Compare the2023 Mercedes G-ClassVS 2023 Volvo XC60

The Mercedes G-Class has standard driver and front passenger side knee airbags mounted low on the dashboard. These airbags helps prevent the driver and front passenger from sliding under their seatbelts or the main frontal airbags; this keeps them better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. Knee airbags also help keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The XC60 doesn’t offer a front passenger side knee airbag.

To provide maximum traction and stability on all roads, All-Wheel Drive is standard on the G-Class. But it costs extra on the XC60.

Both the G-Class and the XC60 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning and driver alert monitors.

The Mercedes G-Class weighs 823 to 1834 pounds more than the Volvo XC60. The NHTSA advises that heavier vehicles are much safer in collisions than their significantly lighter counterparts.

There are over 36 percent more Mercedes dealers than there are Volvo dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the G-Class’ warranty.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Mercedes vehicles are better in initial quality than Volvo vehicles. With 67 fewer problems per 100 vehicles, JD Power ranks Mercedes higher than Volvo.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Mercedes vehicles are more reliable than Volvo With 61 fewer problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, J.D. Power ranks Mercedes higher than Volvo.

The G-Class has more powerful engines than the XC60:

As tested in Motor Trend the Mercedes G-Class is faster than the Volvo XC60:

An engine control system that can shut down some of the engine’s cylinders helps improve the G-Class’ fuel efficiency. The XC60 doesn’t offer a system that can shut down part of the engine.

Both the G-Class and the XC60 have a standard automatic start/stop engine feature to stop unnecessary fuel waste and pollution at stoplights and heavy traffic. All G-Classs have a standard disable switch for the system, so a driver can keep the engine from shutting off when the vehicle stops temporarily. The XC60 T8 doesn’t offer a way to disable start/stop.

The G-Class has 7.6 gallons more fuel capacity than the XC60 (26.4 vs. 18.8 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

A nine-speed automatic is standard on the Mercedes G-Class, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only an eight-speed automatic is available for the XC60.

For better stopping power the G-Class’ standard brake rotors are larger than those on the XC60:

The G-Class stops shorter than the XC60:

For better traction, the G-Class has larger standard tires than the XC60 (275/55R19 vs. 235/60R18). The G-Class’ optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the XC60 (295/40R22 vs. 265/35R22).

The G 550’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 55 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the XC60’s standard 60 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the G 550 has standard 19-inch wheels. Smaller 18-inch wheels are standard on the XC60. The G-Class’ optional 22-inch wheels are larger than the 21-inch wheels optional on the XC60.

The G-Class has a standard full size spare tire so a flat doesn’t interrupt your trip. A full size spare isn’t available on the XC60; it requires you to depend on a temporary spare, which has mileage and speed limitations, or roadside assistance and a tow-truck.

The front and rear suspension of the G-Class uses coil springs for better ride, handling and control than the XC60, which uses transverse leafs springs in the rear. Coil springs compress more progressively and offer more suspension travel for a smoother ride with less bottoming out.

For greater off-road capability the G-Class has a 1.2 inches greater minimum ground clearance than the XC60 w/Air Suspension (9.5 vs. 8.3 inches), allowing the G-Class to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged. The G-Class’ minimum ground clearance is 1 inch higher than on the XC60 (9.5 vs. 8.5 inches).

The G-Class has 4 cubic feet more passenger volume than the XC60 (107 vs. 103).

The G-Class has 3.9 inches more front headroom, 2.5 inches more rear headroom, 1.5 inches more rear legroom and 1.1 inches more rear shoulder room than the XC60.

For enhanced passenger comfort on long trips the G-Class’ rear seats recline. The XC60’s rear seats don’t recline.

The G-Class has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat up than the XC60 with its rear seat up (38.1 vs. 24.4 cubic feet). The G-Class has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the XC60 with its rear seat folded (68.6 vs. 63.3 cubic feet).

The G-Class’ standard towing capacity is much higher than the XC60’s (7000 vs. 3500 pounds).

Trailer Stability Assist is standard on the G-Class, using the Electronic Stability Program sensors to detect trailer sway, then uses individual brakes to counteract any swaying and help keep the tow vehicle and trailer steady. A trailer sway program costs extra on the XC60.

The engine in the G-Class is mounted longitudinally (North-South), instead of sideways, as in the XC60. This makes it easier to service and maintain, because the accessory belts are in front.

The G-Class’ standard easy entry system raises the steering wheel, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The XC60 doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

The G-Class offers optional massaging front seats in order to maximize comfort and eliminate fatigue on long trips. Massaging seats aren’t available in the XC60.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the Mercedes G-Class has a standard wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. Wireless charging costs extra on the XC60.

The G-Class has a 115-volt a/c outlet in the cargo area, allowing you to recharge a laptop or run small household appliances without special adapters that can break or get misplaced. The XC60 doesn’t offer a house-current electrical outlet.

The G-Class’ Active Parking Assist can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, starting, stopping and changing direction automatically. The XC60 doesn’t offer an automated parking system.