Mercedes C300e vs Volvo XC60 Recharge T8: which is cheaper to run?
Both are plug-in hybrids; both look attractive on the brochure. The interesting question is how much one costs you over a real year of UK driving — at your tariff, your mileage and your charging habits. Here's the honest side-by-side at typical UK assumptions.
| Spec | Mercedes C300e | Volvo XC60 Recharge T8 |
|---|---|---|
| Battery | 25.4 kWh | 18.8 kWh |
| WLTP electric range | 70 mi | 49 mi |
| WLTP combined MPG | 313 mpg | 256 mpg |
| Real-world petrol-only MPG | 50 mpg | 35 mpg |
Annual running cost (10,000 mi · 60% on battery)
| Cost | Mercedes C300e | Volvo XC60 Recharge T8 |
|---|---|---|
| Battery £/mile | 2.3p | 2.3p |
| Petrol £/mile | 14.2p | 20.2p |
| Blended £/mile | 7.1p | 9.5p |
| Annual cost | £707 | £950 |
| Break-even fuel price | £0.26/L | £0.18/L |
Annual running cost difference
£243
The Mercedes C300e is roughly £243 cheaper a year (26%) at these assumptions.
The honest take. On running costs alone, the Mercedes C300e is the cheaper of the two at typical UK numbers. But running cost is only one variable — purchase price, finance, tax, insurance and depreciation usually swamp it. Use the free calculator below to plug in your own annual mileage, your home electricity tariff, and what % of your driving you'll realistically do on battery. Two minutes and you'll know which car is actually cheaper for your driving.
Run your own numbers — both PHEVs pre-loaded
Calculator opens with the Mercedes C300e and Volvo XC60 Recharge T8 side-by-side · adjust to your miles and tariff · save your comparison free