2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2022 Volvo XC60

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC was a testament to the brand's commitment to a timeless aesthetic, characterized by soft curves and rounded edges. While it maintained a modern edge with its menacing LED headlights, it avoided the aggressive styling seen in some competitors. The GLC's long hood and wide grille gave it a dramatic stance, reminiscent of a raised C-Class or E-Class sedan, emphasizing its car-like characteristics. Inside, the GLC's cabin was an artful blend of soft lines and curves, with a flowing dash and a floating centre touchscreen. Mercedes-Benz was moving towards larger screens and a minimalist approach, but the GLC's interior design set a high standard for compact luxury SUV cabins.

In contrast, the 2022 Volvo XC60 featured subtle styling updates, including a new front fascia with "air blades" for a sportier look and a reworked grille with hidden sensors. The rear bumper design concealed the tailpipes, and new wheel designs were introduced. The XC60's interior remained largely unchanged, retaining its clean design with a portrait-oriented touchscreen and minimal clutter. The B6 R-Design model added flair with aluminum mesh speaker grilles and textured seats, though the overall interior felt subdued compared to other Volvo models. The Inscription trim level offered Nappa leather upholstery and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, enhancing the luxury feel.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 came equipped with a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 255 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. This power was delivered through a nine-speed automatic transmission to the 4MATIC all-wheel drive system. The GLC offered various drive modes, including Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+, but even in Comfort mode, the engine provided ample power. The steering was soft yet precise, and the GLC struck a balance between refinement and responsiveness. For those seeking more power, the AMG GLC 43 featured a twin-turbocharged V6 with 385 horsepower, while the AMG GLC 63 S boasted a twin-turbo V8 with 503 horsepower, delivering sports car-like performance.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 introduced new B5 and B6 mild-hybrid powertrains, replacing the previous T5 and T6 options. Both combined a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine with a 48-volt electrical system, with the B6 adding an electric supercharger. The B5 produced 258 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque, while the B6 offered 295 hp and 310 lb-ft. Both used an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The B6 XC60 R-Design impressed with its smooth power delivery and comfortable ride, enhanced by optional air suspension. The XC60 Recharge plug-in hybrid offered 400 hp and 472 lb-ft, while the Polestar Engineered version increased output to 415 hp and 494 lb-ft, with performance enhancements like Öhlins dampers and Akebono brakes.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 offered 1,600 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded, dropping to 550 litres with them up. The GLC Coupe's fastback design reduced these figures to 1,400 and 500 litres, respectively, making it comparable to the BMW X4. The GLC's interior featured a spacious centre console, deep door pockets, and retractable cupholders. Rear-seat space was decent, with ample legroom and headroom in the SUV, though the Coupe's low roofline compromised headroom.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 maintained its competitive passenger space, with above-average front-seat headroom but limited rear-seat headroom, tying with the Audi Q5. Cargo space for mild-hybrid models was 611 litres with seats up and 1,410 litres with them down, while plug-in hybrids offered slightly less. The XC60 provided a commanding driving position with good visibility, aided by large exterior mirrors.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC featured the MBUX infotainment system with a 10.25-inch touchscreen, centre console touch controller, and advanced voice control. The system was intuitive, offering both touch and controller options. The steering wheel had touch-sensitive pads for customizing the digital instrument panel and navigating the infotainment screen. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, though switching between radio and smartphone apps required navigating through menus.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 received a tech overhaul with a 9-inch touchscreen running Android Automotive, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Google Assistant provided voice control, and Google Maps handled navigation. Android users could sync profiles, and the system supported OTA updates. While iPhone compatibility was promised, the system's Google-based design might not appeal to Apple users. The digital cluster offered a "Calm" setting to minimize distractions.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC required the $2,700 Intelligent Drive Package for advanced safety features like automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring. Parking sensors and hands-free parking assist were part of the Premium Plus Package, though the sensors were overly sensitive and could be distracting.

The 2022 Volvo XC60's 2021 model received a "Top Safety Pick+" from IIHS and a five-star NHTSA rating. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. An optional package combined adaptive cruise control and automated lane centring, though it was no longer a standout feature.