A user asks, “Meng Ge, how do I choose between the Mercedes GLC and the Volvo XC60 T8? Which one do you recommend?” Many long-time fans of Snail Car Journal might chuckle at this. I own an XC60 T8. Over the years, it has been my main vehicle. Recently, I test drove the new XC60 T8 in Chengdu. It no longer goes by T8; it’s now called the plug-in hybrid. I praised it again. You might think I would recommend the XC60 T8 without hesitation.
Congratulations, you guessed wrong! I chose the Volvo XC60 T8 because it suits me best, but it may not suit you. If a reviewer blindly recommends their favorite car to everyone, that’s unprofessional and irresponsible. So, let’s compare these two cars and see their differences.
First, the brand matters. As part of BBA, most people in China see Mercedes as slightly better than Volvo. It has a bit more prestige. If we ignore emotional value, the GLC outshines the XC60 T8 in appearance and interior design. Volvo’s biggest problem is its slow updates. No matter how great Nordic design is, you can’t use the same look for years. It leads to aesthetic fatigue. In contrast, Mercedes has not had a major update for the GLC, but it consistently refreshes its appearance. The new models look genuinely new.
The difference inside the car is more obvious. Many people, including me, find Volvo’s cool style more tasteful than Mercedes’ nightclub vibe. However, whether in the front or back seat, the GLC hits you with a stronger sense of quality, luxury, and atmosphere. Most luxury brand buyers in China care about this. I understand.
Both cars have similar three-dimensional profiles. However, the domestic version of the Mercedes-Benz GLC has a longer wheelbase of 2977mm. That’s almost 3 meters, which is over 10 centimeters longer than the XC60. This extra length provides more space in the rear for legroom. Additionally, the XC60 T8 has a high and wide central tunnel in the back to accommodate the battery. In a family of five, like mine, we often squeeze three people in the back. The middle passenger suffers from cramped legs. This is my main complaint about the XC60.
Alright, it’s time to compare performance. This comparison is unnecessary. The XC60 T8 dominates. It boasts 456 horsepower and accelerates in 5 seconds. When I bought it five years ago, it ranked among the world’s top ten fastest family SUVs. It even included beasts like the URUS and DBX. Today, it may not seem as extreme. Trust me, you just won’t encounter cars like the Macan S, AMG GLC43, or SQ5 on the road, or dual-motor sports EVs. In its class, it has no rivals.
The GLC offers limited power at its price. At just over 400,000, you can only buy the GLC 260. It has just over 200 horsepower, far less than the T8. Even the GLC 300, with 258 horsepower, falls short. The XC60 T8 can easily outperform it with just the engine. The chassis handling also favors the XC60. This generation features a strong chassis and suspension. It uses aluminum and a front double wishbone setup. The plug-in hybrid version even offers air suspension. The tuning is sportier and firmer than the GLC. You can feel this difference when you drive.
