BMW X4 G02 vs Volvo XC90 MK2

BMW X4

G02 · 2018 – 2026

The second-generation X4 (G02), on the CLAR platform shared with the X3 G01.

Volvo XC90

MK2 · 2015 – 2026

The second-generation XC90 (MK2), on the SPA platform.

First car

Second car

Pick this one if…

BMW X4

Pick the G02 for the B58 M40i and a more dynamic, refined package than the F26.

Best engine: The M40i (B58, 360 hp) — the standout.

Read the full guide

Pick this one if…

Volvo XC90

Pick the MK2 for a premium, safe seven-seat 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

M40i · Petrol vs B5 2.0 250 · Petrol

	BMW X4	Volvo XC90
Power	360 hp Winner	250 hp
Torque	500 Nm Winner	350 Nm
0–100 km/h	4,8 s Winner	7,7 s
Top speed	250 km/h Winner	180 km/h
Power-to-weight	188,0 hp/t Winner	119,0 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	191 g/km	168 g/km Winner
Consumption (WLTP)	8,2 L/100km	7,3 L/100km Winner

Dimensions & space

	BMW X4	Volvo XC90
Boot	525 L	720 L Winner
Boot (seats folded)	1.430 L	2.005 L Winner
Wheelbase	2,86 m	2,98 m Winner
Length	4,75 m	4,95 m
Ground clearance	20,0 cm	22,3 cm
Turning circle	12,1 m	11,8 m Winner
Towing capacity (braked)	2.000 kg	2.700 kg Winner

Powertrain & tech

	BMW X4	Volvo XC90
Platform	CLAR (G02, xDrive)	SPA
Drive	All-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive
Engine family	B48/B58 petrol · B47/B57 diesel (mild-hybrid)	2.0 D5 diesel · 2.0 T5/T6 petrol · 2.0 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	Euro 6d
LEZ access	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)

Reliability & watch-outs

Known issues

BMW X4

Cooling-system plastics and water pumps
Oil-filter housing gasket leaks (B48/B58)
EGR/DPF/AdBlue attention on diesels

Volvo XC90

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

Pros

BMW X4

B58 M40i is strong, free-revving and the standout
Facelift (2021) brought mild-hybrid tech on many diesels
More dynamic and refined than the F26

Volvo XC90

Premium interior and hushed comfort
Seven-seat practicality and safety
Efficient mild-hybrids and quick T8

Cons

BMW X4

Sloping roof reduces rear headroom versus the X3
Firm ride on M Sport adaptive suspension and larger wheels

Volvo XC90

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

Driving experience

BMW X4

More dynamic and refined than the F26. Steering is accurate and well-weighted, body control is good, and the car feels planted and secure with xDrive. It is engaging for a crossover but prioritises composure and refinement over pure sharpness. Adaptive suspension (where fitted) offers a useful range between firm and acceptable comfort. The B58 M40i is the standout: strong, refined, free-revving and characterful with excellent mid-range punch. B48 four-cylinder petrols are smooth and responsive. Diesels (especially the B57 sixes) deliver strong low-end torque and effortless cruising. Overall a stylish, capable crossover that balances road presence, dynamics and everyday usability better than its predecessor.

Volvo XC90

Composed and secure for a large SUV, with light, accurate steering that suits motorway and urban driving. The ride is comfortable on standard wheels, especially with optional air suspension, and firmer on larger alloys; 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.