Compare the2026 Mercedes GLBVS 2026 Volvo XC60

Both the GLB and the XC60 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, driver alert monitors, available all wheel drive, lane departure warning systems and around view monitors.

There are over 36 percent more Mercedes dealers than there are Volvo dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the GLB’s warranty.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2025 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Mercedes vehicles are better in initial quality than Volvo vehicles. With 48 fewer problems per 100 vehicles, JD Power ranks Mercedes higher than Volvo.

As tested in Motor Trend the Mercedes GLB is faster than the XC60 B5 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder:

On the EPA test cycle the GLB gets better mileage than the XC60 running its gasoline engine:

Both the GLB and the XC60 have a standard automatic start/stop engine feature to stop unnecessary fuel waste and pollution at stoplights and heavy traffic. All GLBs have a standard disable switch for the system, so a driver can keep the engine from shutting off when the vehicle stops temporarily. The XC60 T8 doesn’t offer a way to disable start/stop.

The GLB offers a standard sequential manual gearbox (SMG). With no clutch pedal to worry about and a fully automatic mode, an SMG is much more efficient than a conventional automatic but just as easy to drive. The XC60 doesn’t offer an SMG or a conventional manual transmission.

The GLB stops shorter than the XC60:

The GLB’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 55 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the XC60’s standard 60 series tires.

Changing a flat tire near traffic can be dangerous and inconvenient. The run-flat tires available on the GLB can be driven up to 50 miles without any air pressure, allowing you to drive to a service station for a repair. The XC60 doesn’t offer run-flat tires.

The front and rear suspension of the GLB uses coil springs for better ride, handling and control than the XC60, which uses transverse leafs springs in the rear. Coil springs compress more progressively and offer more suspension travel for a smoother ride with less bottoming out.

The GLB offers an optional driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads or off-road. The XC60’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

The GLB’s drift compensation steering can automatically compensate for road conditions which would cause the vehicle to drift from side to side, helping the driver to keep the vehicle straight more easily. The XC60 doesn’t offer drift compensation steering.

The GLB 250 4MATIC handles at .83 G’s, while the XC60 T8 Core pulls only .80 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The Mercedes GLB may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 400 to 750 pounds less than the Volvo XC60.

The GLB is 3 inches shorter than the XC60, making the GLB easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The GLB is 6.5 inches narrower than the XC60, making the GLB easier to handle and maneuver in traffic.

The GLB offers optional seating for 7 passengers; the XC60 can only carry 5.

The GLB has 2.7 inches more front headroom, 1.3 inches more rear headroom and .1 inches more rear legroom than the XC60.

For enhanced passenger comfort on long trips the GLB’s middle row seats recline. The XC60’s rear seats don’t recline.

The front step up height for the GLB is 2 inches lower than the XC60 (17” vs. 19”). The GLB’s rear step up height is 2 inches lower than the XC60’s (17.5” vs. 19.5”).

The GLB’s cargo area is larger than the XC60’s in almost every dimension:

The GLB’s standard easy entry and exit feature glides the driver’s seat back, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The XC60 doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

The GLB is equipped with both FM and AM stereo radios, offering access to more content and better coverage than the XC60, which solely provides FM radio. With AM radio, you can enjoy a wider variety of stations featuring news, talk shows, sports commentary, native language programing, automated traffic guidance, and emergency broadcasts. AM waves travel further and penetrate buildings and obstacles more effectively than FM signals, especially at night. Having both FM and AM stereo radios the GLB offers a more comprehensive listening experience compared to only FM in the XC60.

HD Radio boasts several benefits over conventional radio: superior sound quality with clearer and consistent FM broadcasts, CD-quality audio, and Multicast Channels offering up to four streams from a single station, adding programming choices. Cars like the GLB equipped with HD Radio provide an improved in-car entertainment experience. The XC60, devoid of this technology, foregoes these benefits. Selecting the Mercedes GLB empowers drivers to enjoy a more immersive and enjoyable listening experience while on the go.

The GLB has a 115-volt a/c outlet on the center console, allowing you to recharge a laptop or run small household appliances without special adapters that can break or get misplaced. The XC60 doesn’t offer a house-current electrical outlet.

The GLB’s optional Active Parking Assist can parallel park by itself, stopping and changing direction automatically. The XC60 doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

The GLB is available in both front-wheel drive and four-wheel drive configurations. The XC60 doesn’t offer a two-wheel drive configuration.