VS
At a Glance
Power
162 kW
300 kW
Torque
440 Nm
670 Nm
Fuel
5.1 l/100km
18.7 kWh/100km l/100km
Towing
2500 Kg
1800 Kg
0-100 km/h
8.1 s
4.7 s
Engine
1993 cc
electric cc
Choosing between the Mercedes-Benz GLC and the Volvo EC40 is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Mercedes-Benz GLC delivers 162 kW while the Volvo EC40 produces 300 kW. On fuel, the GLC returns 5.1 l/100km while the EC40 uses 18.7 kWh/100km l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 443 773 for the GLC and R1 396 800 for the EC40. 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
300 kW
Torque
440 Nm
670 Nm
0-100 kph
8.1 s
4.7 s
Top Speed
225 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
5.1 l/100km
18.7 kWh/100km l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
62 l
82 kWh l
CO2 Emissions
130 g/km
—
Dimensions
Length
4764 mm
4440 mm
Width
1890-2075 mm
1873-2034 mm
Height
1605 mm
1591 mm
Wheelbase
2888 mm
2702 mm
Ground Clearance
—
171 mm
Kerb Weight
1945 DIN / 2020 EU Kg
2210 DIN / 2185 EU Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
545 - 1490 l
404-1310 + 31 front l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2500 Kg
1800 Kg
Load Capacity
530 l
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
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
EC40
Fuel Economy
GLC
Value
EC40
Practicality
GLC
Pros & Cons
Mercedes-Benz GLC
Better fuel economy (5.1 l/100km)
Higher towing capacity (2500 Kg)
Less power than rival (162 kW vs 300 kW)
Higher starting price
Volvo EC40
More powerful engine (300 kW)
Lower starting price (R1 396 800)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (4.7 ss)
Higher fuel consumption (18.7 kWh/100km l/100km)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the GLC or EC40?
The GLC uses 5.1 l/100km and the EC40 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 EC40?
The GLC produces 162 kW and 440 Nm of torque while the EC40 delivers 300 kW and 670 Nm of torque. The EC40 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the GLC and EC40?
The GLC starts from R1 443 773 and the EC40 from R1 396 800. The EC40 is cheaper by R46 973 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the GLC or EC40?
The GLC has a braked towing capacity of 2500 Kg and the EC40 can tow 1800 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the GLC or the EC40?
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.