Volvo S60 vs BMW X3
What's the difference?

Volvo S60

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2024 price

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BMW X3

$88,100 - $131,400

2026 price

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Maserati Quattroporte

Mazda 6

Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Mercedes-Benz A35

Mercedes-Benz AMG GT

Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Mercedes-Benz C43

Mercedes-Benz C63

Mercedes-Benz CLA

Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Mercedes-Benz E53

Mercedes-Benz EQS

Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Summary

2024 Volvo S60

2026 BMW X3

By Emily Agar

By Mark Oastler

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 4, 2.0L

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Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded/Electric

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Fuel Efficiency

1.4L/100km (combined)

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Energy consumption

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Electric range

90 km

Battery capacity

18.80 kWh

Seating

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Likes

Elegant proportions and styling
Feature-laden
Superb on-road driving experience

M performance
Rear seat knee/headroom
Versatile family/driver’s car

Dislikes

Sedate cabin compared to rivals
Works best as a four-seater
Not a lot of storage options

No ANCAP
Prefers premium fuel
Rear seat shoulder room for three adults

2024 Volvo S60 Summary

Sedans have long been supplanted by SUVs as the family favourite but they still have their charms for those drivers who like something that feels more dynamic on the road.

Enter the limited edition Volvo S60 Recharge Black Edition which sees the return of a plug-in hybrid powertrain for Volvo’s only sedan.

I’ve been family-testing the PHEV variant to see just how practical a sedan is for the modern family, and whether it's rivals, the Audi A4, BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C200 have anything to worry about.

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2026 BMW X3 Summary

BMW has recently launched its fourth-generation (G45) X3 range, which comprises three petrol variants including the entry-level 20 xDrive, mid-grade 30e xDrive PHEV and top-shelf M50 xDrive.

The new trio brings revised powertrains, new exterior and interior styling, increased standard equipment, enhanced technology and an emphasis on the use of sustainable materials.

We recently trialled the five-seater flagship to see if it has the right mix of performance and practicality to maintain the X3’s enduring appeal for Aussie families.

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Deep dive comparison

2024 Volvo S60 2026 BMW X3

Verdict

The Volvo S60 Recharge Black Edition proves sedans can still be sexy and an excellent family car, providing your family is on the smaller side. I only have one kid, so it's perfect for our activities and gear. It’s wonderful to drive and has a great features list but it's not without its quirks.

My son thinks it looks cool, and we enjoyed bellowing out a few renditions of the original Batman theme song this week. He has had a lot of comfort in the back seat, too.

Verdict

This is a highly competent all-rounder, given that it has the comfort and practicality for urban family duties yet with its revered M breeding can produce a level of performance which, in competent hands, could hold its own at a track day where its capabilities could be safely explored.

Volvo S60 vs BMW X3 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Volvo S60 vs BMW X3
What's the difference?