VS
At a Glance
Power
162 kW
232kW@5850
Torque
440 Nm
440Nm@3900
Fuel
5.1 l/100km
13.5L/100km
Towing
2500 Kg
2250kg
0-100 km/h
8.1 s
7.3s
Engine
1993 cc
4414cc
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 232kW@5850. On fuel, the GLC returns 5.1 l/100km while the Xc90 uses 13.5L/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 443 773 for the GLC and R746 800 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 GLCCoupe 220d 4matic 2023 - From R1 443 773
Volvo Xc90V8 Executive Geartronic 7-Seater 2008 - From R746 800
Performance
Power Output
162 kW
232kW@5850
Torque
440 Nm
440Nm@3900
0-100 kph
8.1 s
7.3s
Top Speed
225 Km/h
210km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1993 cc
4414cc
Engine Layout
inline
TRANSVERSE V 8
Cylinders
4
8
Fuel Type
diesel
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
5.1 l/100km
13.5L/100km
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
20L/100km
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
9.8L/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
62 l
80L
CO2 Emissions
130 g/km
317g/km
Dimensions
Length
4764 mm
4798mm
Width
1890-2075 mm
1898mm
Height
1605 mm
1784mm
Wheelbase
2888 mm
2857mm
Ground Clearance
—
218mm
Kerb Weight
1945 DIN / 2020 EU Kg
2193kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
7
Load Volume
545 - 1490 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2500 Kg
2250kg
Load Capacity
530 lkg
1837kg
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
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
Optional
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✗
Sunroof
Optional
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
Xc90
Fuel Economy
GLC
Value
Xc90
Practicality
GLC
Pros & Cons
Mercedes-Benz GLC
Better fuel economy (5.1 l/100km)
Higher towing capacity (2500 Kg)
Higher starting price
Volvo Xc90
Lower starting price (R746 800)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (7.3ss)
Higher fuel consumption (13.5L/100km)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the GLC or Xc90?
The GLC uses 5.1 l/100km and the Xc90 uses 13.5L/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 232kW@5850 and 440Nm@3900 of torque. The Xc90 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the GLC and Xc90?
The GLC starts from R1 443 773 and the Xc90 from R746 800. The Xc90 is cheaper by R696 973 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 2250kg. 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.