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

Volvo XC60 vs. BMW X3 vs. Mercedes-Benz GLC: It's a luxury SUV showdown with all the top models on your wishlist. However, as you dive into the details of each leading SUV, you'll find that one of the three exceeds the competition at nearly every turn. That SUV is the new Volvo XC60, and from exclusive features to prestigious Scandinavian style, it'll be a daily driver that leaves you looking forward to your next behind-the-wheel experience.

Keep reading our guide to learn more about the key advantages of a Volvo XC60. After you fall in love with this model, stop by our Volvo Cars Midlothian dealership to take it out for a test drive.

Volvo XC60 vs. BMW X3 Comparison

The BMW X3 steps up to bat, kicking off the BMW X3 vs. Mercedes-Benz GLC vs. Volvo XC60 comparison. Its first swing is backed up by standard features like a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, two-zone climate control, Apple CarPlay®/Android Auto™ connectivity, remote engine start, over-the-air update compatibility, and a power tailgate.

The new Volvo XC60 offers all this as standard. However, it exceeds the BMW X3 with a standard panoramic moonroof and afterrun climate options; the BMW X3 either requires add-on purchases for the same quality or cannot access these functions at all. The Volvo XC60 also has standard Google built-in infotainment services for intuitive connectivity, which you won't find on the BMW X3.

	2025 BMW X3 30 xDrive	2025 Volvo XC60 B5 AWD
Starting MSRP	$49,9501	$48,3452
# of Seats	5	5
Engine	2.0L turbo 4-cyl	2.0L turbo 4-cyl
Horsepower	255 hp	247 hp
Torque	295 lb-ft	266 lb-ft
0-60	6 seconds	6.5 seconds
Estimated MPG (City/Highway/Combined)	27 / 33 / 293	23 / 30 / 264
Cargo Space	67.1 cu ft	63.3 cu ft
NHTSA Star Rating	4/55	5/56

Frequently Asked Questions

BMW X3 vs. Volvo XC60 Dimensions

Throughout the BMW X3 vs. Mercedes-Benz GLC vs. Volvo XC60 comparison, you'll notice the Volvo XC60 can offer competitive room at a more agile size. The BMW X3 has the larger exterior dimensions, sitting at 187.2 inches long, 65.4 inches tall, and 75.6 inches wide. The Volvo XC60 measures 185.4 inches in length, 65.3 inches in height, and 78.7 inches in width.

You'd expect the BMW X3 SUV's extra length to mean more legroom, but it actually doesn't. The BMW X3 gives front-seat occupants up to 40.2 inches of legroom and provides rear-seat passengers with 36.3 inches of legroom. A new Volvo XC60 provides up to 41.5 inches of front-seat legroom and a generous 38 inches of rear-seat legroom.

The BMW X3 is wider on the outside but has 57.9 inches of front shoulder room and 55.7 inches of rear shoulder room; a Volvo XC60 exceeds it with 58.2 inches of front shoulder room and 56.3 inches of rear shoulder room.

BMW X3 vs. Volvo XC60 Cargo Space

The only place where the BMW X3 steals an advantage is cargo space. At 63.3 cubic feet, the Volvo XC60 cargo area is more than capable of storing groceries, vacation gear, luggage, camping equipment, and much more. The BMW X3 has just four extra cubic feet – 67.1 cubic feet, to be exact. This makes sense, considering its bulkier size and significantly smaller legroom.

BMW X3 vs. Volvo XC60 Specs

The Volvo XC60 B5 AWD pumps 247 horsepower from its 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, and the BMW X3 sDrive30i makes 255 horsepower with a same-configuration engine. However, if you look at their higher horsepower variant, the BMW X3 M50 reaches 393 horsepower, while the Volvo XC60 Plug-in Hybrid cruises right past at 455 horsepower.

The 2025 Volvo XC60 has very slightly less EPA-estimated MPG ratings than the 2025 BMW X3, but that's again where its plug-in hybrid powertrain shines. Where the BMW X3 M50 sacrifices fuel efficiency, the Volvo XC60 Plug-In Hybrid offers an all-electric range and improved combined fuel economy ratings.

BMW X3 vs. Volvo XC60 Safety

BMW X3 vs. Volvo XC60 safety features are mostly tied at the standard level – Blind-Spot Monitoring, Front Collision Mitigation, Lane-Keep Aid, Parking Assistance, Rearview Camera, Road Sign Readouts, and Rain-Sensing Wipers. However, the Volvo XC60 provides exclusive safety benefits like Whiplash-Reducing Seats and Cornering Fog Lights.

The Volvo XC60 introduces even more exclusive safety features over the BMW X3, including a standard Slippery Road Alert and a less-expensive 360-Degree Camera. These more accessible additional features earned the Volvo XC60 one more star than the BMW X3 from the NHTSA.^{5, 6}

Volvo XC60 vs. Mercedes-Benz GLC Comparison

The Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 comes next in our Volvo XC60 vs. BMW X3 vs. Mercedes-Benz GLC comparison. Like the BMW X3, it starts with an impressive list of features.

The Mercedes-Benz GLC has standard dual-zone auto climate control, a power liftgate, Apple CarPlay®/Android Auto™ connectivity, remote engine start, power-folding mirrors, keyword activation, and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster.

However, when you shop for Volvo XC60 offers, you'll find all of those features as standard. In addition, the Volvo SUV exceeds the GLC 300 with standard Google built-in services, a panoramic moonroof, and a 10-speaker sound system.

The Volvo XC60 is an excellent part of our Volvo specials for its many benefits over competitors. It offers available four-zone auto climate control, ventilated Nappa Leather upholstery, genuine driftwood decor, a Heads-Up Display, a handcrafted Orrefors® crystal shifter, and four-way power lumbar for the front seats.

	2025 Volvo XC60 B5 AWD	2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4MATIC®
Starting MSRP	$48,3452	$49,2507
# of Seats	5	5
Engine	2.0L turbo 4-cyl	2.0L turbo 4-cyl
Horsepower	247 hp	255 hp
Torque	266 lb-ft	295 lb-ft
0-60	6.5 seconds	5.9 seconds
Estimated MPG (City/Highway/Combined)	23 / 30 / 264	23 / 31 / 268
Cargo Space	63.3 cu ft	56.3 cu ft
NHTSA Star Rating	5/56	Unrated9

Frequently Asked Questions

Volvo XC60 vs. Mercedes-Benz GLC Performance & Safety

In our BMW X3 vs. Mercedes-Benz GLC vs. Volvo XC60 comparison, the BMW X3 demonstrated that a slight horsepower advantage means very little in terms of drive feel and is even less important when you consider the Volvo XC60 PHEV. While the Mercedes-Benz SUV is impressive, there's more to consider as you compare the Volvo XC60 and Mercedes-Benz GLC.

On the base level, the Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 outruns the Volvo XC60 with eight extra horsepower from its 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. However, you'll have to spring for the much more expensive Mercedes-Benz AMG GLC43 to get anything higher than that. The AMG GLC43 produces an impressive 416 horsepower, but the Volvo XC60 Plug-In Hybrid generates up to 455 horsepower, offering plug-in hybrid efficiency and all-electric driving capabilities as well. There is a performance variant of the Mercedes-Benz GLC, but that AMG model runs a hefty price while drastically reducing its fuel economy.

Both models share a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds when properly equipped.

Volvo XC60 vs. Mercedes-Benz GLC Fuel Efficiency

Also shared between these two models are base EPA-estimated MPG. The Volvo XC60 B5 AWD delivers 23/30 MPG (City/Highway)⁴ and the Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4MATIC® delivers an EPA-estimated 23/31 MPG (City/Highway).⁸ This leads to them actually sharing a combined output of 26 MPG (Combined),^{4, 8} showcasing how close these two models are.

The 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC does include a Plug-In Hybrid variant, the Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e. The Volvo XC60 PHEV features 63 MPGe¹⁰ and the ability to drive up to 35 miles on all-electric power.¹¹ The Mercedes-Benz GLC 350e might seem like the better option, since it has 64 MPGe¹² and 54 miles of all-electric range.¹³ However, due to its much larger fuel tank and better MPG ratings, the Volvo XC60 PHEV can outrange the Mercedes-Benz model by 180 miles – 560 vs. 380 miles of total range, respectively.¹⁴

Volvo XC60 vs. Mercedes-Benz GLC Dimensions & Cargo Space

The Volvo XC60 is more agile and spacious than the Mercedes-Benz GLC. On the outside, the Volvo XC60 measures 185.4 inches long, 65.4 inches tall, and 78.7 inches wide, while the Mercedes-Benz GLC is 185.7 inches long, 64.6 inches tall, and 74.4 inches wide.

The Mercedes-Benz GLC can only carry a maximum cargo capacity of 56.3 cubic feet; the Volvo XC60 can carry up to 63.3 cubic feet.

Like we saw when the BMW X3 stepped up, the BMW X3 vs. Mercedes-Benz GLC vs. Volvo XC60 space battle is dominated by the Volvo XC60. In particular, the Mercedes-Benz GLC offers 40.7 inches of front legroom and 57.3 inches of front shoulder room, while the Volvo XC60 provides 41.5 inches and 58.2 inches, respectively.

The only concession here is that the Mercedes-Benz GLC is headroom, of which the Mercedes-Benz SUV has slightly more in the front and back. However, the Mercedes-Benz GLC has 37.4 inches of rear legroom, and the Volvo XC60 has 38 inches of rear legroom, placing the Volvo SUV ahead of the pack again.

BMW X3 vs. Mercedes-Benz GLC Comparison

Now that you've seen how the BMW X3 vs. Mercedes-Benz GLC vs. Volvo XC60 comparison favors a new Volvo XC60, you may want to know which of these German competitors ends up in second place. They're mostly evenly matched across their benefits. However, we think the BMW X3 pulls ahead by offering stronger safety, more cargo room, and standard AWD.

	2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4MATIC®	2025 BMW X3 30 xDrive
Starting MSRP	$49,2507	$49,9501
# of Seats	5	5
Engine	2.0L turbo I-4	2.0L turbo I-4
Horsepower	255 hp	255 hp
Torque	295 lb-ft	295 lb-ft
0-60	5.9 sec	6 seconds
Estimated MPG (City/Highway/Combined)	23 / 31 / 268	27 / 33 / 293
Cargo Space	56.3 cu ft	67.1 cu ft
NHTSA Star Rating	Unrated9	4/55

Frequently Asked Questions

Mercedes-Benz GLC vs. BMW X3 Size & Cargo

As we compared the BMW X3 vs. Mercedes-Benz GLC vs. Volvo XC60, we saw that the BMW X3 measures 187.2 inches long, 65.4 inches tall, and 75.6 inches wide, and the Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 measures 185.7 inches long, 64.6 inches tall, and 74.4 inches wide.

We also saw that the Mercedes-Benz GLC would have less space with the seats folded down, with a maximum cargo capacity of 56.3 cubic feet in contrast to the BMW X3 SUV's 67.1 cubic feet of maximum cargo capacity.

However, the Mercedes-Benz SUV generally wins in passenger space. The BMW X3 offers less front and rear headroom than the Mercedes-Benz GLC, and the latter model also has better overall legroom.

While the difference in cargo space is much more prevalent here than with the Volvo XC60 vs. BMW X3 comparison, we still prefer the comfort provided by the GLC.

Mercedes-Benz GLC vs. BMW X3 Power & Fuel Efficiency

They're similarly matched for horsepower – both models have a base horsepower of 255 and torque of 295 pound-feet. However, the BMW X3 proves itself through fuel economy, featuring a baseline 27/33/29 MPG (City/Highway/Combined) rating from the EPA.³ The Mercedes-Benz is not as fuel-efficient but does offer a plug-in hybrid powertrain that the BMW X3 cannot replicate.

Mercedes-Benz GLC vs. BMW X3 Interior Styling

Style is subjective, but we prefer the Mercedes-Benz GLC for being closer in spirit to the Volvo XC60. The BMW X3 is nice but takes a more aggressively tech-heavy approach. The Mercedes-Benz GLC and Volvo XC60 are both tech powerhouses, but they blend the gadgetry with more timeless designs. Overall, it's best to compare the BMW X3 vs. Mercedes-Benz GLC interior style and comfort in person.

On top of that, see how the Volvo XC60 takes the best elements of these models and adds its signature Scandinavian flair to the mix. You won't find features like genuine driftwood decor or the Orrefors® crystal gear selector in either of the competitor SUVs.

What Does 2026 Have for the Volvo XC60?

Next year, the gap promises to extend further in favor of the Volvo SUV. Soon to be equipped with an 11.2-inch free-standing central console, the Volvo XC60 enhances its versatility with new cupholders, smart storage, and improved wireless phone charging stations. The next generation of luxury is approaching, and we'll be happy to take you for a test drive as brand-new models roll onto our lot.

Discover the New Volvo XC60 at Volvo Cars Midlothian

The BMW X3 vs. Mercedes-Benz GLC vs. Volvo XC60 comparison revealed fierce competition from these iconic luxury brands, but from safety to spaciousness, the Volvo XC60 showed them how it should be done. We'd be thrilled to show you the rest of what this Scandinavian masterpiece has to offer; swing by today for a test drive.

Learn Which Volvo Model is Right for You: