2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2022 Volvo XC60

Volvo made some subtle yet noteworthy styling changes to the 2022 XC60. The new front fascia incorporated what the automaker called “air blades,” which were vertical elements on either side of the grille that granted the XC60 a slightly sportier appearance. Complementing this were a new rear bumper that cleverly concealed the tailpipes, and fresh wheel designs across all models. Additionally, the front grille was reworked to house sensors for the driver-assist systems behind the Volvo logo, which was heated to ensure these sensors remained functional in cold weather conditions.

The XC60 shared its Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform with the XC90, and the S90 and S60 sedans, as well as the V90 Cross Country and V60 Cross Country wagons. This design consistency across various models underscored Volvo’s emphasis on cohesiveness and modularity.

While the interior of the XC60 largely remained unchanged, it gained a new digital instrument cluster. The cabin retained its clean design, featuring a portrait-oriented touchscreen and minimal clutter. The B6 R-Design test car stood out with its aluminum mesh speaker grilles and elaborately textured seats, adding a touch of flair to an otherwise subdued interior. The Inscription trim level offered more luxurious touches with Nappa leather upholstery and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

Looking at the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, the model was split between the new GLC 300 and the carryover Coupe models. The standard GLC 300 was redesigned, but it took a keen eye to distinguish it from prior models. The most noticeable change was the new, narrower taillights. Despite this fresh design, the new GLC could easily be mistaken for the first-generation model introduced in 2016. This continuity reflected Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to a timeless, substantive design that could stand the test of time, even as luxury SUV rivals leaned more into sportiness and advanced technologies.

Inside, the new GLC broke away significantly from its predecessor, mirroring newer Mercedes models with a more modern aesthetic. Dominating the center dashboard was a large vertical infotainment touchscreen, paired with a tablet-like instrument panel in front of the driver. The interior felt modern and high-tech, with top-notch materials and solid construction. Unlike some competitors, the GLC's cabin was simpler and cleaner, offering a less cluttered visual experience.

The Coupe versions of the GLC retained their first-generation exterior and interior design. This meant the sloping roofline differentiated it from the standard GLC 300, and although the interior had aged, it held some usability advantages over its newer sibling.

For the 2022 model year, Volvo introduced new B5 and B6 mild-hybrid powertrains, replacing the previous T5 and T6 powertrains. The B5 and B6 engines combined a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a 48-volt electrical system and integrated starter generator, capable of adding 13 horsepower in short bursts. Notably, the B6 engine also featured an electric supercharger alongside the turbo.

Volvo quoted the total system outputs at 258 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque for the XC60 B5, and 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque for the B6. Both powertrains utilized an eight-speed automatic transmission. The B5 offered standard front-wheel drive (FWD) with optional all-wheel drive (AWD), while the B6 was solely available with AWD.

Performance metrics saw a modest reduction from the 2021 gasoline-only powertrains, as did the acceleration times. The B5 could achieve zero to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds (6.6 seconds with FWD), and the B6 in 5.9 seconds. Drivers found the B6 XC60 R-Design to deliver a smooth and pleasant driving experience with notable power delivery from the mild-hybrid system. The XC60 leaned towards a calm and relaxed driving style, with standout features being its quiet cabin and comfortable ride, augmented by the optional air suspension.

Alternatively, Volvo also offered the XC60 as a plug-in hybrid model with a more aggressively electrified powertrain. The XC60 Recharge combined a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with turbocharged and supercharged components, an integrated starter generator, and a rear electric motor allowing for AWD. This configuration generated 400 horsepower and 472 pound-feet of torque, achieving zero to 60 mph in 5 seconds. The Polestar Engineered variant added further performance enhancements, boosting output to 415 horsepower and 494 pound-feet of torque, and reducing the zero to 60 mph time to 4.9 seconds. It also included Öhlins adjustable dampers, Akebono brakes, and a front strut bar.

For the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, the GLC 300 trim level was the sole variant available in its first year. It housed a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine coupled with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, collectively producing 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, with rear-wheel drive (RWD) standard and an option for Mercedes' 4Matic all-wheel-drive (AWD).

The GLC 300 delivered a smooth and linear acceleration experience, akin to electric vehicles. Mercedes estimated a zero to 60 mph time of 6.2 seconds, a respectable figure for the class. Despite not being as lively as the BMW X3’s four-cylinder powertrain, acceleration felt sufficient for highway merging and passing. The brake pedal effort was softer than optimal, although effective for quick deceleration and smooth stops. The suspension prioritized comfort, ensuring a compliant ride with confidence in corners. For sportier handling preferences, future AMG models were anticipated to meet expectations. Overall, the GLC 300's ride smoothness, combined with a nearly silent cabin, stood out.

The GLC 4Matic Coupe retained its older four-cylinder turbo engine, producing 255 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, matching the GLC 300's zero to 60 mph time of 6.2 seconds. Meanwhile, the AMG GLC 43 Coupe featured a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6, producing 385 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque, and achieved zero to 60 mph in an impressive 4.7 seconds, catering to sportier driving preferences.

The 2022 Volvo XC60’s interior space remained largely unchanged despite new model year updates, maintaining its competitive stance in passenger accommodation within its market segment. The XC60 offered above-average front-seat headroom, although it tied with the Audi Q5 for the least rear-seat headroom. Legroom in both rows was about average for the segment.

Mild-hybrid models provided 21.6 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats in place, expandable to 49.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. However, the plug-in hybrid models saw a slight reduction, offering 21.1 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 49.3 cubic feet with the seats down. Compared to most similarly sized luxury crossovers, the XC60 fell short in cargo capacity. Nevertheless, it benefited from a commanding SUV driving position with good forward visibility, and the somewhat pinched roofline did not significantly hinder rear visibility thanks to large exterior mirrors.

For the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, the interior struck a balance of practicality and comfort. The front seats allowed extensive adjustability for preferred seating positions and were well-shaped for long-distance comfort, though they were firmly cushioned. Mercedes' synthetic leather upholstery convincingly mimicked genuine leather, but real leather options offered smoother surfaces.

The GLC featured ample storage areas, including a large center console bin with a wireless charging pad and cupholders, though the piano black lid attracted dust and fingerprints. The rear seats comfortably accommodated average adult passengers, although headroom was slightly limited for taller occupants. An optional panoramic sunroof could enhance the sense of space. The standard GLC offered 21.9 cubic feet of cargo space, which, while smaller than some rivals by up to 35%, was still functional for most needs. The flat-folding rear seats further enhanced this capacity by facilitating the transport of larger items.

The GLC Coupe, with its distinctive sloping roofline, sacrificed cargo capacity, offering only 17.6 cubic feet. Additionally, rear headroom diminished by 1.3 inches, making it slightly less accommodating for taller rear passengers.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 received a tech overhaul, retaining a 9-inch touchscreen but now utilizing the Android Automotive operating system. Accompanying it was a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth, and a built-in WiFi hotspot. Optional features included a head-up display and premium audio systems from Harman Kardon or Bowers & Wilkins.

The new operating system integrated Android-specific features, with Google Assistant for voice control and Google Maps for navigation. Android users could sync their profiles, while the Google Play Store enabled access to third-party apps such as Spotify. This system supported over-the-air (OTA) updates.

For non-Android users, Volvo ensured full iPhone compatibility, though the system’s Google-based design might not appeal to all Apple users. The redesigned infotainment layout utilized sideways swiping to access menus, maximizing screen space. The digital instrument cluster provided a “Calm” setting to minimize distractions by removing the map display.

The 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class featured a redesigned interior, with an impressive 11.9-inch touchscreen that delivered sharp graphics and immediate responses. However, the screen’s lower placement on the dash made it more distracting to use compared to the previous generation’s higher-mounted screen and trackpad control on the center console.

Mercedes retained the small capacitive-touch trackpad on the steering wheel for controlling the on-screen cursor, but it was often frustrating due to its hypersensitivity. Despite this, the MBUX infotainment system’s voice recognition was among the best, capable of handling numerous features, though it would interrupt audio playback.

The new system performed well overall but was more distracting due to the layout and lack of physical buttons, making no-look adjustments for audio and climate controls challenging. While the older system remained available, it was limited to the less practical Coupe body style. Standard connectivity features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and an optional Burmester 3D Surround Sound system catered to audio enthusiasts.

Crash-test ratings for the 2022 Volvo XC60 hadn’t been released by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), but the 2021 model had earned the highest “Top Safety Pick+” rating. Similarly, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) hadn’t published ratings for the 2022 model, but the 2021 model received a five-star overall rating, with five stars in frontal and side crash tests, and four stars in rollover crash tests.

Standard safety features for the XC60 included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, automatic post-collision braking, a driver-attention monitor, traffic-sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross traffic alert. New additions for 2022 were the Ready to Drive Notification and Emergency Stop Assist. An optional Pilot Assist system combined adaptive cruise control and automated lane centering for highway driving.

For the 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, crash-test results were not available, but high scores were anticipated based on Mercedes' reputation and the previous GLC’s five-star NHTSA rating and IIHS Top Safety Pick honor. Standard safety features included forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive headlights with automatic high beams, and a driver attention monitor. Optional features from the Driver Assistance package included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, evasive steering assist, and emergency stop assist. The Coupe variant also included cross-traffic alerts and a surround-view camera system.