Verdict
The Mercedes-Benz GLC is the roomier long-distance choice, with a 2,888-mm wheelbase, 620-litre boot and 62-litre fuel tank. Its 201-hp petrol mild-hybrid drivetrain reaches 100 km/h in 7.8 seconds and tops out at 221 km/h. The Volvo EC40 is 276 mm shorter, yet its 235-hp, 420-Nm electric motor is quicker to 100 km/h at 7.3 seconds. For Malaysian buyers with dependable charging, the EC40’s 70-kWh battery, 488-km range and 200-kW DC charging make the lower annual road tax particularly attractive.
Pick the Mercedes-Benz GLC if you need the 620-litre boot, 2,888-mm wheelbase and 62-litre petrol range flexibility.
Pick the Volvo EC40 if you can charge regularly and want 488 km of EV range, 200-kW DC charging and quicker 7.3-second acceleration.
Key differences
- Price: Mercedes-Benz GLC RM329,888; Volvo EC40 RM248,888.
- Road tax: Mercedes-Benz GLC RM440 per year; Volvo EC40 RM220 per year.
- Powertrain: Mercedes-Benz GLC 201-hp 1,999-cc petrol mild hybrid plus 23-hp motor; Volvo EC40 235-hp, 420-Nm electric motor with 70-kWh battery.
- Acceleration and top speed: Mercedes-Benz GLC 0-100 km/h in 7.8 seconds and 221 km/h; Volvo EC40 7.3 seconds and 180 km/h.
- Size and luggage space: Mercedes-Benz GLC has a 2,888-mm wheelbase and 620-litre boot; Volvo EC40 has a 2,702-mm wheelbase and 413-litre boot.
- Charging and warranty: Mercedes-Benz GLC has no charging provision; Volvo EC40 supports 11-kW AC and 200-kW DC charging, with a five-year vehicle warranty and…
GLC
- 620-litre boot and 2,888-mm wheelbase.
- 201-hp petrol mild-hybrid drivetrain with 62-litre tank.
- Heated memory front seats, 40:20:40 rear bench and rear window shades.
- RM81,000 more expensive than the Volvo EC40.
- Slower 0-100 km/h time at 7.8 seconds versus 7.3 seconds.
- RM440 annual road tax versus RM220.
EC40
- 488-km EV range from a 70-kWh battery.
- 200-kW DC and 11-kW AC charging.
- Adaptive cruise control with steering assist and stop-and-go.
- 413-litre boot is 207 litres smaller than the Mercedes-Benz GLC’s.
- 2,702-mm wheelbase is 186 mm shorter than the Mercedes-Benz GLC’s.
- 180-km/h top speed is 41 km/h lower than the Mercedes-Benz GLC’s.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM329,888 | RM248,888✓ |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | Compact Executive | Compact Executive |
| Assembly | CKD | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM440 | RM220✓ |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC, Turbocharged with Direct Fuel Injection and Variable Valve Timing, Mild Hybrid Assist | 400V architecture |
| Capacity | 1,999 cc | — |
| Horsepower | 201 hp at 5,800 rpm | — |
| Torque | 320 Nm at 1,600 rpm | — |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline 4 | — |
| Fuel | Petrol Hybrid/REV | Electric |
| Bore × Stroke | 83 mm × 92.4 mm | — |
| Compression Ratio | 10 | — |
| Number of Motors | 1 | 1 |
| Motor Horsepower | 23 hp | 235 hp✓ |
| Motor Torque | 205 Nm | 420 Nm✓ |
| Battery Capacity | — | 70 kWh |
| EV Range | — | 488 km |
| Charging Rate (AC) | — | 11 kW |
| Charging Rate (DC) | — | 200 kW |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Single Ratio Automatic |
| Transmission Name | 9G-Tronic | — |
| Gears | 9 | — |
| Transmission Manufacturer | — | Volvo |
| Driveline | All Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 7.8 seconds | 7.3 seconds✓ |
| Top Speed | 221 km/h✓ | 180 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,716 mm | 4,440 mm |
| Width | 1,890 mm | 1,873 mm |
| Height | 1,640 mm | 1,582 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,888 mm | 2,702 mm |
| Weight | — | 2,185 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 62 litres | — |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 620 litres✓ | 413 litres |
| Front Tyre | 255/45R20 | 235/50R19 |
| Rear Tyre | 285/40R20 | 255/45R19 |
| Spare Tyre | N/A, Tyre Repair Kit | N/A, Tyre Repair Kit |
| Factory Tyres | Continental EcoContact 6 Q | Continental EcoContact 6 VOL |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | Multi-link | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-Link |
| Front Wheels | 20" Alloys | 19" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 20" Alloys | 19" Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Chassis Notes | — | Sports Chassis |
| Crash Safety Ratings | ||
| EuroNCAP | — | 5 stars |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 7 (Driver and Passenger, Driver's Knee, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain) | 7 (Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Driver's Knee, Front and Rear Curtain) |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for Rear Doors | Electronic for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available on outer two rear seats | Available for 2 Outer Rear Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | For All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Reflectors | LED Projector with Auto High Beam |
| Taillamps | Full LED | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | — | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Power Adjustable Front Seats with Memory & Heating | Power Adjustable Front Seats |
| Rear Seats | 40:20:40 Split-folding | 60:40 Split Fold |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Rear AC Vents | Rear Vents |
| Sunroof | — | Fixed Glass Roof |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 2 USB-C Front, 2 USB-C Rear | 1x 12V in front, 2x USB-C front, 2x USB-C rear |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights and Ambient Lights | Map Lights & Ambient Lighting |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Sun Shade | Rear Window Shades | — |
| Audio | 11.9" Touchscreen Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) with Voice Control, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and 8 Speakers | 9" Portrait Android Automotive OS Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-pinch | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless (Depress Brake to Start) |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Entry |
| Auto Start/Stop | ✓ | — |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control with Steering Assist and Stop and Go |
| Paddle Shift | ✓ | — |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Steering Adjustment | ✓ | — |
| Boot Operation | Powered Boot | Remote Control Activation |
| Parking Sensor Front | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, with 360-degree Camera | Yes, with 360-degree Camera |
| Auto Parking | Yes | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Power Door | — | No |
| 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 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 GLC & EC40 for sale
GLC vs EC40 FAQ
Is the Mercedes-Benz GLC or Volvo EC40 better?
The Volvo EC40 is the stronger pick if home or workplace charging is available: it is quicker, has 488 km of EV range and costs less. Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLC for its 620-litre boot, longer wheelbase and petrol refuelling flexibility.
What is the price difference?
The Mercedes-Benz GLC costs RM329,888 and the Volvo EC40 costs RM248,888, so the GLC is RM81,000 more expensive.
How quickly can the Volvo EC40 charge?
The Volvo EC40 supports AC charging at up to 11 kW and DC charging at up to 200 kW. Its 70-kWh battery is rated for 488 km of range.
