kW)
Volvo Xc90
More powerful engine (340 kW)
Better fuel economy (1.8 combined l/100km)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (5.3 ss)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the GLC or Xc90?
The GLC uses 5.5 l/100km and the Xc90 uses 1.8 combined l/100km on the combined cycle. The Xc90 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 215 kW and 550 Nm of torque while the Xc90 delivers 340 kW and 709 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 431 756 and the Xc90 from R1 834 500. The GLC is cheaper by R402 744 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.