Volvo XC60 Vs. BMW X3: A Battle Of Luxury And Performance
When choosing your next high-tech SUV, Volvo XC60 vs. BMW X3 specs, features, and customization options are going to be high on your list. While the BMW X3 serves its purpose as a straightforward performance model, the Volvo XC60 strives to elevate your experience. With a standard panoramic roof and a spacious, elegant cabin tastefully loaded with high-end amenities, you'll look forward to stepping into the Volvo XC60 every day.
We at Volvo Cars Richmond want nothing more than to help you choose the SUV that makes your next adventure joyful. Let's look at the differences between these two sophisticated choices before you visit us for a test drive.
Volvo XC60 vs. BMW X3: Specs & Performance
Comparison by the Numbers | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volvo XC60 | Volvo XC60 Plug-In Hybrid | BMW X3 xDrive30 | BMW X3 M50 | |
| Engine | B5 (2.0L 4-Cyl Turbo w/ Hybrid Motor) | T8 (2.0L 4-Cyl Turbo w/ Hybrid Motor) | 2.0L TwinTurbo I-4 w/ Hybrid Motor | 3.0L TwinTurbo I-6 w/ Hybrid Motor |
| Horsepower | 247 | 455 | 255 | 393 |
| Torque | 266 lb-ft | 523 lb-ft | 295 lb-ft | 428 lb-ft |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| EPA-Est. Fuel Economy | 26 MPG (Combined)1 | 63 MPGe (Combined)2 | 33 MPG (Combined)3 | 30 MPG (Combined)3 |
| Length | 185.4 in | 185.4 in | 187.2 in | 187.2 in |
| Width | 78.7 in | 78.7 in | 75.6 in | 75.6 in |
| Height | 65.4 in | 65.2 in | 65.4 in | 65.4 in |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Cargo Capacity | 22.4-63.3 cu ft | 22.4-63.3 cu ft | 31.5-67.1 cu ft | 31.5-67.1 cu ft |
| Towing Capacity | 3,500 lbs4 | 3,500 lbs4 | 4,001 lbs4 | 4,850 lbs4 |
| Upholstery | Leatherette, Leather, Nappa Leather | Tailored Wool Blend, Leather, Nappa Leather | Veganza, Merino Leather | Veganza, Merino Leather |
| Trim Options | 3 | 4 | 1 | 1 |
| Panoramic Roof? | Standard | Standard | Available | Standard |
To start, let's talk about what's under the hood. The Volvo XC60 and BMW X3 are mild-hybrid vehicles, each utilizing a powerful engine alongside a high-quality battery to keep your ride quiet yet long-lasting. The B5 powertrain of the Volvo XC60 is similar to the default offering of the BMW X3, with the Volvo engine creating 247 horsepower compared to the 255 horsepower of the 2.0-liter option in the BMW X3.
Both vehicles do have a more performative option. The BMW X3 M50 is a mechanical upgrade to the xDrive30, providing 393 horsepower and 428 pound-feet of torque. This is quite impressive, but it looks less stunning if you compare it to the T8 powertrain in the Volvo XC60 Recharge Plug-In Hybrid, which makes 455 horsepower and 523 pound-feet of torque – leaving either of the BMW offerings in the dust. All four powertrains smooth out merges, interstate driving, and weekend getaways, but the Volvo PHEV SUV comes out on top.
Volvo XC60 vs. BMW X3: Trim Levels
Unlike other models, you won't need to scale trim levels to access better engines in a Volvo XC60. You'll always have the B5 or T8, depending on whether your SUV utilizes mild or plug-in hybrid technology. But, when it comes to customizability, Volvo trims are comprehensive and customer-focused. The three options for you are:
- Volvo XC60 Core
- Volvo XC60 Plus
- Volvo XC60 Ultra
As you scale in trim, you unlock more and more features for your Volvo XC60 cabin. For example, the Plus trim comes standard with high-level interior illumination, the Ultra trim brings a Head-Up Display to your windshield, and the Black Edition colors your accents black to emphasize the personality of your luxury SUV. You can also select the Volvo XC60 Black Edition with any trim level to embrace gorgeous black design elements and glossy black exterior color.
The Volvo XC60 Recharge offers the same three trim levels plus one extra: the Polestar Engineered, which includes the famed Öhlins chassis, forged wheels, Brembo brakes, and many special styling elements from the engineered grille to the special 21-inch Forged Alloy wheels.
Now, let's look at the trims of the BMW X3.
- BMW X3 xDrive30
- BMW X3 M50
Not quite as many options. The BMW X3 asks you to scan through dozens of different accessory packages, pouring thousands of extra dollars into your already expensive five-seat SUV to have the same value as the Volvo XC60 Recharge – but with much lower fuel efficiency than the Volvo PHEV model. For example, to get the advanced driver-assistance and navigation systems of the Volvo XC60 Ultra on the BMW X3, you'd have to purchase both the Driving Assistance Professional Package and the Premium Package for the BMW model. That's a significant investment on top of the prestigious M50 trim.
Volvo XC60 vs. BMW X3: Dimensions & Cargo
No matter what trim you select, both of these premium SUVs offer similar space for your family. The new Volvo XC60 for sale is comfortable at 185.4 inches, while the BMW X3 is just slightly longer at 187.2 inches. The Volvo XC60 compensates with an extra 3.1 inches of width. This gives the BMW X3 a larger maximum cargo capacity at 67.1 cubic feet, but the Volvo XC60 prioritizes passenger space, with 38 inches of rear legroom – roomier than most for its segment.
Volvo XC60 vs. BMW X3: Interior & Features
A Volvo XC60 vs. BMW X3 comparison would not be complete without discussing the luxury features of these SUVs. The BMW X3 lets you choose between a vegan leather alternative or Merino leather and a 15-color ambient lighting system. An optional Premium Package lets you cover your entire dashboard in a screen.
Meanwhile, climb into the Volvo XC60 and take one step further. A panoramic roof comes standard, highlighting your premium leatherette, leather, or ventilated Nappa leather interior. Advanced climate control keeps the family pet cool during quick stops. And that's just what's standard. A Harman Kardon® premium sound system fills your Ultra trim cabin, melting road trips away. A Head-Up Display keeps your eyes on the road, which you navigate with a beautiful crystal gear selector knob by Orrefors®. An evolutionary illumination system significantly improves the cozy atmosphere of your Volvo XC60, creating an interior you won't want to leave.
Now, a glimpse at Volvo XC60 vs. BMW X3 safety. In a Volvo XC60, you'll be kept safe with a standard Blind Spot Information System, built-in Google services, Cross Traffic Alert, Oncoming Lane Mitigation, Rear Park Assist, and much more. The BMW X3 offers similar standard features, but you have to explore many optional packages to unlock the same Head-Up Display, Auto-Pilot systems, and Surround View Camera that come in the Ultra trim of the Volvo XC60.
Experience the Volvo XC60 at Volvo Cars Richmond
Now that you've seen how the 2025 Volvo XC60 vs. 2025 BMW X3 specs, interior, and features look online, the next step is to feel how this prestigious SUV functions in person. Come to Volvo Cars Richmond and bring our mild-hybrid and plug-in options around the block. Once you have the model you love in mind, you can explore our Volvo XC60 deals and get a competitive lease today.
Alternatively, you can shop our new Volvo specials to see more innovative vehicles in the lineup. Our customers are family, so we'll get you some of the most competitive financing rates, lease offerings, and service specials to elevate your car-owning journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the 2025 Volvo XC60 offer more passenger and cargo space than the BMW X3?
The 2025 Volvo XC60 creates a similar amount of space to the BMW X3, thanks to both having similar height, width, and length dimensions. While the BMW X3 does provide more total cargo space, the Volvo XC60 lets your rear-seat passengers stretch with 38 inches of legroom. You'll feel more comfortable driving with your family while having plenty of room for groceries or picnic supplies.
Is the Volvo XC60 a safer vehicle than the BMW X3?
Both five-seat SUVs offer great standard safety features, like active Blind Spot Detection, Lane Departure Warning, Collision Mitigation, and more. However, the Volvo XC60 offers exceptional features on high-end trims, like a Head-Up Display, Surround-View Camera, and Pilot Assist. You'll need multiple optional packages for similar features in a BMW X3, each giving one or two safety features standard on the Volvo XC60 Ultra.
Is the Volvo XC60 engine more powerful than the one in the BMW X3?
The standard Volvo XC60 B5 engine produces nearly as much horsepower as the BMW X3 xDrive30 standard option. However, neither of the engines offered by the BMW X3 can compete with the T8 powertrain available in the Volvo XC60 Recharge plug-in hybrid. If you're looking for horsepower and torque, going electric gives you a smooth, quiet ride, perfect for commuting.
1EPA estimated range is 26 MPG combined (B5 AWD). Your actual range will vary for many reasons, including but not limited to, driving conditions, how and where you drive, how you maintain your vehicle, battery-package/condition, and other factors. See https://www.fueleconomy.gov/
2Estimated range according to the EPA driving cycles. The actual range achieved under real conditions varies depending on driving behavior, driving conditions, how you maintain your vehicle, battery and other external factors. Visit fueleconomy.gov for further information.
3Preliminary EPA-estimated figures are for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary, depending on speed, driving habits, trip length and driving conditions; actual mileage may be lower.
4When properly equipped.