2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2024 Volvo XC90

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC maintained a familiar aesthetic, ensuring it did not alienate its loyal fanbase. The redesign was subtle, with changes like repositioned door handles and more aggressive headlights. The taillights were notably different, connected by a trim piece across the back, and the rear design was updated with less chrome. The Coupe version retained its distinctive sloping profile, resembling an inflated hatchback. The interior was luxurious, featuring two-tone leather upholstery and a wood-and-metal dash treatment. The GLC was packed with technology, offering a class-leading interior for those who appreciate gadgetry.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 exuded practicality, safety, and sustainability with its subdued and earthy exterior paint palette. It offered various wheel designs, with most models featuring a Bright theme that contrasted with the blacked-out trend. The interior, though dated, was rich in materials, especially in the Ultimate trim. Volvo provided options like wool-blend upholstery or ventilated Nappa leather, complemented by an Orrefors crystal shift knob and natural wood trim. The XC90 allowed buyers to mix and match paint, wheels, and upholstery, catering to individual preferences.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC 43 was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine from AMG, producing 416 horsepower, surpassing the previous generation's 385 hp V6. It featured a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, with a plug-in hybrid AMG GLC 63 expected in 2025. The base GLC 300 offered 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, with rear-wheel drive standard and all-wheel drive available for an additional cost. Both powertrains used a nine-speed automatic transmission, with the GLC 43 featuring the AMG Speedshift MCT 9-speed for faster shifts. The performance suspension provided improved handling but resulted in a firmer ride, making it less suitable for commuting.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 combined an 18.8-kilowatt-hour battery and a 107-kilowatt electric motor with a supercharged and turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 455 horsepower and 523 lb-ft of torque. It offered 32 miles of electric-only range and averaged 27 mpg in hybrid mode. The XC90 featured multiple driving modes, including Pure, Power, Hybrid, and Off-Road, with up to 9.9 inches of ground clearance. The Recharge T8 excelled in electric performance but showed reduced EV performance as the battery approached its minimum charge. The SUV was quick but lacked thrilling handling, with a firm ride and less cabin quietness than expected for its price.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC's cabin was driver-focused, with controls angled toward the driver. It featured standard heated and memory front seats, with optional ventilation and heated rear seats. The GLC SUV offered 21.9 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 59.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The Coupe version was tighter, with 17.6 cubic feet of cargo volume, expanding to 52.6 cubic feet.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 came well-equipped with power-adjustable and heated front seats, leather upholstery, wood trim, and a four-zone climate control system. Higher trims added features like a heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats with massage, and an integrated booster child seat. The XC90 seated seven, with a comfortable bench seat in the second row and adequate third-row space. Cargo capacity reached 65.5 cubic feet with the third row folded and 85.7 cubic feet with the second row down.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC featured an 11.9-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen running the third-generation MBUX infotainment system. It included a responsive voice command system, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Exclusive trim added navigation, a 15-speaker Burmester sound system, and an off-road display. The Pinnacle trim offered a head-up display and augmented reality navigation.

The 2024 Volvo XC90's 9-inch touchscreen used Google Built-in technology, offering Google Maps, Google Play, and Google Assistant. It was compatible with Android devices and included Apple CarPlay and SiriusXM. The XC90 offered a 14-speaker Harman Kardon or a 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system. The infotainment system was intuitive, with a digital voice assistant and a 12-inch digital instrumentation panel.

The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLC earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, with an "Acceptable" rating for the standard front crash-prevention system. Standard safety features included active brake assist, attention assist, blind-spot assist, and Pre-Safe. Optional features like adaptive cruise control and active lane-keeping assist were available in the Driver Assistance Package.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 received a five-star rating from the NHTSA, except for a four-star rollover resistance rating. The IIHS named it a Top Safety Pick+ in 2023. The XC90 included standard safety features and Pilot Assist, which combined adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assist. However, Pilot Assist struggled with certain driving conditions, and the XC90 lacked innovative ADAS features.