2020 Volvo XC60 Vs. 2020 BMW X3
September 29 2020,
Updated May 25 2022
In the premium SUV category, competition is fierce and determining a winner requires a sharp eye. However, when you take a close look at a 2020 Volvo XC60 Canada and a 2020 BMW X3, you’ll notice some major differences that need to be highlighted to make a wise choice.
Between performance, safety and reliability, and overall performance, we’ve broken it down for you.
Volvo or BMW? Performance by Numbers
The devil is often in the details, but here there are many details that show us what distinguishes the Swedish car from the German. First of all, in terms of power and performance, there is a clear difference in favor of the Volvo XC60 compared to the BMW X3.
By the way, which engine powers the Volvo? The Swedish brand offers a wide range of choices, and the XC60 has several, which you can see in the table below.
Numerous road tests show that the XC60 T5 is significantly faster than the BMW X3 xDrive30i. In the following table, we can see that the XC60 has more powerful engines than the X3.
|
Engine |
Power |
Torque |
|
Volvo XC60 T5 2.0 turbo / 4-cylinder |
250 hp |
258 lb-ft |
|
Volvo XC60 T6 2.0 turbo / 4-cylinder |
316 hp |
295 lb-ft |
|
Volvo XC60 T8 2.0 turbo / 4-cylinder hybrid |
400 hp |
472 lb-ft |
|
Volvo XC60 T8 Polestar Engineered 2.0 DACT 4-cylinder hybrid |
415 hp |
494 lb-ft |
|
BMW X3 2.0 turbo / 4-cylinder |
248 hp |
258 lb-ft |
|
BMW X3 M40i 3.0 turbo / 6-cylinder |
355 hp |
369 lb-ft |
In terms of acceleration, the 2020 Volvo XC60 also remains more performant than the 2020 BMW X3.
|
XC60 |
X3 |
|
|
Zero to 100 km/h |
6.2 seconds |
6.7 seconds |
|
Quarter mile |
14.7 seconds |
15.1 seconds |
The first thing to note is that the 2020 Volvo XC60 is both more powerful and more efficient than the 2020 BMW X3.
Better Battery Protection...
In addition, the Volvo XC60 Plug-in Hybrid hides a battery in the trunk, giving it extra protection in hot weather, which is a major contributor to battery deterioration.
Keeping the 2020 Volvo XC60 battery 20 to 30 degrees cooler increases its lifespan by several years. Unfortunately, the battery in the BMW X3 is located in the engine compartment, which is significantly hotter.
But Also for the Passengers
In terms of passive safety, the 2020 Volvo XC60 features height-adjustable front seat shoulder belts that adjust to a wide variety of heights for both driver and passenger. A better fit can prevent injury, and the increased comfort also encourages passengers to buckle up. The BMW X3 does not offer height adjustable seat belts.
Better Performance
In terms of range, tests have shown that the electrically powered 2020 XC60 T8 performs better than the X3 XDrive30i (56 city/57 highway MPGe versus 24 city/29 highway).
Let’s go a step further: cargo volume is larger in the XC60 than in the 2020 X3 (63.3 cu. ft. vs. 62.7 cu. ft.; with the rear seat up, we’re talking 30.2 cu. ft. vs. 28.7 cu. ft.).
These few figures are enough to make us realize that the Volvo XC60 interior seems to be much better furnished than that of the 2020 BMW X3. Besides, Volvo XC60 reviews can’t help but admire its design:
“Clean lines and high-quality materials add a distinctly Scandinavian flavor to the XC60’s cabin.”
Drew Dorian, Car and Driver
Finally, it’s pointed out that the 2020 Volvo XC60 maintenance costs are lower than the 2020 BMW X3, with as much as a $375 difference for regular maintenance at 80,000 km.
The answer to the question is now simple: the 2020 Volvo XC60 is:
- Safer
- More powerful
- High-performance
- Better in terms of range
The winner on all counts is the XC60.
Good news: models of the Volvo XC60 for sale are available for delivery at Volvo Laval! Visit your local Volvo dealership near Sainte-Thérèse and just minutes from Montréal to find your perfect match. We also have a great line-up of used Volvo XC60 to discover.
