Test drive Mercedes GLC 250 vs Volvo XC60 D5

Time is relentless to safety: a clash of two generations in the segment of controversial crossovers

While the Volvo XC60 rolled off the assembly line for seven years, the same age as the Mercedes GLK was forced to give way to the new GLC. Will the old Swede be able to do the same with his five-cylinder diesel?

Volvo never gets old, it just becomes a classic car. So it was with the 444/544 and Amazon models, not to mention the 240, which was produced for 19 years. And even the recently replaced XC90 has been in the brand's range for twelve years. With a timeline like that, the 2008 Volvo XC, launched in '60, should have just passed its zenith, with five more years ahead of it - and let's not forget that this model's cars have an expected lifespan of 19 years and over 300 kilometers. .

German products of comparable strength usually carry a three-pointed star, but, as a rule, after seven years they are forced to give way to a successor. Just like the comb-type GLK has recently been replaced by the rounded GLC and can no longer only be visually identified as a C-class derivative. Because its technology largely stems from the mid-range model range, which does not stop the Mercedes GLC 250 d 4Matic with its efficient off-road package including hill descent assist, five off-road modes and underbody protection (€ 702) to be able to cope with more difficult tasks if its owner is still pulling it on routes off paved roads.

Speaking of towing, the Mercedes GLC 250 d 4Matic is better in this comparison, because it can be towed with trailers 500 kg heavier than the Volvo XC60 D5 (2000 kg), and for 1000 euros you can additionally attach them to a retractable tow hook and stabilize with the appropriate electronic program. From a practical point of view, the Air Body Control adaptive air suspension (€2261) with leveling function should be ordered at the same time as the drawbar. Thus, at the push of a button, the vehicle can be raised over rough terrain or lowered for easier loading.

Four against five cylinders

At the same time, it's so acoustically restrained that on the road, its diesel drive is almost invisible - while the Volvo XC60 D5's solid five-cylinder rumble is always present, albeit in a very pleasant form. Here, however, more time passes until the turbocharger builds up enough pressure and the automatic engages the appropriate gear, and the shifting process itself becomes much more noticeable. In fact, mostly temperament and fuel consumption show that this powertrain has already left its best years behind.

And indeed - despite the larger engine capacity, by 16 hp. power and less weight of 68 kg Volvo XC60 D5 does not inspire a feeling of power, because the powerful 500 Nm Mercedes GLC 250 d 4Matic can not reach GLC values ​​either during acceleration or at maximum speed. Great job, some will say, and to some extent not without reason, but still, again, the best wins over the good. This is especially true for efficiency. Or, to put it simply: under all conditions, the Volvo XC60 D5 consumes more fuel, the average difference in the test is 0,8 l / 100 km.

Airbags vs adaptive dampers

In terms of suspension comfort, the Mercedes GLC 250 d 4Matic is already one class above all, which has recently been proven by comparisons with the Audi Q5 and BMW X3. Especially with additional airbags, it absorbs heavy loads and bumps with much less stress than the Volvo XC1250 D60, equipped with adaptive dampers (€ 5), which, even in comfort mode, sometimes passes quite noticeable impacts to its passengers. ... And if you don't like the swaying meekness of the Mercedes, you can opt for a tougher Sport mode.

At the same time, the Mercedes GLC 250 d 4Matic will not become an athlete, especially since comfortable, well-fitted front seats, a high-quality interior and a lever on the steering wheel emphasize the comfortable character of the GLC. And there is enough space - after all, when changing the model, in addition to the total length, the wheelbase has grown by twelve centimeters. Like its rivals, the trunk can be flexibly expanded with a folding three-section rear backrest to form a flat load floor. Along with the remote opening of the rear backrest, the Mercedes GLC 250 d 4Matic also offers 145 liters more cargo space and a good sense of space because here you sit relatively low for an SUV model.

Many buttons against the controller

The Swede lacks not only airbags for the knees and sides of the rear, but also a device that warns of the loss of attention, as well as a display on the windshield, and the brakes do not work as sharply as the competitor. In turn, the abundance of the Inscription package, which contains many benefits - from parking assistance with a rear-view camera via a panoramic sunroof to electrically adjustable and heated comfortable seats upholstered in soft leather - is impressive that the Mercedes GLC 250 d 4Matic is an optional extra . However, this kit makes the Volvo XC60 D5 more expensive by as much as 10 euros, so in the end the cost results are quite balanced.

Overall, however, the Volvo XC60 D5 has too many weaknesses to seriously jeopardize the championship of the extremely harmonious Mercedes. Although the differences in comfort and road dynamics are still within acceptable limits, and the roaring five-cylinder engine may even play a special role, the flaws in Volvo's main discipline - safety - are quite sobering. Compared to the younger first-generation Mercedes GLC 250 d 4Matic, it's clear that even a Volvo can get old before it becomes a classic.

Text: Bernd Stegemann

Photo: Hans-Dieter Zeifert

Evaluation

Mercedes GLC 250 d 4matic – 441 points

The GLC scores points diligently, especially for its superiority in comfort and handling, and does not show real weaknesses anywhere. A winner despite poor standard equipment.

Volvo XC60 D5 all-wheel drive – 397 points

The fact that the old XC60 is less maneuverable, quiet and fuel efficient can be felt somehow, but above all the safety gaps spoil the image of the Swedish car.

technical details

Mercedes GLC 250 d 4matic	Volvo XC60 D5 all wheel drive
Working volume	2143 sm3	2400 cm³
Power	204 k.s. (150 kW) at 3800 rpm	220 k.s. (162 kW) at 4000 rpm
Maximum torque	500 Nm at 1600 rpm	440 Nm at 1500 rpm
Acceleration 0-100 km / h	8,0 with	9,2 with
Braking distances at a speed of 100 km / h	37,1 m	38,9 m
full speed	222 km / h	210 km / h
Average consumption fuel in the test	7,8 l	8,6 l
Base Price	48 731 Euro	55 410 Euro