In the realm of luxury SUVs, Volvo has a variety of options to compete in this increasingly competitive category.

In the middle of their SUV lineup, stuck between the compact XC40 and three-row XC90 offering, is Volvo’s XC60 — a midsize SUV that will meet the needs of most SUV shoppers.

While it’s been seven years since the last full redesign of the XC60, the vehicle surprisingly still holds up well with the 2025 offering, which I recently had a chance to test. Offered in both regular and plug-in hybrid versions, the XC60 continues to offer attractive design, plenty of space inside, and excellent tech and safety features.

Read on for a full breakdown of how it compares in the luxury market vs. midsize SUV competitors such as the BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC.

On Sunday, we just watched the best short track race ever with the Next Gen car (with the possible exception of the chaotic spring Bristol race). Goodyear’s new, softer tire compound did the job it was supposed to do, which is good news looking ahead to the 2025 short track races.

But we’re not talking about the race. And we’re not talking about the brilliant drive that Ryan Blaney put together to race to the win late and claim a spot in the Final Four at Phoenix by claiming the checkered flag at the beloved paper-clip track.

Instead, we’re talking about shenanigans. Shenanigans of the sort that make the sport look downright foolish. The only thing worse than team orders is manufacturers' orders, and that’s what reared its ugly head in the extreme on Sunday.

Luxury brands are among the leaders in the automotive industry when it comes to embracing EVs. Mercedes-Benz falls squarely in this group, with its EQ lineup of vehicles continuing to grow and lead the cutting edge of EV offerings for the well-to-do.

Mercedes-Benz’s extensive EQ lineup includes sedans as well as SUVs. To electrify its popular S-class model, Mercedes has created the EQS — which comes in both a sedan version and an SUV version. 

I recently spent some time with a 2024 EQS SUV model (specifically the 2024 EQS 450+). The SUV version of the EQS is basically an elevated version of the EQS sedan.

First introduced in 2023, the EQS SUV features a roomy cargo area, impressive range, strong tech and a sharp design. Read on for a full report on how it measures up in the growing field of luxury electric SUVs — as it battles EV offerings from luxury heavyweights including Porsche, Audi and BMW, as well as non-luxury EV mainstay Tesla.

Mercedes-Benz vehicles are plentiful and come in all shapes and sizes, including some uniquely designed smaller SUVs.

I recently spent some time driving one of those options, the 2024 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLB35 4Matic, a compact, beautiful and powerful luxury SUV.

First introduced in 2020, the GLB (the second smallest Benz SUV option) first gets your attention with its boxy design, then the AMG power and advanced technology take the GLB to the next level.

The 2024 AMG GLB35 takes on tough luxury competition including BMW X1, Audi Q3 and Volvo XC40. Read on to learn more about how the GLB holds up in this competitive segment.

LOOKS

Immediately of note is the GLB’s boxy but attractive look, which also helps with cargo space. The GLB gets a slight refresh for 2024 in the exterior design (front and rear lighting, bumper, etc.).

A large Benz logo highlights the front, along with a small AMG logo on the hood. Bold, rectangular designs are included on the grille and lighting up front.