Mercedes-Benz leads in performance and luxury features with higher horsepower ratings and more advanced tech options, while Volvo prioritizes safety innovation and reliability with lower ownership costs and simpler infotainment systems.
Volvo vs Mercedes-Benz — Side-by-side comparison on A Versus B
Swedish automaker specializing in safety-focused premium vehicles with innovative autonomous features.
German luxury brand emphasizing refined comfort, cutting-edge technology, and prestige with C-Class and E-Class sedans.
Safety Technology Focus. Average Engine Power (Mid-Range Models). 5-Year Ownership Cost (USD). Infotainment System Complexity. Warranty Coverage (Years/Miles). Luxury Interior Material Options. Reliability Rating (J.D. Power 2024)
Choose Volvo if you prioritize safety, simplicity, and lower total cost of ownership with straightforward technology and proven reliability. Choose Mercedes-Benz if you want cutting-edge performance, luxury craftsmanship, and extensive customization options despite higher maintenance costs and infotainment complexity.
Volvo: 6 years/100,000 miles | Mercedes-Benz: 4 years/50,000 miles
Volvo: 515 miles (EX90) | Mercedes-Benz: N/A
0-60 mph Acceleration (Base Sport Model)
Volvo: 5.9 seconds (S60 T6) | Mercedes-Benz: N/A
Volvo: 14.5 inches (Google Built-in) | Mercedes-Benz: 12.3" (MBUX with AI)
Volvo: 250 hp (XC60) | Mercedes-Benz: 255 hp (GLC 300)
Volvo: 6.2 seconds (XC60 T6) | Mercedes-Benz: 5.9 seconds (GLC 300)
Volvo: 23 mpg (XC60 Hybrid) | Mercedes-Benz: 22 mpg (GLC 300)
Volvo: 8.0 inches (Google Built-In) | Mercedes-Benz: 12.3 inches (MBUX)
Volvo: 75/100 (Above Average) | Mercedes-Benz: 71/100 (Average)
Volvo: 4 years/50,000 miles | Mercedes-Benz: 4 years/50,000 miles
Volvo: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 2.49 Million
Volvo: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: New S-Class with enhanced tech
Volvo: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: Software-defined
Volvo: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: GLC turbocharged refined
Volvo: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: MB Tech Stack state-of-the-art
Volvo: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: Comfort-oriented refinement
Volvo: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: EQS 400/550 4MATIC models
Volvo: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: Ultra-premium throughout
Volvo: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 4 years standard
Volvo: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 14+ models with EQS expansion
Volvo: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 3.4 (AMG E63 S)
Volvo: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 4.6 seconds (C 43 AMG)
Volvo: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 14.4 inches (S-Class)
Volvo: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 603 (AMG E63 S)
Volvo: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 25 MPG combined (C-Class estimated)
Volvo: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 255 hp (GLE 350 base)
Volvo: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 255 hp (2.0L turbocharged)
Volvo: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 12.6 cu.ft. (C-Class)
Volvo: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: Premium luxury pricing baseline
Volvo: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 3,580 lbs (C-Class est.)
Volvo: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 4 years / 50,000 miles
Volvo: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: Varies (not standard)
Volvo: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 50+ models globally
Volvo: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 402 hp (M256 3.0L turbo)
Volvo: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: Nappa leather and Alcantara throughout
Volvo: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 3.2 (AMG C63)
Volvo: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: $49,500 (C-Class)
Volvo: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: $65,000 (2024 Mercedes-Benz C-Class)
Volvo: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: Level 3 (Drive Pilot, limited markets)
Volvo: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 1,400+ dealerships
Volvo: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 138 years (est. 1886)
Volvo: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 4 years/50k miles
0-60 mph Acceleration (Performance Flagship)
Volvo: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 3.6s (C63 AMG)
Volvo: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 255 hp (C300)
Volvo: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 12 (C, E, S-Class, CLA, GLA, GLB, GLC, GLE, GLS, EQE, EQS, EQC)
Volvo: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: $55,800 (C-Class)
Volvo: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: MBUX Hyperscreen (9.5/10)
Volvo: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: Optional (4MATIC)
Volvo: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: EQE, EQS, EQC (strong)
Volvo: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 3.4 seconds (AMG GT 63 S)
Volvo: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 456 miles (EQS 580)
Consumer Reports Reliability Rating (2024)
Volvo: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 5.0 (Average)
Volvo: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 9-speed automatic
Volvo: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: $1,680 (mid-size luxury)
Volvo: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 3 years / 36,000 miles
Volvo: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 149 mph (C-Class)
Volvo: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 312 miles (EQS 450+)
Volvo: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 4 years / 50k miles
Volvo: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 12.6 cu ft (C-Class)
Customer Satisfaction Rating (J.D. Power 2024)
Volvo: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 100 years (founded 1926)
Volvo: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 6+ EV models across segments
Volvo: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 42% depreciation
Volvo: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 40,000+ (Drive Pilot)
Volvo: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 255 hp (2.0L Turbo)
Volvo: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 23 MPG combined
Volvo: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 125 years (founded 1901)
Volvo: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 2.9 sec (AMG GT)
Volvo: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 5+ (EQE, EQS, EQE SUV, EQC, EQA)
Volvo: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: $55,000 (C-Class base, 2024)
Volvo: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: MBUX with ChatGPT integration (2024+)
Volvo: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: $108,000 (S-Class)
Volvo: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 453 miles (EQS 580e)
Volvo: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 150+ countries
Volvo: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 402 hp (C43 AMG)
Volvo: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 4.6s (C43 AMG)
Volvo: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 5 models (EQE, EQS, EQG, EQE SUV, EQS SUV)
Volvo: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 630 hp (AMG 63 E Performance)
Volvo: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 28 mpg (C300 2.0L turbo)
Volvo: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 4.3 (C63 AMG)
Volvo: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 4 of 11 lineup
Volvo: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 9 models (4 hybrid + 5 EV)
Volvo: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 27 (GLE 450)
Volvo: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: $45,650 (C 300)
Volvo: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: $65,900 (GLE 350)
Volvo: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 585 HP (AMG C 63)
Volvo: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 453 miles (EQS 580 4MATIC)
Average Annual Maintenance Cost (Years 1-3)
Volvo: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 4yr / 50,000 mi
Interior Material Standard (Leather Type)
Volvo: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: Nappa (standard on most trims)
Volvo: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 8 EV models (EQE, EQS, EQC, EQA, EQE SUV, EQS SUV, EQG coming)
Volvo: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: $43,250 (C-Class, 2024)
Volvo: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 12+ (Compact, Sedan, SUV, Coupe, Cabriolet, AMG Performance, Maybach Ultra-Luxury, EV lines)
Volvo: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 12.3 (MBUX Digital)
Combined Fuel Economy (Sedan Base Model)
Volvo: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: Hand-stitched Nappa leather, ambient lighting
Volvo: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 435 miles (EQS 580)
Volvo: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 3.8 seconds (AMG E63 S)
Volvo: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 186 mph (AMG E63 S)
Volvo: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 21 mpg (E350)
Volvo: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 11 (C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, CLA, GLC, GLE, GLA, C63 AMG, EQC, Maybach, SL)
0-60 mph Acceleration (Performance Model)
Volvo: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 3.4 seconds (AMG C63)
Volvo: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 260 miles (EQE 53 AMG)
Volvo: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: $47,900 (C-Class)
Volvo: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 400,000 (public network partnerships)
Volvo: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 22 minutes (250 kW DC charging)
Volvo: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 170+ countries
Volvo: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 100 years (Founded 1926)
Volvo: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 25 MPG (2024 C-Class base)
Volvo: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 35+ variants
Volvo: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 4 years/50,000 miles
Estimated Resale Value Retention (3-Year)
Volvo: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 50,000 miles
Volvo: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 603 hp (E53 AMG)
Average Resale Value Retention (3 years)
Volvo: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: $48,900 (C-Class)
Consumer Reports Overall Reliability Rating
Volvo: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 4MATIC standard on select models
Volvo: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: MBUX with AI and predictive navigation
Volvo: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 15+ models across all powertrains
Volvo: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 50% EV sales target by 2030
Volvo: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: $68,500 (E-Class)
Volvo: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 535 km (EQS 450+)
Volvo: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 2.35 million (2024)
Volvo: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 12.3-inch MBUX
Volvo: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 585 HP (AMG C63)
Volvo: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 7.2 L/100km (C300 manual)
Volvo: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 5.8 sec (C300 2024)
Volvo: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 12+ (sedans, SUVs, AMG, EQ-series)
Volvo: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 260 (EQE 300)
Average Reliability Rating (J.D. Power 2024)
Volvo: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 11.9 inches OLED
Volvo: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 28 MPG (C300 base)
Volvo: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 60+ variants
Volvo: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 621 (AMG E63)
Volvo: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 100 years (1926)
Volvo: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 33 MPG (C 300)
Volvo: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 0.1s (9-speed automatic)
Volvo: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 17.5:1 (E-Class)
Volvo: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 150ms (MBUX)
Volvo: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 12.6 cu ft (E-Class)
Volvo: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 35 dB (C-Class)
Transmission Failure Rate (10-year lifespan)
Consumer Reports Reliability Rating 2024
Total 10-Year Ownership Cost (avg mid-size sedan)
Volvo: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: $16,380 repairs + maintenance
Starting Price (2026 3-Series vs C-Class)
Volvo: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 26 (C-Class Turbo)
Volvo: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 402 (AMG C43)
Volvo: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 10 years / 100,000
Volvo: N/A | Mercedes-Benz: 75 (Average)
How to choose between Volvo and Mercedes-Benz
Volvo vs Mercedes-Benz — Structured Comparison Data
Machine-readable comparison dataset for Volvo vs Mercedes-Benz. Contains 363 attribute comparisons, 5 FAQ pairs.
Volvo vs Mercedes-Benz — Attribute Category Vocabulary
Taxonomy of attribute categories used to classify comparison data for Volvo vs Mercedes-Benz.
Volvo leads in standard safety technology. Every Volvo model includes Autonomous Emergency Braking and pedestrian detection as standard, reducing collision risk by 27% according to real-world data. Mercedes offers advanced driver assistance packages (up to 16+ features on E-Class) but most are optional add-ons. Volvo's 75/100 J.D. Power reliability rating also indicates fewer safety-related issues over time.
Is Mercedes really more expensive to maintain?
Yes, significantly. Mercedes average service costs $1,200+ per visit, while Volvo averages $800. Over 5 years, ownership costs for comparable mid-range models show Mercedes at $53,200 vs Volvo at $47,500 (12% higher). Mercedes also has lower reliability ratings (71 vs 75), leading to more frequent repairs. However, Mercedes includes premium diagnostics and specialized training for technicians.
Which infotainment system is easier to use?
Volvo's Google Built-In is significantly simpler for average users. It uses Android Automotive OS with Google Maps, Google Assistant, and familiar Android apps pre-installed. Mercedes' MBUX system offers more features (50+ customization options) but has a steeper learning curve with complex menu structures. Volvo receives regular over-the-air updates automatically, while Mercedes updates require dealer visits for major software.
Mercedes-Benz delivers superior performance across the lineup. The GLC 300 accelerates 0-60 in 5.9 seconds vs Volvo XC60's 6.2 seconds. Mercedes AMG models reach 603 hp compared to Volvo's top 340 hp. However, Volvo's hybrid models offer better fuel economy (23 mpg combined vs Mercedes 22 mpg), making them better for efficiency-focused buyers.
Mercedes-Benz retains higher resale value at 62% after 5 years vs Volvo's 58%. This 4-point difference translates to approximately $2,000-3,500 more on a $60,000 purchase. However, this advantage is offset by Mercedes' higher initial ownership costs. Volvo buyers spend less overall but Mercedes buyers recover more percentage-wise at resale.
How to Choose Between Volvo and Mercedes-Benz
Safety Technology Focus: Volvo has Volvo: Industry-leading autonomous braking, pedestrian detection standard on all models, while Mercedes-Benz has Mercedes: Advanced driver assistance (E-Class: 16+ features) but fewer standard safety systems.
Consider: Average Engine Power (Mid-Range Models)
Average Engine Power (Mid-Range Models): Volvo has Volvo XC60: 250 hp, while Mercedes-Benz has Mercedes GLC: 255 hp.
5-Year Ownership Cost (USD): Volvo has Volvo XC60: ~$47,500, while Mercedes-Benz has Mercedes GLC: ~$53,200.
Consider: Infotainment System Complexity
Infotainment System Complexity: Volvo has Volvo: Google Built-In (simplified, 8-inch standard touchscreen), while Mercedes-Benz has Mercedes: MBUX (12.3-17.6 inch displays, 50+ settings menus).
Consider: Warranty Coverage (Years/Miles)
Warranty Coverage (Years/Miles): Volvo has Volvo: 4 years/50,000 miles, while Mercedes-Benz has Mercedes: 4 years/50,000 miles.
Consider: Luxury Interior Material Options
Luxury Interior Material Options: Volvo has Volvo: 12 interior trim packages, Nappa leather standard on premium, while Mercedes-Benz has Mercedes: 18+ interior combinations, exclusive Designo leather, crystal ambient lighting.
Consider: Reliability Rating (J.D. Power 2024)
Reliability Rating (J.D. Power 2024): Volvo has Volvo: 75/100 (Above Average), while Mercedes-Benz has Mercedes: 71/100 (Average).