2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs. 2021 Volvo XC60: unmatched variety
April 16 2021,
The compact luxury SUV segment is one of the most coveted by buyers looking for a product that will offer them everything, but at a reasonable price. We're talking about a rich environment, a great driving experience, but also a satisfying customer experience and a worthy resale value.
There are plenty of quality players in the category, including the Mercedes-Benz GLC and the Volvo XC60. However, when you take the time to compare the two, you'll find that the Mercedes-Benz representative has a head start on its rival.
Here's how we can tell.
Two GLCs
The Volvo XC60 has a unique shape. The model is elegant and has nothing to envy to the Mercedes-Benz GLC, which offers an equally eye-catching style. However, the German representative comes in two body styles: a regular model and a coupe-style version. The latter features a rear end with truly spectacular lines.
The engines
Each model offers three engine configurations, but there is a huge difference between them. In the case of the Volvo, we're talking about a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine at on all trims, i.e. the T5, T6 and T8 versions. It's actually the configuration of its turbo that changes, so it can offer power ratings ranging from 250 to 415 horsepower.
With the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC, the three powertrains are a turbocharged 4-cylinder (GLC 300), a twin-turbo V6 (GLC AMG 43), as well as a twin-turbo V8 (GLC AMG 63 S). In order, the engines are 2, 3 and 4 liters. Above all, they are more powerful, this time offering a range between 255 and 503 horsepower.
And with a vehicle that offers high performance, nothing replaces the flexibility and sound of a V8 engine. Nothing.
Multimedia system
The Mercedes-Benz multimedia system, MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience), has been praised since its debut two years ago. It's user-friendly and allows for a truly impressive interaction between man and machine. Moreover, it is hyper user-friendly. This is the opposite of the approach advocated by Volvo. The latter is unnecessarily complicated and forces the driver to take his eyes off the road to perform operations. It's not even a close call.
Residual value
Finally, even though the Volvo XC60 offers good value to consumers, it doesn't come close to what the Mercedes-Benz GLC offers. It's just that with residual value, the consumer comes out a winner, not to mention that the German company's image of prestige is second to none.
