Volvo XC40 vs Mercedes-Benz E53
What's the difference?

Volvo XC40

$36,990 - $55,990

2024 price

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Mercedes-Benz E53

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2025 price

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Land Rover Discovery Sport

Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Mercedes-Benz E53

Mercedes-Benz EQ-Class

Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Mercedes-Benz G63

Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLS

Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

Mini Countryman

Mitsubishi ASX

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

Mitsubishi Outlander

Mitsubishi Pajero

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

Renault Megane E-Tech

Renault Scenic E-Tech

Summary

2024 Volvo XC40

2025 Mercedes-Benz E53

By Emily Agar

By James Cleary

Safety Rating

Electric motor type

Permanent Magnet

Turbo 6, 3.0L

Vehicle type

Battery Electric

Premium Unleaded/Electric

Fuel Efficiency

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1.7L/100km (combined)

Energy consumption

19.4 kWh/100km

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Electric range

485 km

100 km

Battery capacity

82.00 kWh

28.60 kWh

Seating

Likes

Cute kerb-side presence
Decent cabin space for class
Good driving range and energy consumption

Looks
Performance
Safety

Dislikes

Ride comfort isn't there on long journeys
Loud cabin at higher speeds
Interior trims don't match grade level

No spare tyre
Steep service pricing
Modest boot

2024 Volvo XC40 Summary

The XC40 Recharge Twin Motor is the flagship model for the segment leading small electric SUV from Volvo.

Well positioned in terms of price, specifications and driving range, it continues to prove itself a fierce rival to the Mercedes-Benz EQA, Lexus UX and newcomer BMW iX1.

But does it bring its A-game to every attribute buyers in the small electric SUV segment demand? In this review, we put it to test to find out.

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2025 Mercedes-Benz E53 Summary

You like performance, love a bit of luxury and fancy a traditional sedan. The budget is healthy and there’s a surprising amount of choice. But Mercedes-AMG believes it’s created the car that perfectly answers your new-car brief.

The Mercedes-AMG E53 Hybrid 4Matic+ is a fresh expression of an established high-performance sedan formula mixing internal-combustion power with electric punch and all-wheel drive.

We were invited to its local launch, so stay with us to see if this newcomer is ready to fill that primo European performance car shaped space in your garage.

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Deep dive comparison

2024 Volvo XC40 2025 Mercedes-Benz E53

Verdict

The Volvo XC40 Recharge Twin Motor is a cute small electric SUV that offers a decent specs list and a sweet urban driving experience. It’s not the nicest ride on a longer journey but it does have a decent range to be able to tackle one, if needed. I didn’t love the interior design but there’s lots the XC40 gets right.

Verdict

The Mercedes-AMG E53 Hybrid 4Matic+ is a superb blend of high-tech hybrid muscle and cossetting top-end luxury. Value is competitive, it looks (and feels) the business, despite the conventional sedan configuration it’s surprisingly practical (except for the modest boot), fuel-efficiency is a key benefit and safety is stellar. The ownership proposition is okay for the category but that’s not top of mind when an enticing series of corners ranges into view. It’s an impressive package.

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with travel, accommodation and meals provided.

Volvo XC40 vs Mercedes-Benz E53 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Volvo XC40 vs Mercedes-Benz E53
What's the difference?