Volvo C40 vs Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class
What's the difference?

Volvo C40

$34,990 - $49,990

2023 price

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Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class

$65,400 - $106,228

2026 price

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Land Rover Discovery Sport

Mercedes-Benz EQ-Class

Mercedes-Benz EQS

Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Mercedes-Benz G63

Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLA250

Mercedes-Benz GLB

Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLS

Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

Mini 3D Hatch

Mini Countryman

Mitsubishi ASX

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

Toyota Landcruiser 70 Series

Summary

2023 Volvo C40

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class

By Tom White

By Tim Nicholson

Safety Rating

Electric motor type

—

Turbo 4, 1.5L

Vehicle type

—

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Electric range

—

6.1L/100km (combined)

Energy consumption

—

Battery capacity

—

Seating

Likes

Great charging and range
Two well specified variants
Impressive driving performance

Exterior design
Impressive, useful in-car tech
More refined than predecessor

Dislikes

Single motor not as good value
Seats could be more comfortable
Rear seat space compromised

Standard glass roof
Expensive servicing costs
No spare wheel

2023 Volvo C40 Summary

Throughout its history Volvo has been known for a lot of things. Being a safety leader, dorky but endearing station wagons, ‘bloody Volvo drivers’, and more recently, a trailblazer in minimalist premium design.

The C40 is the first step in a next chapter for Volvo, with the brand wanting to be known next for its leadership in the electric space. For the first time for Volvo, it’s a fully electric offering

But in a world of Teslas, Polestars, and Mercedes Benz EQs, where does the C40 sit, and is it worth considering in an increasingly congested premium small SUV space?

We went to its Australian launch to find out.

View full pricing & specs

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class Summary

There’s nothing quite like the Mercedes-Benz GLB. It’s a smallish mid-size SUV with a third seating row (strictly for small children… ), it has a distinctive boxy shape, and for the second generation, you can have a mild-hybrid or fully-electric powertrain. It is the definition of versatile.

The previous GLB was petrol only and Mercedes also offered the similar looking EQB as part of its EQ electric sub-brand. The separate EV model strategy wasn’t working so the German carmaker followed rival BMW’s plan of simply offering electric versions of popular models. Hence the two powertrain options for the new GLB.

This time around Benz has sharpened up pricing, added a bunch of new tech, and developed a new vehicle architecture, while retaining what buyers loved about the original.

Is the new-gen GLB a success?

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Deep dive comparison

2023 Volvo C40 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class

Verdict

The C40 becomes a compelling option in the electrified small SUV space, offering a premium look and feel, great range and tech inclusions at the price, as well as awesome on-road dynamics.

Its main downsides are the rear seat, which is compromised by its platform and design-led roofline, and the overwhelming power and added traction of the dual-motor makes the single motor less attractive on the value front.

Still, regardless of variant chosen, the C40 looks to offer a stand-out balance of price, range, and performance, against its traditional rivals and newcomers alike.

Verdict

The new GLB is a worthy successor to the original. It has retained everything that made it such a unique proposition but improves where it counts - interior space and comfort, in-car and safety tech, standard features, powertrain, ride quality and, importantly, value-for-money.

The EV is the pick of the powertrains and while I didn’t get to drive it, the GLB250+ is the best value.

Servicing is expensive and the standard glass roof is a bugbear but if you can cope with those things, the boxy GLB is a terrific smallish family SUV.

Volvo C40 vs Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Volvo C40 vs Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class
What's the difference?