BMW 3 Series G20 vs Volvo S60 MK3
BMW 3 Series
G20 · 2018 – 2026
The seventh-generation 3 Series (G20), on the CLAR rear-wheel-drive platform.
Volvo S60
MK3 · 2019 – 2026
The third-generation S60 (MK3), on the SPA platform.
BMW 3 Series
Pick the 3 Series for benchmark handling, efficient engines and a premium cabin in a compact executive sedan.
Volvo S60
Pick the MK3 for a safe, refined premium saloon with an efficient B5 or quick T8.
Performance
B48 320i · Petrol vs B5 2.0 250 · Petrol
| BMW 3 Series | Volvo S60 | |
|---|---|---|
| Power |
184 hp
|
250 hp
Winner
|
| Torque |
300 Nm
|
350 Nm
Winner
|
| 0–100 km/h |
7,1 s
|
6,5 s
Winner
|
| Top speed |
240 km/h
Winner
|
180 km/h
|
| Power-to-weight |
125,2 hp/t
|
148,8 hp/t
Winner
|
| CO₂ emissions (WLTP) |
134 g/km
Winner
|
150 g/km
|
| Consumption (WLTP) |
5,9 L/100km
Winner
|
6,5 L/100km
|
Dimensions & space
| BMW 3 Series | Volvo S60 | |
|---|---|---|
| Boot |
480 L
Winner
|
442 L
|
| Boot (seats folded) |
—
|
—
|
| Wheelbase |
2,85 m
|
2,87 m
Winner
|
| Length |
4,71 m
|
4,76 m
|
| Ground clearance |
14,4 cm
|
12,8 cm
|
| Turning circle |
11,4 m
|
11,4 m
|
| Towing capacity (braked) |
1.600 kg
|
2.000 kg
Winner
|
Powertrain & tech
| BMW 3 Series | Volvo S60 | |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | CLAR (rear-wheel-drive base) | SPA (shared with the V60) |
| Drive | Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive | Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive |
| Engine family | B48 2.0 · B58 3.0 · B47 2.0 diesel · 330e PHEV | 2.0 T5/T6 petrol · 2.0 B4/B5 mild-hybrid · 2.0 T8 plug-in hybrid |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed Geartronic automatic |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Euro standard | Euro 6d-TEMP | Euro 6d |
| LEZ access | Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation) | Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation) |
Reliability & watch-outs
Known issues
- EGR cooler can leak on B47 diesels
- Transfer case (xDrive) judder on early cars
- Adaptive dampers need checking at high mileage
- Infotainment software and Sensus glitches
- 12V battery drain
- T8: ERAD and battery need monitoring
Pros
- Sharp handling from rear-wheel drive
- Big boot & roomy rear seat
- Strong, efficient B-series engines
- Refined interior and hushed comfort
- High safety
- Efficient mild-hybrids and quick T8
Cons
- Firm ride on M Sport (run-flat)
- Pricier than most rivals
- Infotainment sometimes slow or glitchy
- Rear bench tight for three adults
- Not focused on sharp dynamics
Driving experience
BMW 3 Series
Precise, balanced and still the class benchmark to drive. Steering is quick, accurate and communicative, body control taut, and the rear-drive chassis stays planted yet adjustable through bends. sDrive keeps the classic 3 Series balance and a hint of playfulness; xDrive adds all-weather grip without dulling the nose. The optional adaptive M suspension spans comfortable to firmly controlled. The B48/B58 petrols are smooth and free-revving, the B47/B57 diesels pull strongly and stay refined, and the 320e/330e plug-in hybrids glide silently on electric power. The ZF 8-speed is quick and seamless; the early manual is a rare, engaging treat. Overall a poised sports saloon that blends sharp dynamics with everyday comfort.
Volvo S60
Composed and secure for a premium sedan of its era, with light steering that suits motorway and urban driving. The ride is comfortable on standard wheels, and body roll is present yet managed. Petrol engines deliver responsive performance across the rev range. It prioritises comfort and safety over sharp dynamics, with good visibility.
Belgian taxes & LEZ
For sale at dealers
BMW 3 Series
0 for saleNo listings at the moment
