Verdict
At RM329,888, the five-seat GLC costs RM89,000 less than the seven-seat RM418,888 XC90 and carries 620 litres of luggage against 451 litres. The Volvo is the proper people mover, however: its 4,950-mm body and 2,984-mm wheelbase accommodate a third row, while 249 hp and 350 Nm eclipse the Mercedes’ 201 hp and 320 Nm. Yet the sprint is effectively tied at 7.7 versus 7.8 seconds. Choose on seating need, not straight-line pace; the GLC also reaches 221 km/h to the XC90’s 180 km/h.
GLC
Pick the Mercedes-Benz GLC if you need five seats, a 620-litre boot and a substantially lower entry price.
XC90
Pick the Volvo XC90 if seven seats, a larger cabin, air suspension and stronger 249 hp performance matter more than luggage volume.
Key differences
- Price: Mercedes-Benz GLC RM329,888; Volvo XC90 RM418,888.
- Seating and boot space: GLC 5 seats and 620 litres; XC90 7 seats and 451 litres.
- Power and torque: GLC 201 hp and 320 Nm; XC90 249 hp and 350 Nm.
- Size: GLC is 4,716 mm long with a 2,888-mm wheelbase; XC90 is 4,950 mm long with a 2,984-mm wheelbase.
- Performance: GLC does 0-100 km/h in 7.8 seconds and reaches 221 km/h; XC90 manages 7.7 seconds and 180 km/h.
- Suspension and warranty: GLC has multi-link front and rear suspension with a four-year unlimited-mileage warranty; XC90 has double-wishbone front and…
GLC
- RM89,000 cheaper.
- 620-litre boot is 169 litres larger.
- 221 km/h top speed and a nine-speed automatic.
- Only five seats versus the XC90's seven.
- No air suspension.
- Passive cruise control rather than active cruise control.
XC90
- Seven seats with third-row 50:50 folding.
- 249 hp and 350 Nm, plus 7.7-second 0-100 km/h acceleration.
- Air suspension, active cruise control and a five-year warranty.
- RM89,000 more expensive.
- 451-litre boot is smaller than the GLC's 620 litres.
- 180 km/h top speed is 41 km/h lower.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM329,888✓ | RM418,888 |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | Compact Executive | Executive |
| Assembly | CKD | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM440 | RM428✓ |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC, Turbocharged with Direct Fuel Injection and Variable Valve Timing, Mild Hybrid Assist | 16-valve DOHC with Direct Fuel Injection, Turbocharger, Variable Valve Timing with MHEV Assistance |
| Capacity | 1,999 cc | 1,969 cc |
| Horsepower | 201 hp at 5,800 rpm | 249 hp at 5,400 rpm✓ |
| Torque | 320 Nm at 1,600 rpm | 350 Nm at 1,800 rpm✓ |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline 4 | Inline 4 |
| Fuel | Petrol Hybrid/REV | Petrol Hybrid/REV |
| Bore × Stroke | 83 mm × 92.4 mm | 82 mm × 93.2 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 10 | 10.3 |
| Number of Motors | 1 | 1 |
| Motor Horsepower | 23 hp✓ | 14 hp |
| Motor Torque | 205 Nm✓ | 40 Nm |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | 9G-Tronic | 8-Speed Automatic Transmission with Geartronic |
| Gears | 9 | 8 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | — | Volvo |
| Driveline | All Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 7.8 seconds | 7.7 seconds✓ |
| Top Speed | 221 km/h✓ | 180 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,716 mm | 4,950 mm |
| Width | 1,890 mm | 1,958 mm |
| Height | 1,640 mm | 1,776 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,888 mm | 2,984 mm |
| Weight | — | 2,350 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 62 litres | 71 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 7 |
| Boot Space | 620 litres✓ | 451 litres |
| Front Tyre | 255/45R20 | 275/45R20 |
| Rear Tyre | 285/40R20 | 275/45R20 |
| Spare Tyre | N/A, Tyre Repair Kit | N/A, Tyre Repair Kit |
| Factory Tyres | Continental EcoContact 6 Q | — |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | Multi-link | Double Wishbones with Air Suspension |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-link with Air Suspension |
| Front Wheels | 20" Alloys | 20" 5-spoke Black Diamond Cut Black Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 20" Alloys | 20" 5-spoke Black Diamond Cut Black Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | — | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for Rear Doors | Electric for rear doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 7 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available on outer two rear seats | Available on 2 Outer Rear Seats, with Integrated Boosters |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | Yes, with Full Auto Brake, Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | For All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Reflectors | Dynamic LED Projectors with Auto High Beam |
| Taillamps | Full LED | Full LED |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Power Adjustable Front Seats with Memory & Heating | Power Adjustable Front Seats with Ventilation |
| Rear Seats | 40:20:40 Split-folding | Second row 40:20:40 Split Folding with integrated booster child seat for the outer seats, Third Row 50:50 |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control System |
| Rear Air-con | Rear AC Vents | Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Sunroof | — | Panoramic, Front Tilt and Slide |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 2 USB-C Front, 2 USB-C Rear | — |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights and Ambient Lights | Map Lights and Ambient Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Middle Row, 2 Last Row |
| Sun Shade | Rear Window Shades | Manual Rear Door Window Shades, Powered Sunroof Shade |
| Audio | 11.9" Touchscreen Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) with Voice Control, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and 8 Speakers | 11.2" Central Display with Android Automotive OS, Apple CarPlay & Android Auto Connectivity, Bowers & Wilkins High Fidelity Audio System |
| 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 Knob Twist |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Start/Stop | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control | Active Cruise Control |
| Paddle Shift | ✓ | — |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Steering Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Powered Boot | Powered Boot, Contactless Opening |
| Parking Sensor Front | 6 Sensors | — |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 6 Sensors | — |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, with 360-degree Camera | Yes, with 360 Surround View Camera |
| Auto Parking | 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 GLC & XC90 for sale
GLC vs XC90 FAQ
Is the Mercedes-Benz GLC or Volvo XC90 better?
The GLC is the better choice for five occupants needing a larger 620-litre boot and lower purchase cost. The XC90 is better for larger families because it has seven seats, more power and air suspension.
What is the price difference?
The Volvo XC90 costs RM89,000 more than the Mercedes-Benz GLC.
Which is better for a large family?
The Volvo XC90 is the clear family choice. It has seven three-point seatbelts, a third-row 50:50 bench, integrated booster seats on the outer second-row seats and rear dual-zone automatic climate control.
