Verdict
The Mercedes-Benz GLB costs RM290,888 against the Volvo XC60’s RM333,888, so the RM43,000 gap is real money. The GLB’s case is simple: seven seats, a lower RM100 road tax bill and a higher 207 km/h top speed. The XC60 hits back hard with 246 hp, 350 Nm, all-wheel drive and a much quicker 6.9-second 0-100 km/h time. It also has 483 litres of boot space versus just 130 litres in the GLB. Choose seats or performance; they do different jobs.
GLB
Pick the Mercedes-Benz GLB if you need seven seats and lower running costs more than outright pace.
XC60
Pick the Volvo XC60 if you want stronger performance, all-wheel drive and a bigger boot in a five-seat SUV.
Key differences
- Price: Mercedes-Benz GLB RM290,888; Volvo XC60 RM333,888
- Seats: Mercedes-Benz GLB 7; Volvo XC60 5
- Power and torque: Mercedes-Benz GLB 161 hp/270 Nm; Volvo XC60 246 hp/350 Nm
- 0-100 km/h: Mercedes-Benz GLB 9.3 s; Volvo XC60 6.9 s
- Boot space: Mercedes-Benz GLB 130 L; Volvo XC60 483 L
- Warranty: Mercedes-Benz GLB 2 years; Volvo XC60 5 years
GLB
- Seven-seat layout
- Lower RM100 road tax
- Higher 207 km/h top speed
- Slower 9.3-second 0-100 km/h time
- Only 130 litres of boot space
- Front-wheel drive only
XC60
- Much stronger 246 hp and 350 Nm outputs
- All-wheel drive traction
- Larger 483-litre boot
- Costs RM43,000 more
- Higher RM428 road tax
- Five seats only
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM 290,888✓ | RM 333,888 |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | C-Segment | Compact Executive |
| Assembly | CBU | CKD |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC with direct fuel injection, turbocharger with variable valve timing | 16-valve DOHC with Direct Fuel Injection, Turbocharger, Variable Valve Timing with MHEV Assistance |
| Capacity | 1,332 cc | 1,969 cc |
| Horsepower | 161 hp | 246 hp✓ |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 350 Nm✓ |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline | Inline |
| Timing Type | Chain | Chain |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol Hybrid/REV |
| Bore | 72.2 mm | 82 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 10.6 | 10.8 |
| Number of Motors | — | 1 |
| Motor Horsepower | — | 13 hp |
| Motor Torque | — | 30 Nm |
| Battery Type | — | Lithium-ion |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Dual-clutch Automatic (Wet) | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | 7G-DCT | 8-Speed Geartronic |
| Gears | 7 | 8 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Mercedes-Benz (Daimler AG) | — |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 9.3 seconds | 6.9 seconds✓ |
| Top Speed | 207 km/h✓ | 180 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,634 mm | 4,708 mm |
| Width | 1,834 mm | 1,902 mm |
| Height | 1,663 mm | 1,655 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,829 mm | 2,865 mm |
| Weight | 1,555 kg | 2,450 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 52 litres | 71 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 7 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 130 litres | 483 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 235/55R18 | — |
| Rear Tyre | 235/55R18 | — |
| Factory Tyres | Continental EcoContact 6 | — |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Mexico (CBU) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Chassis | Unibody | Unibody |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | Double Wishbones |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 18" 5-twin-spoke Alloys | 19" 5-double-spoke Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 18" 5-twin-spoke Alloys | 19" 5-double-spoke Alloys |
| Front Brakes | Ventilated Discs | Ventilated Discs |
| Rear Brakes | Ventilated Discs | Ventilated Discs |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Front Passenger, Front and Rear Side, Front and Rear Curtain, Driver's Knee | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, 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 | 7 Three-point | 5 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available for two outer middle row seats, two last row seats | Available on 2 Outer Rear Seats, with Integrated Boosters |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | No | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | For All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Reflector with Auto High Beam | LED Projector with Auto High Beam |
| Taillamps | Full LED | Full LED |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | ✓ | — |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Driver and Passenger Powered Seats with Driver Side Memory Settings | Power Adjustable Front Seats with Memory Function |
| Rear Seats | 40:20:40 Split-folding and Sliding 2nd Row, 50:50 Split-folding 3rd Row | 40:20:40 Split Folding with integrated 2-stage booster child seat cushions for the outer seats |
| Front Air-con | Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Rear AC Vents | Rear Vents |
| Sunroof | — | Panoramic Glass Roof |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 2 Rear USB-C 3rd Row | 1 Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 2 USB-C Front, 2 USB-C Rear |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights & Ambient Lighting | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Sun Shade | — | Powered Sunshade for Panoramic Glass Roof |
| Audio | 10.25" Touchscreen MBUX Multimedia System with Voice Control, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto | 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 with Steering Assist |
| Paddle Shift | ✓ | — |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Powered Boot | Powered Boot, Contactless Opening |
| Parking Sensor Front | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | Yes, with 360 Surround View Camera |
| 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 | 2 years | 5 years✓ |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM 100✓ | RM 428 |
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.
GLB vs XC60 FAQ
Is the Mercedes-Benz GLB or Volvo XC60 better?
The Volvo XC60 is better for performance and luggage space, with 246 hp, AWD and a 483-litre boot. The Mercedes-Benz GLB is better if you need seven seats and lower road tax.
What is the price difference?
The Volvo XC60 costs RM43,000 more than the Mercedes-Benz GLB.
Which SUV is quicker from 0-100 km/h?
The Volvo XC60 is quicker, doing 0-100 km/h in 6.9 seconds versus the Mercedes-Benz GLB’s 9.3 seconds.