VS
At a Glance
Power
215 kW
224kW@5600
Torque
550 Nm
440Nm@2100
Fuel
5.5 l/100km
10.7
Towing
2500 Kg
2000
0-100 km/h
6.3 s
6.9
Engine
1993 cc
2953
Choosing between the Mercedes-Benz GLC and the VOLVO XC60 is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Mercedes-Benz GLC delivers 215 kW while the VOLVO XC60 produces 224kW@5600. On fuel, the GLC returns 5.5 l/100km while the XC60 uses 10.7 — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 347 055 for the GLC and R600 600 for the XC60. 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
224kW@5600
Torque
550 Nm
440Nm@2100
0-100 kph
6.3 s
6.9
Top Speed
243 Km/h
210
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1993 cc
2953
Engine Layout
inline
TRANSVERSE INLINE 6
Cylinders
4
6
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
5.5 l/100km
10.7
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
15.2
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
8.1
Fuel Tank Capacity
62 l
70
CO2 Emissions
147 g/km
249
Dimensions
Length
4716 mm
4644
Width
1890-2076 mm
1891-2120
Height
1640 mm
1713
Wheelbase
2888 mm
2774
Ground Clearance
—
230
Kerb Weight
1950 DIN / 2025 EU Kg
1835
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
620-1680 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2500 Kg
2000
Load Capacity
545 l
1450
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ 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
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Optional
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
Optional
Reversing Camera
Optional
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
Optional
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
60
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
100000
Service Plan
—
M
Service Intervals
service interval indicator
20000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Mercedes-Benz GLC
3 / 4 categories
Performance
GLC
Fuel Economy
GLC
Value
XC60
Practicality
GLC
Pros & Cons
Mercedes-Benz GLC
Better fuel economy (5.5 l/100km)
Higher towing capacity (2500 Kg)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (6.3 ss)
Higher starting price
VOLVO XC60
Lower starting price (R600 600)
Higher fuel consumption (10.7)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the GLC or XC60?
The GLC uses 5.5 l/100km and the XC60 uses 10.7 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 XC60?
The GLC produces 215 kW and 550 Nm of torque while the XC60 delivers 224kW@5600 and 440Nm@2100 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the GLC and XC60?
The GLC starts from R1 347 055 and the XC60 from R600 600. The XC60 is cheaper by R746 455 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the GLC or XC60?
The GLC has a braked towing capacity of 2500 Kg and the XC60 can tow 2000. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the GLC or the XC60?
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.