BMW X3 G01 vs Volvo XC60 MK2

BMW X3

G01 · 2017 – 2024

The third-generation X3 (G01), on the 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 X3

Pick the X3 for sharp handling, a big boot and strong engines in a premium mid-size SUV.

Best engine: The 20i (petrol) or 20d (diesel).

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

B48 20i · Petrol vs B5 2.0 250 · Petrol

	BMW X3	Volvo XC60
Power	184 hp	250 hp Winner
Torque	290 Nm	350 Nm Winner
0–100 km/h	8,3 s	6,9 s Winner
Top speed	215 km/h Winner	180 km/h
Power-to-weight	105,4 hp/t	137,4 hp/t Winner
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	154 g/km	154 g/km
Consumption (WLTP)	6,8 L/100km	6,8 L/100km

Dimensions & space

	BMW X3	Volvo XC60
Boot	550 L Winner	505 L
Boot (seats folded)	1.600 L Winner	1.543 L
Wheelbase	2,86 m	2,87 m Winner
Length	4,71 m	4,71 m
Ground clearance	20,4 cm	21,6 cm
Turning circle	12,0 m	11,4 m Winner
Towing capacity (braked)	2.000 kg	2.400 kg Winner

Powertrain & tech

	BMW X3	Volvo XC60
Platform	CLAR (rear-wheel-drive base)	SPA (shared with XC90/V90/S90)
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 · 30e PHEV	2.0 D4/D5 diesel · 2.0 B4/B5/B6 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

BMW X3

EGR cooler can leak on B47 diesels
Transfer case (xDrive) judder on early cars
Adaptive dampers need checking at high mileage

Volvo XC60

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

Pros

BMW X3

Sharp handling from rear-wheel drive
Big boot & roomy rear seat
Strong, efficient B-series engines

Volvo XC60

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

Cons

BMW X3

Firm ride on M Sport (run-flat)
Pricier than most rivals

Volvo XC60

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

Driving experience

BMW X3

Poised, accurate and remarkably car-like for an SUV. Steering is quick, well-weighted and precise, body control taut, and the X3 corners with the composure of a lower, lighter car. xDrive brings tenacious all-weather grip and a neutral, rear-biased balance, while the rare sDrive is lighter and more playful. Adaptive suspension keeps it composed on rough roads, if a touch firm on big wheels. The B48/B58 petrols are smooth and eager, the B47/B57 diesels pull strongly and stay hushed, and the xDrive30e plug-in glides on electric power. The ZF 8-speed is quick, seamless and always in the right gear. Overall a polished, driver-focused SUV that shrinks around you on a good road.

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.