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

BMW X3 vs. Mercedes GLC vs. Volvo XC60: 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 more efficient performance, it'll be a daily driver that leaves you looking forward to your next behind-the-wheel experience.

Keep reading to see the key advantages of a Volvo XC60, and come by Volvo Cars Midlothian to discover the rest with a test drive.

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BMW X3 vs. Volvo XC60 Comparison

The BMW X3 steps up to bat, kicking off the BMW X3 vs. Mercedes GLC vs. Volvo XC60 comparison. Its first swing involves standard features like a 5.1-inch digital gauge cluster display, Wi-Fi hotspot capabilities, Apple CarPlay®/Android Auto™ connectivity, remote engine start, over-the-air update compatibility, and a power liftgate.

The new Volvo XC60 offers all this as standard. However, it exceeds the BMW X3 with a standard 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, a panoramic moonroof, and a wireless smartphone charger, all of which are optional extras on the BMW X3.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the BMW X3 or Volvo XC60 safer? What's bigger: Volvo XC60 or BMW X3?

BMW X3 vs. Volvo XC60 Dimensions

Throughout the BMW X3 vs. Mercedes GLC vs. Volvo XC60 comparison, you'll notice the Volvo XC60 can offer more room at a more agile size.

Specifically, the BMW X3 is 185.9 inches long, 66 inches tall, and 84.2 inches wide (including mirrors); the Volvo XC60 is 84.6 inches long, 65.3 inches tall, and 83.3 inches wide (including mirrors).

You'd expect the BMW X3 SUV's extra length to mean more legroom, but it does not. The BMW X3 gives front-seat occupants 40.3 inches of legroom and provides rear-seat passengers with 36.4 inches of legroom. A 2022 Volvo XC60 provides 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 57.6 inches of front shoulder room and 56 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

You'll find a consistent advantage as you compare BMW X3 vs. Mercedes GLC vs. Volvo XC60 SUVs; the Volvo XC60 dominates the cargo-hauling game. The BMW X3 will carry up to 62.7 cubic feet of cargo, while a Volvo XC60 can fit up to 63.3 cubic feet of cargo.

BMW X3 vs. Volvo XC60 Specs

The Volvo XC60 B5 FWD lays down 247 horsepower from its 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, and the BMW X3 sDrive30i makes 248 horsepower with a same-configuration engine.

The Volvo XC60 B5 FWD delivers an EPA-estimated 23/30 MPG (city/highway)³ while the BMW X3 sDrive30i delivers an EPA-estimated 23/29 MPG (city/highway),⁴ negating that one horsepower advantage with one less highway MPG.

BMW X3 vs. Volvo XC60 Safety

BMW X3 vs. Volvo XC60 safety features are mostly tied at the standard level; they offer you standard blind-spot monitoring, front collision mitigation, a lane-keep aid, parking assistance, a rearview camera, road sign readouts, rain-sensing wipers, and more. However, the Volvo XC60 offers exclusive safety benefits like whiplash-reducing seats and cornering fog lights.

In addition, the 2022 Volvo XC60 is an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ recipient,¹ while the 2022 BMW X3 did not receive this prestigious safety rating.

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Volvo XC60 vs. Mercedes GLC Comparison

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

The Mercedes GLC has standard dual-zone auto climate control, a power liftgate, Apple CarPlay®/Android Auto™ connectivity, remote engine start, power-folding mirrors, an eight-speaker sound system, and analog gauges.

However, the Volvo XC60 offers all this as standard and exceeds the GLC 300 with a standard 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, heated auto-folding mirrors, a panoramic moonroof, and a 10-speaker sound system.

The Volvo XC60 is a best-selling part of our Volvo specials for its many benefits over competitors. It offers available four-zone auto climate control, massaging front seats, Volvo Pilot Assist, a handcrafted Orrefors® crystal shifter, and four-way power lumbar for the front seats.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a Mercedes GLC or Volvo XC60 have more horsepower? Is the Volvo XC60 better than a Mercedes GLC?

Volvo XC60 vs. Mercedes GLC Performance & Safety

In our BMW X3 vs. Mercedes GLC vs. Volvo XC60 comparison, the BMW X3 demonstrated that a slight horsepower advantage means very little if it reduces efficiency and even less when top-end options eclipse every other configuration; the same story plays out as you compare the Volvo XC60 and Mercedes GLC.

On the base level, the Mercedes 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-AMG GLC43 to get anything higher than that. Meanwhile, the Volvo XC60 B6 produces a 295 horsepower output.

Said AMG GLC43 makes 385 horsepower, but the Volvo XC60 Recharge makes up to 455 horsepower, with plug-in hybrid efficiency to boot.

Volvo XC60 vs. Mercedes GLC Fuel Efficiency

The Volvo XC60 B5 FWD delivers an EPA-estimated 23/30 MPG (city/highway),³ while the Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 produces an EPA-estimated 22/27 MPG (city/highway).⁵

Upgrade to AWD, and the Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4MATIC® delivers an EPA-estimated 21/28 MPG (city/highway),⁵ while a Volvo B5 AWD can achieve an EPA-estimated 22/28 MPG (city/highway).³

The 2022 Mercedes GLC doesn’t include a hybrid model; the plug-in hybrid Volvo XC60 Recharge Extended delivers an EPA-estimated 63 MPGe⁶ while outclassing the Mercedes SUV's power. Across the BMW X3 vs. Mercedes GLC vs. Volvo XC60 comparison, the Volvo XC60 reigns as the fuel efficiency champion.

Volvo XC60 vs. Mercedes GLC Dimensions & Cargo Space

The Volvo XC60 is more spacious than the Mercedes GLC. On the outside, the Volvo XC60 measures 184.6 inches long, 65.3 inches tall, and 83.3 inches wide (including mirrors), while the Mercedes GLC is 183.3 inches long, 64.7 inches tall, and 82.5 inches wide (including mirrors).

The Mercedes GLC can only carry a maximum cargo capacity of 56.5 cubic feet; the Volvo XC60 can carry up to 53.3 cubic feet.

Like we saw when the BMW X3 stepped up, the BMW X3 vs. Mercedes GLC vs. Volvo XC60 spaciousness battle is dominated by the Volvo XC60. In particular, the Mercedes GLC has 37.8 inches of front headroom and 40.8 inches of front legroom; the Volvo XC60 has 38 inches and 41.5 inches, respectively.

The only concession here is that the Mercedes GLC has 38.5 inches of rear headroom while the Volvo XC60 has 38 inches in the same space. However, the Mercedes GLC has 37.3 inches of rear legroom, and the Volvo XC60 has 38 inches of rear legroom, placing the Volvo SUV ahead of the pack again.

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Mercedes GLC vs. BMW X3 Comparison

Now that you've seen how the BMW X3 vs. Mercedes 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 fuel efficiency and safety features like a lane-departure warning as standard.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which SUV has less road noise: Mercedes GLC or BMW X3? Does the Mercedes GLC or BMW X3 have better gas mileage?

Mercedes GLC vs. BMW X3 Size & Cargo

As we compared the BMW X3 vs. Mercedes GLC vs. Volvo XC60, we saw that the BMW X3 measures 185.9 inches long, 66 inches tall, and 84.2 inches wide (with mirrors), and the Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 measures 183.3 inches long, 64.7 inches tall, and 82.5 inches wide (including mirrors).

We also saw that the Mercedes GLC offered a maximum cargo capacity of 56.5 cubic feet in contrast to the BMW X3 SUV's 62.7 cubic feet of maximum cargo capacity.

Spaciousness is a back-and-forth battle. The Mercedes GLC wins for legroom, but the BMW X3 wins for headroom. The BMW X3 also wins for shoulder room, but even then, the Volvo XC60 has more.

Mercedes GLC vs. BMW X3 Power & Fuel Efficiency

They're similarly matched for horsepower (248 horsepower vs. 255 horsepower), and while the Mercedes pulls a slight win, the BMW X3 claims victory for fuel efficiency with an EPA-estimated 23/29 MPG (city/highway)⁴ vs. the Mercedes GLC 300 SUV's EPA-estimated 22/27 MPG (city/highway).⁵

Mercedes GLC vs. BMW X3 Interior Styling

Style is subjective, but we prefer the Mercedes 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 GLC and Volvo XC60 are both tech-powerhouses, but they blend the gadgetry with more timeless designs. Overall, we encourage you to compare BMW X3 vs. Mercedes GLC interior style and comfort for yourself.

Compare BMW X3 vs. Mercedes GLC vs. Volvo XC60 interior style and comfort, though; the Volvo XC60 can leave those German competitors behind.

Discover the New Volvo XC60 at Volvo Cars Midlothian

The BMW X3 vs. Mercedes GLC vs. Volvo XC60 comparison revealed fierce competition from these iconic luxury brands, but from fuel efficiency to standard features, 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.

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¹For more details, please visit: https://www.iihs.org/ratings/vehicle/volvo/xc60-4-door-suv/2022

²For more details, please visit: https://www.iihs.org/ratings/vehicle/bmw/x3-4-door-suv/2022

³For more information, please visit the official US government source for all fuel economy at www.fueleconomy.gov

⁴Preliminary 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. Note for MPGe: All data are provisional and subject to official confirmation. The provisional power consumption figures have been calculated based on the ECE test cycle.

⁵EPA 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.

⁶This is a hybrid plug in vehicle. Since electricity is not measured in gallons, a conversion factor is used to translate the fuel economy into miles per gallon of gasoline equivalent (MPGe). Use for comparison purposes only. Your MPGe 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. For more information, including information on MPGe, see www.fueleconomy.gov

⁷For more details, please visit: https://www.iihs.org/ratings/vehicle/mercedes-benz/glc-4-door-suv/2022

⁸Manufacturer'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.

⁹Prices shown are Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), Base Price or Starting At price and excludes destination fees, taxes, title, license, and registration and/or electronic filing fees, dealer fees.

¹⁰Base MSRP excludes transportation and handling charges, destination charges, taxes, title, registration, preparation and documentary fees, tags, labor and installation charges, insurance, and optional equipment, products, packages and accessories. Actual vehicle price may vary by Dealer.