2027 Mercedes-Benz GLC400 vs. Volvo EX60 Comparison Test: The Better Luxury EV Isn’t the One We Expected

There are several solid contenders in the compact luxury electric SUV arena, but few have as much individual style and panache as the 2027 Volvo EX60 and Mercedes-Benz GLC400. And when we say individual, we mean it—these two represent almost polar opposites of the spectrum, with two very different approaches to form and function, two ways of attacking the same problem.

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Which one is the best for you and your individual needs? We got these two luxe EV SUVs together to find out whose individuality sets it apart from the other.

On Paper and on the Road

Although they’re distinct in numerous ways, these two EV SUVs are fairly well-matched when you look at certain numbers, starting with price. The barrier of entry for a 2027 EX60 P10 AWD is a shade under $69,000, just a few thousand more than a base 2027 Mercedes GLC400 4Matic, which lists for about $65,000 (before the options start piling up).

The EX60’s P10 drivetrain delivers a total of 503 horsepower and 524 lb-ft of torque derived by its front and rear motors. In a straight line, that stout thrust and AWD grip helped hustle the 5,092-pound SUV to 60 mph in a MotorTrend-tested 3.9 seconds (though it feels quicker than that in the seat of the pants). The heavier, 5,614-pound Merc was even quicker than the Volvo, however, with a 0–60-mph blast in just 3.7 seconds in MT testing on the strength of its two-motor arrangement, which delivers a total of 483 hp and 590 lb-ft.

Given so much of their weight is carried down low in the floor of the vehicle, where their heavy battery packs are traditionally arranged, EVs typically enjoy handling advantages as a result, and this pair is no exception. Each demonstrated admirable dynamic qualities, with good grip and body control, though the Mercedes impressed our test drivers as the more polished, driver-oriented model of the pair. If you’re an enthusiast with a need to move into a larger vehicle, the GLC400 might hold a slight edge for you, but neither SUV was a slouch in our testing despite their more luxury-focused missions. Both also delivered surprisingly stout straight-line acceleration, especially so to us in the case of the Volvo.

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Although they’re close in terms of acceleration and dynamics, it’s more of a mixed bag from an efficiency standpoint in our testing. The Volvo, which is EPA-rated at 312 miles of range, logged 280 miles in our Road-Trip Range test and added an eye-popping 206 miles of range in just 15 minutes on a fast charger. But for a few of our testers, actually getting a charge into the battery proved a more difficult task than it should have been. In the same MT Road-Trip Range test, the GLC covered 356 miles, handily beating both the Volvo and its own EPA rating of 350 miles, a feat that doesn’t happen often. It also added 198 miles of range in 15 minutes of fast charging—without any apparent charging struggles.

The GLC’s long-range legs don’t come cheap, however, especially when you start to pile on the options, many of which help it shine versus the Volvo. As tested, the Mercedes rang in at a stiff $84,850, against $69,545 for the Volvo. A $15,000 premium might not faze a dedicated Mercedes buyer, but we tend to think it would give cost-conscious SUV shoppers pause—particularly once they’ve been inside each of these vehicles.

Not Too Much, Not Too Little

In Swedish design philosophy, as in Swedish culture in general, there exists a guiding aesthetic principle called Lagom, which translates roughly to “not too much, not too little.” As you slide behind the tiny wheel of the EX60 (more on that later), you’re greeted by a cabin design clearly informed by such a philosophy. High-quality materials meld seamlessly at soft angles, and there’s a sense of simplicity, light, and space that you feel immediately. Seating is comfortable and supportive for front and rear passengers, and clever storage under the dash creates an unusually capacious front compartment. Certain buyers may find the EX60’s interior too monochromatic, and all the light-colored materials of this particular car might get tedious to maintain, but we think its comfort and initial quality are unassailable.

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We didn’t find its exterior styling to be quite as charming. The odd, paddle-style exterior door handles stand out on a body that doesn’t stand out much at all, though that general lack of visual interest does help add to its sleeper vibe. Lucky for the Volvo, the Mercedes’ exterior is something of a mess, with a variety of odd touches like stacked star emblems on the front end (one big, one small), nonfunctional brake vents on the rear fenders, weird mustache-like trim on the rear bumper, and a third emblem as large as the rear taillights on the hatch.

Form and Funkis?

So, the Lagom portion of the equation is well covered in the EX60. But then there’s function, or functionalism—Funkis in Swedish slang—a design value so closely held and widely understood that, well, there’s a slang term for it. In this context, we’d like to draw your attention to one of the Volvo’s few flaws: its tiny, two-tone, squircular steering wheel.

In fairness, not every tester disliked the teeny tiller, but because it’s the one thing the driver touches all the time, and most found it so unusually small, we were finally forced to break out the ruler (shout out to test team editor Matt Crisara) and measure it for ourselves.

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At just over 12 inches in diameter, it’s a size you’re most likely to find in a go kart, not an upscale SUV—an especially apt comparison, as the smaller diameter tended to amplify steering inputs, making the EX60 feel inappropriately darty in certain driving situations.

Maybe Volvo opted for a tiny wheel so as not to block the driver’s view of the 15.0-inch center screen, which houses most of the vehicle’s functional controls. We’d take a smaller screen and larger wheel on balance, especially considering that the smaller, set-back 11.4-inch driver display will receive most of the driver’s attention anyway.

The GLC400’s interior will be instantly familiar to anyone who’s been in a Mercedes- Benz in recent years. It’s a smidge tighter inside than the Volvo, and its rear seat leaves a bit to be desired by comparison, with slightly uncomfortable ergonomics and cheaper-feeling appointments, but in general, the materials and finish are exceptional and impart a genuine sense of luxury.

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Its design language is far more complex than the Volvo’s, however, with contrasting shapes, angles, and textures that detracted from the experience somewhat for our test drivers, most of whom preferred the serenity of the EX60, steering wheel notwithstanding.

How Do You Like Your Tech?

In terms of tech, though, the Mercedes wins handily, with a newly updated version of its highly compelling and useful MBUX suite of assists, including a well-executed AI assistant able to handle most demands our test drivers made, whether answering a question, implementing navigation, or turning down the A/C.

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The Volvo’s tablet-style screen and Google-based infotainment weren’t as capable, and the visual interface wasn’t nearly as upscale in its graphics and presentation, but therein lies one of the interesting paradoxes of this particular matchup: From a certain angle, the Volvo’s comparable lack of sophistication actually suits its general sense of uncomplicated serenity, whereas the tech-forward Mercedes makes its point with what can only be described as, well, too much screen.

How much screen are we talking? In the case of our test Mercedes, a massive and imposing 39.1-inch MBUX Hyperscreen that stretches from one end of the dash to the other, forming one continuous surface broken only by two oddly styled A/C vents at either A-pillar. It’s dazzling, to be sure, and impressively functional, but we think the constant light show would get tiresome in daily use.

The Verdict

For us—and we expect also for the majority of buyers who will cross-shop these models—the EX60 comes out on top in this matchup. It isn’t perfect, but we think the Volvo’s compelling blend of practicality, luxury, and performance will more than satisfy the prospective buyers in this category.

The Mercedes, though plenty capable, more efficient, and possessed of many fine dynamic qualities, may be a touch hard-edged, in need of more challenge than most drivers will give it to show its stuff dynamically, and its interior just isn’t as good a place to spend a lot of time, to say nothing of its considerably higher cost. Between the two, it breaks out like this: If you want the most finely tuned, driver-engaging experience, the most high-tech, contemporary interior experience, or the greatest range, the Mercedes is likely the one for you; for everybody else, the Volvo should be the more livable option.

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2nd Place: 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLC400

Verdict: Impressive driving dynamics, range, and tech just weren’t enough to balance out unattractive styling, acres of screen, and a $15,000 premium.

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1st Place: 2027 Volvo EX60

Verdict: Imperfect but charming, the stylish, comfy, and unexpectedly capable Volvo is the one we’d prefer to drive over the long haul.

Photography byWilliam Walker

Deputy Director of Photography

Like many of my coworkers, my love for cars was cemented at a young age, thanks in part to Hot Wheels, car magazines, and every car poster I could afford when the book fair set up shop in my elementary school library. While most kids went straight for Where’s Waldo? and Goosebumps, I was torn between the poster of the Lamborghini Countach and the ’32 Ford hot rod with airbrushed flames on the cowling. In high school, I worked at Bergstrom's Antique Autos, a historic garage in Port Townsend, Washington. Surrounded by nearly a century of automotive history, I immersed myself in cleaning, sorting, and selling car parts and memorabilia. I also spent countless hours flipping through vintage car magazines and can comfortably say that I've looked through every Motor Trend, Car & Driver, Hot Rod, and Sports Car Graphic up until the early 1980s. Around the same time, I picked up photography—naturally, with cars as my main subject. Despite my high school photography teacher's advice to branch out, I stuck to my passion and attended every car show I could find. This led me to the Brooks Institute of Photography in Santa Barbara, California, where I earned a bachelor’s degree with a focus on automotive photography. I began my career at Motor Trend as a photography intern. After freelancing for a few years, I joined the Motor Trend team full-time in late 2010. My passion for cars and photography continues to fuel my work, and I hope it shines through in every shot.

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