VS
At a Glance
Power
162 kW
315 kW
Torque
440 Nm
543 Nm
Fuel
5.2 l/100km
18.7 kWh/100km l/100km
Towing
2500 Kg
1600 Kg
0-100 km/h
8.0 s
3.7 s
Engine
1993 cc
electric cc
Choosing between the Mercedes-Benz GLC and the Volvo EX30 is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Mercedes-Benz GLC delivers 162 kW while the Volvo EX30 produces 315 kW. On fuel, the GLC returns 5.2 l/100km while the EX30 uses 18.7 kWh/100km l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 194 201 for the GLC and R1 165 000 for the EX30. 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
162 kW
315 kW
Torque
440 Nm
543 Nm
0-100 kph
8.0 s
3.7 s
Top Speed
219 Km/h
180 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1993 cc
electric cc
Engine Layout
inline
—
Cylinders
4
—
Fuel Type
diesel
electric
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
9
—
Drive Wheels
all
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
5.2 l/100km
18.7 kWh/100km l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
62 l
69 kWh l
CO2 Emissions
130 g/km
—
Dimensions
Length
4716 mm
4233 mm
Width
1890-2076 mm
1850-2040 mm
Height
1640 mm
1567 mm
Wheelbase
2888 mm
2650 mm
Ground Clearance
—
190 mm
Kerb Weight
1925 DIN / 2000 EU Kg
1960 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
620-1680 l
400-1000 rear + 7 front l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2500 Kg
1600 Kg
Load Capacity
550 l
375 l
Safety
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
—
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
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
2
5 vehicle / 8 battery
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
100000 vehicle / 160000 battery Km
Service Intervals
service interval indicator
30000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
EX30
Fuel Economy
GLC
Value
EX30
Practicality
GLC
Pros & Cons
Mercedes-Benz GLC
Better fuel economy (5.2 l/100km)
Higher towing capacity (2500 Kg)
Less power than rival (162 kW vs 315 kW)
Higher starting price
Volvo EX30
More powerful engine (315 kW)
Lower starting price (R1 165 000)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (3.7 ss)
Higher fuel consumption (18.7 kWh/100km l/100km)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the GLC or EX30?
The GLC uses 5.2 l/100km and the EX30 uses 18.7 kWh/100km 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 EX30?
The GLC produces 162 kW and 440 Nm of torque while the EX30 delivers 315 kW and 543 Nm of torque. The EX30 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the GLC and EX30?
The GLC starts from R1 194 201 and the EX30 from R1 165 000. The EX30 is cheaper by R29 201 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the GLC or EX30?
The GLC has a braked towing capacity of 2500 Kg and the EX30 can tow 1600 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the GLC or the EX30?
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.