BMW Z4 G29 vs Volvo XC90 MK2

BMW Z4

G29 · 2018 – 2026

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

Volvo XC90

MK2 · 2015 – 2026

The second-generation XC90 (MK2), on the SPA 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 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 Z4	Volvo XC90
Power	340 hp Winner	250 hp
Torque	500 Nm Winner	350 Nm
0–100 km/h	4,1 s Winner	7,7 s
Top speed	250 km/h Winner	180 km/h
Power-to-weight	221,5 hp/t Winner	119,0 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	176 g/km	168 g/km Winner
Consumption (WLTP)	7,4 L/100km	7,3 L/100km Winner

Dimensions & space

	BMW Z4	Volvo XC90
Boot	281 L	720 L Winner
Boot (seats folded)	281 L	2.005 L Winner
Wheelbase	2,47 m	2,98 m Winner
Length	4,32 m	4,95 m
Ground clearance	12,0 cm	22,3 cm
Turning circle	11,0 m Winner	11,8 m
Towing capacity (braked)	0 kg	2.700 kg Winner

Powertrain & tech

	BMW Z4	Volvo XC90
Platform	G29 (shared with Toyota Supra, rear-wheel drive)	SPA
Drive	Rear-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive
Engine family	B48 2.0 · B58 3.0 petrol	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 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 XC90

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

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 XC90

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

Cons

BMW Z4

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

Volvo XC90

Infotainment can glitch
12V battery can drain
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 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.