BMW iX3 G08 vs Volvo XC60 MK2

BMW iX3

G08 · 2020 – 2026

The first-generation iX3 (G08), BMW’s electric mid-size SUV on the X3’s CLAR platform.

Volvo XC60

MK2 · 2017 – 2026

The second-generation XC60 (MK2), on the SPA platform.

First car

Second car

Pick this one if…

BMW iX3

Pick the G08 for the electric X3 with a single rear motor, ~74 kWh usable battery and up to ~500 km WLTP range.

Best engine: The iX3 (286 hp, rear-wheel drive) — the only powertrain.

Read the full guide

Pick this one if…

Volvo XC60

Pick the MK2 for a premium, safe and refined SUV with an efficient B5 mild-hybrid or quick T8.

Best engine: The B5 mild-hybrid (petrol) — or the T8 plug-in hybrid.

Read the full guide

Performance

iX3 · Electric vs B5 2.0 250 · Petrol

	BMW iX3	Volvo XC60
Power	286 hp Winner	250 hp
Torque	400 Nm Winner	350 Nm
0–100 km/h	6,8 s Winner	6,9 s
Top speed	180 km/h	180 km/h
Power-to-weight	131,2 hp/t	137,4 hp/t Winner
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	0 g/km Winner	154 g/km
Consumption (WLTP)	—	6,8 L/100km

Dimensions & space

	BMW iX3	Volvo XC60
Boot	510 L Winner	505 L
Boot (seats folded)	1.560 L Winner	1.543 L
Wheelbase	2,86 m	2,87 m Winner
Length	4,73 m	4,71 m
Ground clearance	17,9 cm	21,6 cm
Turning circle	12,1 m	11,4 m Winner
Towing capacity (braked)	2.000 kg	2.400 kg Winner

Powertrain & tech

	BMW iX3	Volvo XC60
Platform	CLAR (electric)	SPA (shared with XC90/V90/S90)
Drive	Rear-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive
Engine family	Single rear-axle electric motor (PSM, fifth-generation eDrive)	2.0 D4/D5 diesel · 2.0 B4/B5/B6 mild-hybrid · 2.0 T8 plug-in hybrid
Transmission	Single-speed automatic	8-speed Geartronic automatic
Fuel	Electric	Petrol
Euro standard	N/A (electric)	Euro 6d
LEZ access	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)

Reliability & watch-outs

Known issues

BMW iX3

12V battery issues (occasional reports)
Parking-sensor/camera faults and interior rattles
Higher tyre wear due to weight and torque

Volvo XC60

Infotainment software and Sensus glitches
12V battery drain (early cars)
T8: ERAD and battery need monitoring

Pros

BMW iX3

Facelift (2021) brought better efficiency and range
~74 kWh net battery with 471–505 km WLTP (post-facelift)
DC fast charging up to 150 kW (10–80% in ~32–34 min)

Volvo XC60

Premium interior and hushed comfort
Strong safety equipment
Efficient mild-hybrids and quick T8

Cons

BMW iX3

Rear-wheel drive only, no xDrive
No frunk, despite the EV concept

Volvo XC60

Infotainment can glitch
12V battery can drain
Not focused on sharp dynamics

Driving experience

BMW iX3

The iX3 is refined and composed rather than playful. Steering is accurate and reasonably weighted, body control is good, and the car feels stable and secure at speed. Ride quality is firm but generally well-controlled — better than many early EVs on adaptive suspension, though larger wheels and the M Sport suspension make it busier over poor surfaces. Instant torque makes it quick off the line, and the single-motor rear-drive layout gives balanced, predictable handling without the artificial feel of some dual-motor systems. Cabin noise is low; wind and tyre roar are the main sounds at motorway speeds. Regenerative braking is strong and well-calibrated (one-pedal driving is possible). Overall it drives like a polished, slightly firmer X3 with electric silence and response — competent and relaxing rather than involving.

Volvo XC60

Composed and secure for a mid-size SUV, with light, accurate steering that suits motorway and urban driving. The ride is comfortable on standard wheels but firmer on larger alloys, and body roll is present yet managed. Mild-hybrid petrols deliver usable performance with strong low-end torque; the T8 plug-in hybrid is notably quicker. It prioritises comfort and safety over sharp dynamics, with good visibility.