Volvo vs Benz: Reliability, Luxury & Performance Face-Off

1 min read

September 19, 2025

Volvo vs Benz: Reliability, Luxury & Performance Face-Off

Lakshmi

lakshmi sagar

Travel Guide

Experience the ultimate drive today! Compare Volvo and Mercedes-Benz in person and feel the difference. Book your test drive now and take the first step toward your perfect luxury car.

Volvo vs Benz: Which 45-Seater Bus is Best for You?

In the case of group travel of 40-50 persons, the selection of the bus is a big difference. We often get confused with Volvo vs Benz for travelling. This is important for comfort, safety, performance, and cost. Two giant brands control the premium segment of the 45-seater bus industry in India: Volvo and Mercedes-Benz (BharatBenz). They are both international leaders and have developed their cars to meet the Indian conditions. The most popular mode of transport is the 45-seater bus used in weddings, corporate tours, school tours and tours of long distances. However, the question is: should you reserve a Volvo vs Benz? We will take a look at the details so that you can make a decision.

What Are the Key Differences Between Volvo and Benz 45-Seater Buses?

What Are the Key Differences Between Volvo and Benz 45-Seater Buses?

Volvo and Benz buses are comfortable and safe vehicles, yet they both differ in design, engineering and performance. Here’s a quick comparison

Feature

Volvo 45-Seater (B8R)

Mercedes-Benz 45-Seater (BharatBenz 1623)

Engine

8-litre diesel, ~330 hp

6.4-litre diesel, ~238 hp

Torque

~1200 Nm

~850 Nm

Transmission

6-speed automatic/manual

6-speed manual

Suspension

Full air suspension with ECAS

Air suspension with stabilizers

Build

Heavy-duty European chassis

Strong Indian chassis adapted to roads

Models in India

Volvo B8R, B11R

BharatBenz 1623, 1624

Volvo concentrates on the high-power and European safety standards, whereas Benz (BharatBenz) balances the affordability and comfort of the Indian conditions.

Which Bus Offers Better Comfort for Passengers?

Which Bus Offers Better Comfort for Passengers?

The first thing that people may pay attention to is passenger comfort.

Volvo is known to have ISRI ergonomic seats. These seats have lumbar support, reclining seats that can be adjusted and wide cushions. Even extremely long routes allow passengers to relax. Benz, in contrast, provides plush recliner seating of thick padding. The degrees of comfort are also high, but the seating provided by Volvo is more sophisticated.

Buses are both well-equipped with air conditioning systems. The climate control of Volvo is a little more powerful, particularly in hot weather. In both, there is plenty of legroom, though premium Volvo coaches tend to add a small amount of space between rows.

Another factor is the levels of noise and vibration. Volvo coaches have a reputation for having quiet cabins and smooth rides, which are due to cutting-edge NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness) reduction. Benz also has a comfortable ride, but it can be allowed to vibrate a bit when going over very uneven roads.

Both are strengths of air suspension technology. The electronic suspension that Volvo offers provides a further advantage in highway transportation. Benz is also reliable in air suspension, which fits well on Indian roads.

How Do Volvo and Benz Buses Perform on Indian Roads?

How Do Volvo and Benz Buses Perform on Indian Roads?

Indian roads are of different standards. There are a few smooth highways and some rough and patchy ones.

Volvo is glorious on long roads. It has a very strong engine and thus can overtake with a full load. Less fatigue is also attributed to the ergonomic cabins and easy handling among the drivers. The torque and braking provide added confidence on the hilly roads.

The Benz buses are designed keeping in mind the Indian conditions. They are hardy and all-round and work effectively on highways and on the country roads. Though Benz buses are not as strong as Volvo buses, they are more efficient in the city routes and mixed journeys.

Volvo is best if you are going to do a lot of highway driving. When you are travelling between towns and cities, with some rural roads in between, a Benz can be very practical.

What Is the Fuel Efficiency and Mileage of Volvo vs Benz 45-Seater Buses?

What Is the Fuel Efficiency and Mileage of Volvo vs Benz 45-Seater Buses?

One of the major factors for operators and renters is fuel efficiency.

Volvo buses, particularly B8R, average between 2.5 and 3.5 litres on highways. They run on more fuel and are more powerful. Fuel expenses may be incurred at high rates in case of long journeys.

An average of 3-4km per litre of BharatBenz buses, such as 1623, varies according to the route. They are a bit more economical in terms of fuel consumption and hence cost-effective in the long run.

The two brands are environmentally friendly since they both comply with BS6 emission requirements. They operate using diesel, and CNG is not currently being popularised in the 45-seater segment.

In practice, operators have found Benz to be cheaper to operate on a daily round basis, whereas Volvo has been able to balance the increased fuel price with long-life durability.

Which Is More Reliable and Easier to Maintain: Volvo or Benz?

Maintenance and reliability are very important to the bus operators.

Volvo buses are very dependable, yet they need special service centres. Their components are pricier as most of them are imported. Maintenance time is increased, and when it is required, the maintenance cost may be greater.

The BharatBenz network of service has a wider network of Benz in India. Spare parts are more common and less expensive. It is easy to maintain, and it is usually easier to handle by the operators.

According to user complaints, Volvo hardly fails to start; however, repairs are more prolonged and more expensive. Benz is less complex to service and quicker to get started.

Then, in case of low maintenance cost, Benz is superior. In the case that long-term reliability and longevity are more important, Volvo will win.

What Are the Safety Features in Volvo and Mercedes 45-Seater Buses?

One of the best-selling points of both brands is safety.

The Volvo buses have ABS, the Electronic Braking System(EBS), Electronic Stability Control and fire suppression. They possess good emergency exits, reinforced frames and international crash-test ratings as well.

Benz buses also have good equipment, including ABS, ESP, emergency hammers, cameras and fire extinguishers. Although not as sophisticated as Volvo in the global safety systems, they are constructed to Indian safety standards and do quite well.

Volvo has an international safety pedigree, which puts it a bit ahead in this regard.

Which Bus is Better for Renting: Volvo or Benz?

In terms of renting, it is dependent on the kind of customer.

Volvo buses have high-end customers. Volvo is favoured by the corporations, VIPs, and international tourists due to its comfort, safety and luxury. Ride quality will make it ideal to use in long tours and special events.

With buses, Benz has tapped low-end markets. Benz is favoured by schools, wedding parties and regional tours as it is reliable and affordable. The rental rates tend to be cheaper than those for Volvo.

They both are on demand, but the Volvo rentals are usually marketed as luxury, whereas the Benz rentals are taken as practical and cost-efficient.

Can You Rent Volvo or Benz 45-Seater Buses from Tejas Travels?

Yes, Tejas Travels has Volvo as well as Benz 45-seater buses.

They offer corporate, wedding, religious and long-distance services.

Both B8R Volvo and BharatBenz models are in the market.

Professional drivers, luggage support and flexible packages are also offered as rentals.

Custodians are able to reserve on the Internet or through their customer care.

Tejas Travels enjoys a good reputation as a bus company with good buses, safe drivers and reliable service in South India. Their good customer reviews on Google emphasise reliability and customer satisfaction.

Which Bus Should You Choose for Group Travel?

It will depend on your trip.

Volvo is the choice when you require a long trip, comfort, and luxury.

Select Benz when you have to travel in an affordable, reliable, and sturdy vehicle to attend a wedding, school trip, or other shorter trips.

Buses are both 2x2 seating, have large luggage space, and have air conditioning. It will be a matter of your preference between high-end luxury and practicality.

What Do People Say About Volvo vs Benz 45-Seater Buses?

Passenger and driver reviews provide actual information.

Volvo has gained fame among passengers due to its ability to provide a smooth ride, quiet cabins and comfortable seats. Some complain that it is as though they are flying on wheels. Benz is also rated well in terms of space, comfort and affordability, although some report more vibration over rough roads.

Volvo is a favourite among drivers on highways as they claim it helps decrease fatigue. They prefer Benz when it comes to driving in a city due to easier handling.

Customer reviews at Tejas Travels indicate that corporates use Volvo on business trips, and schools and weddings use Benz. This combination signifies the fact that both brands are useful in meeting different requirements.

Volvo and Mercedes-Benz 45-seat buses are both good options.

Volvo is also outstanding in the areas of luxury, long-range comfort, and international safety. Benz is also very practical, affordable and easy to maintain.

When your group prefers high-quality travel, then Volvo is the way to go. Benz is the way to go in case you need cost efficiency in reliability.

You have either way about it, Tejas Travels, understanding that you will receive professional service, well-maintained buses and safe drivers. Regardless of the decision, your trip is going to be seamless, secure and enjoyable.

Are Volvo buses safe for night travel?

Yes. They possess superior safety and GPS. Night travelling is secure with a reliable company such as Tejas Travels.

Can I book a luxury 45-seater online?

Yes. Tejas Travels also provides the facility of online booking of Volvo and Benz 45-seat buses. Packages can be customized.