BMW Z4 G29 vs Volvo V60 MK1

BMW Z4

G29 · 2018 – 2026

The third-generation Z4 (G29), co-developed with the Toyota Supra.

Volvo V60

MK1 · 2010 – 2018

The first-generation V60 (MK1), on the P3 platform.

First car

Second car

Pick this one if…

BMW Z4

Pick the G29 for the modern, driver-focused Z4 with the B58 M40i — the best Z4 yet.

Best engine: The M40i (B58, 340 hp) — the standout.

Read the full guide

Pick this one if…

Volvo V60

Pick the MK1 for a roomy, comfortable premium estate with a strong D4/D5 diesel.

Best engine: The D4/D5 diesel, preferably post-2013 facelift.

Read the full guide

Performance

M40i · Petrol vs D4 2.0 190 · Diesel

	BMW Z4	Volvo V60
Power	340 hp Winner	190 hp
Torque	500 Nm Winner	400 Nm
0–100 km/h	4,1 s Winner	7,8 s
Top speed	250 km/h Winner	215 km/h
Power-to-weight	221,5 hp/t Winner	115,2 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	176 g/km	122 g/km Winner
Consumption (WLTP)	7,4 L/100km	4,6 L/100km Winner

Dimensions & space

	BMW Z4	Volvo V60
Boot	281 L	430 L Winner
Boot (seats folded)	281 L	1.241 L Winner
Wheelbase	2,47 m	2,78 m Winner
Length	4,32 m	4,64 m
Ground clearance	12,0 cm	13,6 cm
Turning circle	11,0 m Winner	11,4 m
Towing capacity (braked)	0 kg	1.800 kg Winner

Powertrain & tech

	BMW Z4	Volvo V60
Platform	G29 (shared with Toyota Supra, rear-wheel drive)	P3 (shared with the S60)
Drive	Rear-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive
Engine family	B48 2.0 · B58 3.0 petrol	2.0/2.4 D3/D4/D5 diesel · 2.0 T5 · 3.0 T6 petrol
Transmission	8-speed automatic	8-speed Geartronic automatic
Fuel	Petrol	Diesel
Euro standard	Euro 6d	Euro 6
LEZ access	Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation)	⚠️ Banned from Antwerp & Ghent from January 1, 2026

Reliability & watch-outs

Known issues

BMW Z4

Oil-filter housing and valve-cover gasket seepage (B58)
Electric water pump/thermostat and PCV membrane
Starter-relay/tie-rod campaigns and iDrive glitches (early cars)

Volvo V60

Diesels: DPF/EGR and timing belt
Haldex/AWD fluid services
Early electrical gremlins

Pros

BMW Z4

B58 M40i (340 hp) is one of BMW’s most reliable turbo sixes
Returns to a driver-focused formula after the heavier E89
Soft-top: lighter and quicker than a hardtop

Volvo V60

Roomy, practical boot
Comfortable and safe
Strong diesels

Cons

BMW Z4

Same Supra architecture but without its closed coupé body
Suspension bushings and control arms wear (larger wheels)

Volvo V60

Dated infotainment
Haldex/AWD needs fluid services
Not focused on sharp dynamics

Driving experience

BMW Z4

This is a proper driver’s roadster again. Steering is quick, precise and well-weighted. The chassis is agile, balanced and willing to rotate; body control is excellent. Adaptive suspension (where fitted) offers a useful range between firm and acceptable comfort. Ride can feel busy on poor surfaces but is well-controlled for the class. The B58 M40i is the star: strong, refined, free-revving and characterful with excellent mid-range punch. The B48 20i/30i is smooth and responsive but less special. The ZF 8-speed automatic is excellent; the rare 6-speed manual (available on some 20i and later M40i) adds engagement. Open-top driving is the point — wind noise is present but manageable. Overall one of the more involving modern BMW roadsters, closer in spirit to the E85 than the softer E89.

Volvo V60

Composed and secure for a premium estate 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. Diesels deliver strong low-end torque for motorway use. It prioritises comfort and safety over sharp dynamics, with good visibility.