2021 Volvo XC60 vs 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC presented a familiar yet slightly updated aesthetic, with a new front fascia featuring a trapezoidal grille and angled LED headlights. These changes aligned it with the aggressive styling of the A-Class and CLS-Class. The taillights retained their square LED design, making the updates subtle unless compared directly with older models. While the GLC's proportions were adequate, it lacked visual excitement, especially in the mass-market GLC 300 model. The AMG versions, however, added some flair with their wide tires and distinctive grilles. The GLC Coupe's fastback roof offered a touch of style, but overall, the GLC's design was more functional than eye-catching. Despite its high price tag, the GLC's interior was a standout feature, boasting high-quality materials and impeccable fit and finish. The 2020 model introduced a 10.3-inch touchscreen, replacing the previous smaller displays, and a more button-laden steering wheel, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2021 Volvo XC60, on the other hand, showcased a refined and elegant design, embodying Volvo's near-luxury ethos. Built on the SPA platform, the XC60 shared its architecture with other Volvo models, ensuring a cohesive design language. Its exterior featured a tailored two-box design with short overhangs and crisp details, highlighted by the iconic Thor's hammer LED headlights. The paint quality and chrome accents were meticulously executed, and the large alloy wheels added a touch of sophistication. Inside, the XC60 exuded Scandinavian charm with clean lines and authentic materials. The 9-inch portrait-oriented infotainment touchscreen was a familiar feature, and the attention to detail in the cabin, from the HVAC vents to the harmonious textures and colors, elevated the XC60 to near-luxury status.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 was equipped with a new turbocharged inline 4-cylinder engine, producing 255 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission, offered improved performance over previous models, though it still fell short compared to competitors like the BMW X3. The AMG GLC 43, with its twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 engine, delivered 385 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque, providing a thrilling driving experience. The AMG GLC 63 models, with their V8 engines, offered even more power, but the GLC 300's handling and steering left much to be desired. Fuel economy for the GLC 300 4Matic was rated at 21 mpg city, 28 highway, and 24 combined.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 offered a range of powertrains, starting with the T5 model's 250-horsepower turbocharged engine. The T6 model added a supercharger for a total of 316 horsepower, while the T8 plug-in hybrid combined a gasoline engine with an electric motor for 400 horsepower and 472 lb-ft of torque. The T8 Polestar Engineered model further increased power to 415 horsepower. The XC60's AWD system and torque vectoring provided confident handling, and the cabin remained quiet and comfortable. Fuel economy varied by model, with the T5 FWD achieving 22 mpg city and 29 highway, while the T8 PHEV offered 27 mpg combined and 57 MPGe in electric-only mode.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC featured a mix of digital and physical controls, with the MBUX system offering a user-friendly interface. The column shifter and door-mounted seat controls were unconventional but practical. The GLC provided adequate space for four adults, though the rear seat adjustment process was cumbersome. Cargo space was limited, with 19 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 57 cubic feet with them folded.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 excelled in interior design and functionality, with highly adjustable front seats and a heating system well-suited for cold climates. The cabin offered smart storage solutions and intuitive controls, making it a comfortable and practical choice. The XC60 provided 21.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and up to 63.6 cubic feet with the seats folded. It was also rated to tow up to 3,500 pounds.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC's MBUX system included advanced features like augmented reality navigation and a cloud-based voice assistant. While some features were ahead of their time, they were not fully integrated. The system supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with optional wireless charging. An Off-Road Engineering Package was available for those seeking additional driving modes and underbody protection.

The 2021 Volvo XC60's Sensus infotainment system featured a tablet-style interface with function quadrants, offering a familiar experience for iPad users. Smartphone integration was seamless, with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a WiFi hotspot. The Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system provided exceptional sound quality, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC received top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, with features like Exit Warning Assist and Pre-Safe Sound enhancing its safety credentials. The GLC's advanced safety systems, including predictive brake priming, set it apart from many competitors.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 continued Volvo's tradition of safety excellence, earning a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA. The XC60 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including collision avoidance, lane-keeping aid, and Volvo's semi-autonomous Pilot Assist system. The XC60's top speed was limited to 112 mph for safety reasons, and the T8 Polestar Engineered model featured distinctive gold safety belts.