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BMW X3 vs Volvo XC60

What's the difference?

VS
BMW X3
BMW X3

$67,988 - $105,000

2022 price

Volvo XC60
Volvo XC60

$73,990 - $101,990

2024 price

Summary

2022 BMW X3
2024 Volvo XC60
Safety Rating

Engine Type
Turbo 4, 2.0L

Turbo 4, 2.0L
Fuel Type
Premium Unleaded/Electric

-
Fuel Efficiency
3.2L/100km (combined)

7.6L/100km (combined)
Seating
5

5
Dislikes
  • Low EV-only range
  • Slow charging
  • More expensive than rivals

  • Cabins of rivals have more visual impact
  • The stop/start idling feature can be clumsy
  • Option packs are expensive
2022 BMW X3 Summary

BMW was once a brand most known for its range of sporty sedans and coupes. In the last 15 years, though, things have literally changed the face of the Bavarian juggernaut.

If its X3 SUV range is anything to go by, things are set to change a lot more before the brand has settled into its new comfort zone of electrified SUVs.

You see, unlike most of its rivals, the X3 is now offered in petrol, diesel, plug-in hybrid, and as the fully-electric iX3. This allows BMW to hedge its bets over various drivetrains, but it’s also one of the first automakers to have such a comprehensive offering for a single model.

For this review we’re looking at the xDrive30e plug-in hybrid model to find out if BMW’s PHEV offering has what it takes to win some premium dollars from the likes of Volvo, Mercedes, and Lexus, all of which have added hybrid rivals with plugs in this space in recent years.

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2024 Volvo XC60 Summary

Volvo is a brand that has some strong images associated with it. High-end safety, five km/h below the speed-limit-driving-styles, sitting close to the steering wheel, sweater-sets, ‘bloody Volvo driver’ expletives… ahem (present company excluded, of course).

Those who are watching the brand closely know those images are almost defunct because that’s old Volvo and this is new Volvo.

Comfort and safety still appear to be at the top of the brand's priority list but style is being retuned to make this medium-sized SUV a true competitor against its luxury rivals, the BMW X3, Audi Q5 and Lexus NX.

I’ve been family-testing the new Ultimate B5 Bright grade for the last few weeks and have thrown road-trips, kids and pets at it!

In this review I’ll unpack how the XC60 has handled life with my family of three.

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Deep dive comparison

2022 BMW X3 2024 Volvo XC60

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