Verdict
The Mercedes-Benz AMG GLB is the faster, roomier choice: 302 hp, 400 Nm and a 5.5-second 0-100 km/h time, plus a 570-litre boot and 2,829 mm wheelbase. It also brings 20-inch wheels, adaptive dampers and a 360-degree camera. But the RM150,000 gap is substantial, while the Volvo XC40 counters with a five-year warranty, 7.7 L/100 km rated economy and a 5-star Euro NCAP and ANCAP rating. For a Malaysian buyer prioritising performance and luggage capacity, take the GLB; for the far lower outlay, the XC40 is the rational pick.
Pick the Mercedes-Benz AMG GLB if you want 302 hp performance, a 5.5-second sprint and a 570-litre boot.
Pick the Volvo XC40 if you want to spend RM150,000 less, gain a five-year warranty and still have all-wheel drive.
Key differences
- Price: Mercedes-Benz AMG GLB RM418,888; Volvo XC40 RM268,888.
- Performance: Mercedes-Benz AMG GLB 302 hp, 400 Nm and 0-100 km/h in 5.5 seconds; Volvo XC40 263 hp, 390 Nm and 6.4 seconds.
- Boot space: Mercedes-Benz AMG GLB 570 litres; Volvo XC40 460 litres.
- Wheelbase: Mercedes-Benz AMG GLB 2,829 mm; Volvo XC40 2,702 mm.
- Warranty: Mercedes-Benz AMG GLB four years/unlimited mileage; Volvo XC40 five years/unlimited mileage.
- Wheels: Mercedes-Benz AMG GLB 20-inch wheels with 255/40R20 tyres; Volvo XC40 19-inch wheels with 235/50R19 tyres.
AMG GLB
- 302 hp and 400 Nm, with 0-100 km/h in 5.5 seconds.
- 570-litre boot and a 2,829 mm wheelbase.
- Adaptive dampers, Multibeam LED headlamps and a 360-degree camera.
- RM150,000 more expensive.
- Four-year warranty is one year shorter.
- No front foglamps or space-saver spare tyre.
XC40
- RM150,000 lower purchase price.
- Five-year unlimited-mileage warranty, plus an eight-year/160,000 km hybrid battery warranty.
- 5-star Euro NCAP and ANCAP ratings, City Safety with pedestrian, cyclist and large-animal detection, and a space-saver spare.
- Slower 6.4-second 0-100 km/h time versus 5.5 seconds.
- 460-litre boot is 110 litres smaller.
- No 360-degree camera; it has a reverse camera.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM418,888 | RM268,888✓ |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | C-Segment | C-Segment |
| Assembly | CBU | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM436 | RM428✓ |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC with direct fuel injection, turbocharger and variable valve timing with mild hybrid assistance | 16-valve DOHC with Direct Fuel Injection, Turbocharger and Variable Valve Timing |
| Capacity | 1,991 cc | 1,969 cc |
| Horsepower | 302 hp at 5,800 rpm✓ | 263 hp at 5,500 rpm |
| Torque | 400 Nm at 3,000 rpm✓ | 390 Nm at 1,800 rpm |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline 4 | Inline 4 |
| Fuel | Petrol Hybrid/REV | Petrol Hybrid/REV |
| Bore × Stroke | — | 82 mm × 93.2 mm |
| Compression Ratio | — | 10.5 |
| Number of Motors | 1 | — |
| Motor Horsepower | 13 hp | — |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Dual-clutch Automatic (Wet) | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 8-speed sports transmission | Geartronic Automatic Transmission |
| Gears | 8 | 8 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Getrag | — |
| Driveline | All Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 5.5 seconds✓ | 6.4 seconds |
| Rated Economy | — | 7.7 L/100 km |
| Top Speed | 250 km/h✓ | 180 km/h |
| Co2 | — | 50 g/km |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,634 mm | 4,425 mm |
| Width | 1,834 mm | 1,863 mm |
| Height | 1,659 mm | 1,658 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,829 mm | 2,702 mm |
| Weight | 1,790 kg | 1,875 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 52 litres | 49 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 570 litres✓ | 460 litres |
| Front Tyre | 255/40R20 | 235/50R19 |
| Rear Tyre | 255/40R20 | 235/50R19 |
| Spare Tyre | — | Space Saver |
| Factory Tyres | Continental SportContact 6 | Michelin e-Primacy |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Mexico (CBU) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-Link |
| Front Wheels | 20" AMG 5-Twin-Spoke Light-Alloy | 19" 5-Y Spoke Matt Graphite Diamond Cut Alloy Wheels |
| Rear Wheels | 20" AMG 5-Twin-Spoke Light-Alloy | 19" 5-Y Spoke Matt Graphite Diamond Cut Alloy Wheels |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Assist) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Chassis Notes | AMG Ride Control - Adaptive Dampers | Sport Chassis |
| Crash Safety Ratings | ||
| EuroNCAP | — | 5 stars |
| ANCAP | — | 5 stars |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 7 (Driver and Front Passenger, Front and Rear Side, Front and Rear Curtain, Driver's Knee) | 7 (Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Driver's Knee, Front and Rear Curtain) |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for Rear Doors | Power safety lock for rear door |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available on Outer Two Rear Seats | Available on two outer rear passenger seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | Yes, City Safety with Full Auto Brake, Pedestrian, Cyclist and Large Animal Detection |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | For All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | Multibeam LED Projectors | LED Reflectors |
| Taillamps | Full LED | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | — | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Driver and Passenger Powered Seats with Memory Settings | Power Adjustable Front Seats with Driver's Memory Function |
| Rear Seats | 40:20:40 Split-folding | 60:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control System |
| Rear Air-con | Rear AC vents | Rear Vents |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 3 Front USB, 2 Rear USB | 2 Front |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights and Active Ambient Lights (64 Colours) | Map Lights and Ambient Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Audio | 10.25" Touchscreen MBUX Multimedia System with Voice Control, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto | 9" Portrait Android Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up & Down with Anti-pinch | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Start/Stop | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control | Active Cruise Control |
| Tiptronic | — | ✓ |
| Paddle Shift | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Powered Boot | Remote Control Activation |
| Parking Sensor Front | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, 360-degree Camera | Yes |
| Auto Parking | Yes | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 4 years | 5 years✓ |
| Warranty Notes | — | 8-year/160,000 km hybrid battery warranty |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Used AMG GLB & XC40 for sale
AMG GLB vs XC40 FAQ
Is the Mercedes-Benz AMG GLB or Volvo XC40 better?
The AMG GLB is better for outright pace, luggage room and its 2,829 mm wheelbase. The XC40 is the better financial choice, costing RM150,000 less while adding a five-year warranty and retaining all-wheel drive.
What is the price difference?
The Mercedes-Benz AMG GLB costs RM150,000 more than the Volvo XC40.
Which has the larger boot?
The Mercedes-Benz AMG GLB has the larger boot at 570 litres, compared with 460 litres in the Volvo XC40. That is a 110-litre advantage for the Mercedes-Benz.