Compare Luxury SUVs: The Volvo XC60, BMW X3, And Mercedes-Benz GLC

Volvo XC60 vs. BMW X3 vs. Mercedes-Benz GLC: Side-by-Side Chart Comparison

	Volvo XC60	BMW X3	Mercedes-Benz GLC (Excluding AMG®)
Starting MSRP	$51,0952	$51,3003	$49,5504
PHEV Variant	Y	N	Y
Engine	2.0L turbo 4-cyl (B5 mild hybrid) 2.0L turbo 4-cyl (T8 PHEV)	2.0L turbo 4-cyl 3.0L turbo I-6	2.0L turbo I-4 (mild hybrid) 2.0L turbo I-4 (PHEV)
Horsepower	247 (B5) 455 (T8)	255 (4-cyl) 393 (I-6)	255 (hybrid) 313 (PHEV)
Torque	266 lb-ft (B5) 523 lb-ft (T8)	295 lb-ft (4-cyl) 428 lb-ft (I-6)	295 lb-ft (hybrid) 406 lb-ft (PHEV)
Standard Drivetrain	AWD	AWD	RWD
0-60	6.5 sec (B5) 4.5 sec (T8)	6 sec (4-cyl) 4.4 sec (I-6)	5.9 - 6 sec (hybrid) 6.3 sec (PHEV)
EPA-Est. MPG (City / Hwy / Comb)	23 / 30 / 265	27 / 33 / 29 mpg6	24 / 32 / 277
EPA-Est. MPGe (Comb)	638	N/A	649
Length	185.4 in	187.2 in	185.7 in
Width	78.7 in	75.6 in	74.4 in
Height	65.4 in	65.4 in	64.6 in
Seating Capacity	5	5	5
Legroom (Front / Rear)	41.5 / 38 in	40.2 / 36.3 in	40.7 / 37.4 in
Max. Cargo Volume	63.3 cu ft	67.1 cu ft	56.3 cu ft
NHTSA Rating	5/51	4/51	Not rated

Volvo XC60 vs. BMW X3

Now that you've had a glimpse at some highlights specs, let's move on to our first head-to-head battle between the Volvo XC60 and the BMW X3.

Volvo XC60 vs. BMW X3: Specs

The base BMW X3 is undoubtedly more performance-oriented than that of the Volvo XC60, with slightly more power and a quicker 0-60 time. However, when you step up to their available powertrains, the roles are reversed. The Volvo XC60 PHEV pumps out 455 horsepower and 523 pound-feet of torque. Meanwhile, the BMW X3 M50 xDrive falls short with 383 horsepower and 428 pound-feet of torque, though they have nearly identical 0-60 ratings.

Volvo XC60 vs. BMW X3: Dimensions

The BMW X3 is longer, while the Volvo XC60 is wider; both have an identical 65.4-inch height. While you'd think a longer body would give the BMW SUV the edge in terms of legroom, the Volvo XC60 actually provides more in both rows, as you can see in the chart above.

Volvo XC60 vs. BMW X3: Interior & Technology

Both the Volvo XC60 and BMW X3 have enticing appointments. For instance, you'll find genuine wood trim, heated front seats, large displays, and leather-alternative upholstery in both cabins. However, the Volvo XC60 offers distinct touches that you won't find outside of the Swedish automaker's lineup, such as a crystal gear selector knob by Orrefors®.

Volvo XC60 vs. BMW X3: Safety

The final stop in this first showdown is safety. Both the new Volvo XC60 and BMW X3 take your safety seriously, providing an array of standard and available camera and sensor technologies. However, the NHTSA deems that the Volvo XC60 takes your on-road security to the next level, giving it a five-star rating, compared to a four out of five score for the BMW X3.¹

Volvo XC60 vs. Mercedes-Benz GLC

Next up, let's explore how the Volvo XC60 fares against the Mercedes-Benz GLC.

Volvo XC60 vs. Mercedes-Benz GLC: Specs

As with the BMW X3, the Mercedes-Benz GLC emphasizes performance from the get-go with a stronger standard engine. And, once again, the Volvo XC60 flips the script when you move on to their available PHEV powertrains. For instance, the Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e 4MATIC® SUV only produces 313 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. Additionally, your 0-60 time becomes longer with the Mercedes-Benz SUV's PHEV setup, whereas the Volvo XC60 PHEV shaves two seconds off its mild-hybrid counterpart's time.

Volvo XC60 vs. Mercedes-Benz GLC: Dimensions

Exterior dimensions vary a bit more between the Volvo XC60 and Mercedes-Benz GLC. However, the result is more or less the same – you'll have more room to stretch your legs in either row when you leverage one of our Volvo XC60 offers than if you were to choose the Mercedes-Benz SUV.

Volvo XC60 vs. Mercedes-Benz GLC: Interior & Technology

The Mercedes-Benz GLC is lauded for its array of comfort features, such as its standard 64-color, three-zone ambient lighting system. However, the Volvo XC60 counters with its own standard mid-level interior illumination in various areas throughout the cabin – that's not to mention the high-level upgrade with subsequent trims. Plus, genuine wood cabin trim is optional for the base Mercedes-Benz GLC, whereas you'll find this type of decor across the Volvo lineup.

Volvo XC60 vs. Mercedes-Benz GLC: Safety

Once again, both SUVs boast robust driver-assistance suites. As we already know, the Volvo XC60 makes a strong case for itself, thanks to its five-star NHTSA Overall Safety rating.¹ The Mercedes-Benz GLC, on the other hand, isn't currently rated by the organization.

BMW X3 vs. Mercedes-Benz GLC

Finally, let's see how the BMW and Mercedes-Benz SUVs in our comparison stack up.

BMW X3 vs. Mercedes-Benz GLC: Specs

With identical standard horsepower and torque, the BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC enter this category on even ground. However, where the Mercedes-Benz GLC offers an available PHEV – something the BMW X3 lacks – the BMW SUV provides more available power. Personally, we prefer the best of both worlds: the Volvo XC60 PHEV with higher output specs than either of these SUVs.

BMW X3 vs. Mercedes-Benz GLC: Dimensions

The BMW X3 exterior is slightly larger than the Mercedes-Benz GLC, giving it an advantage in maximum cargo space: 67.1 cubic feet vs. 56.3 cubic feet for the Mercedes-Benz GLC. That being said, where the BMW X3 prioritizes load space, the Mercedes-Benz SUV leans into occupant comfort with more legroom.

BMW X3 vs. Mercedes-Benz GLC: Interior & Technology

Both models have modern interiors, but the edge likely goes to the BMW SUV. For instance, the BMW X3 has more screen real estate and standard wood decor. As luxury SUVs, though, there's plenty of convenience and comfort to be found in both, leaving the decision to your personal preferences.

BMW X3 vs. Mercedes-Benz GLC: Safety

Safety is similar between the BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC, with both offering comprehensive camera systems and upgrade opportunities, like a Surround View Camera. However, as we now know, the Mercedes-Benz GLC isn't rated by the NHTSA, while the BMW X3 scored a four out of five.¹

Discover Our Luxury SUV Winner at Volvo Cars Midlothian

We put the Volvo XC60 comfortably ahead of its competitors, and our Volvo specials could be what cements it as the winner for you.

Want to continue your research? Check out our Volvo XC60 vs. Audi Q5 review for a look at how this sophisticated Volvo SUV compares to another segment competitor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Learn Which Volvo Model is Right for You:

¹Reference to this third-party claim is solely for informational purposes and not to be relied upon. For details regarding this rating, visit https://www.nhtsa.gov

²Starting Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) includes destination fee of $1,395. Images may reflect a more expensive trim level with optional equipment and accessories. Taxes, title, registration, license, insurance, maintenance, and other retailer fees are excluded from starting MSRP. Retailer sets actual price. See authorized Volvo Cars retailer for details.

³Manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) excludes destination & handling fee of $995, tax, title, license, and registration. Starting MSRP may vary as a result of equipment capacity restrictions.

⁴Starting price is MSRP, or Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price. MSRP excludes transportation and handling charges, destination charges, taxes, title, registration, license, tag, preparation and documentary service fees, insurance charges, and Dealer add-on products, accessories and associated labor and installation charges. MSRP for a base model prior to customer build also excludes charges for optional equipment, products, packages, and accessories. Actual vehicle price and availability may vary by Dealer and should be confirmed with the dealer selected by customer.

⁵EPA estimated range is 23 MPG city/30 MPG highway/26 MPG combined (B5 AWD). Your actual range will vary for many reasons, including but not limited to, driving conditions, how and where you drive, how you maintain your vehicle, battery-package/condition, and other factors. See www.fueleconomy.gov.

⁶Preliminary EPA-estimated figures are for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary, depending on speed, driving habits, trip length and driving conditions; actual mileage may be lower.

⁷EPA-estimated fuel economy. Compare the estimated MPG to the estimated MPG of other vehicles. You may get different mileage depending on how fast you drive, weather conditions and trip length. Your actual highway mileage will probably be less than the highway estimate.

⁸Estimated range according to the EPA driving cycles. The actual range achieved under real conditions varies depending on driving behavior, driving conditions, how you maintain your vehicle, battery and other external factors. Visit www.fueleconomy.gov for further information.

⁹EPA-estimated fuel economy. Compare the estimated mpg to the estimated mpg of other vehicles. You may get different mileage depending on driving style, terrain, weather conditions, trip length and other factors. Highway estimate is with a fully charged battery.