2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2022 Volvo XC60

The 2022 Volvo XC60 underwent subtle styling changes, enhancing its sporty appearance with a new front fascia featuring "air blades" and a reworked grille that housed sensors for driver-assist systems. The rear bumper was redesigned to hide the tailpipes, and new wheel designs were introduced. The XC60 shared its Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform with other Volvo models, ensuring a consistent design language. Inside, the XC60 retained 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, while the Inscription trim offered Nappa leather upholstery and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

In contrast, the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 was redesigned, sharing a platform with the C-Class sedan, while the GLC Coupe models remained unchanged. The new GLC 300 featured narrower taillights but maintained a similar overall design to its predecessor. The interior received a significant makeover, with a large vertical infotainment touchscreen and a tablet-like instrument panel. The GLC's design was classy and timeless, though some felt it lacked personality. The AMG Line package, with its darkened accents, offered a sportier option. The GLC Coupe retained its first-generation interior, which had aged well and offered some usability advantages over the newer model.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 introduced new B5 and B6 mild-hybrid powertrains, replacing the previous T5 and T6 options. Both featured a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a 48-volt electrical system, providing an additional 13 horsepower in short bursts. The B6 also included an electric supercharger. The B5 delivered 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 came with standard all-wheel drive in Canada. The XC60 B5 accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds, while the B6 achieved it in 5.9 seconds. The XC60's standout features were its quiet cabin and comfortable ride, enhanced by optional air suspension. The plug-in hybrid XC60 Recharge offered 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque, with a 0 to 60 mph time of 5 seconds. The Polestar Engineered version increased output to 415 hp and 494 lb-ft, with a 0 to 60 mph time of 4.9 seconds.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 featured a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, producing 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. It used a 9-speed automatic transmission and standard 4Matic all-wheel drive in Canada. The GLC 300 accelerated to 100 km/h in approximately 6.2 seconds. The brake pedal was soft but effective, and the suspension favoured comfort over sporty handling. The GLC 300 offered a smooth ride and a nearly silent cabin. The GLC 4Matic Coupe retained its older engine, delivering 255 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, with a similar acceleration time. The AMG GLC 43 Coupe featured a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6, producing 385 hp and 384 lb-ft, with a 0 to 100 km/h time of 4.7 seconds.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 maintained its competitive passenger space, with above-average front-seat headroom but limited rear-seat headroom. Legroom was average for the segment. The mild-hybrid models offered 611 litres of cargo space with the rear seats up and 1,410 litres with them folded. Plug-in hybrid models had slightly less cargo capacity. The XC60 provided a commanding driving position with good visibility, aided by large exterior mirrors.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC offered comfortable front seats with ample adjustment options and synthetic leather upholstery. Real leather was available for a smoother finish. The GLC featured a large centre console bin, wireless charging pad, and cupholders, though the piano black lid attracted dust and fingerprints. The GLC provided ample front space and adequate rear space, with slightly limited headroom for taller passengers. The standard GLC offered 620 litres of cargo space, while the GLC Coupe's sloping roofline reduced it to 500 litres. The rear seats folded flat for larger items.

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. The system included Google Assistant for voice control, Google Maps for navigation, and access to third-party apps via the Google Play Store. The system supported over-the-air updates and was compatible with iPhones, though Android users benefited more. The digital instrument cluster offered a "Calm" setting to minimize distractions.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC featured an 11.9-inch touchscreen with sharp graphics and immediate responses. However, its lower placement on the dash made it more distracting to use. The MBUX infotainment system offered excellent voice recognition but interrupted audio playback. The system lacked physical buttons, making adjustments more challenging. Standard connectivity included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with an available Burmester 3D Surround Sound system.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA for 2022, but the 2021 model received top ratings. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, traffic-sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. An optional driver assistance system combined adaptive cruise control and automated lane centring.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but the previous model received top scores. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive headlights, and a driver attention monitor. The optional Intelligent Drive package added adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, evasive steering assist, lane change assist, and emergency stop assist. The Coupe included cross-traffic alerts and a surround-view camera.