2023 BMW X3 vs. Volvo XC60

2023 BMW X3


2023 BMW X3

vs.

2023 Volvo XC60
2.0L Turbocharged Four-Cylinder

Base Engine

2.0L Turbocharged Four-Cylinder
248 hp / 258 lb-ft

Base Horsepower / Torque

247 hp / 258 lb-ft
6 seconds

Base 0-60 MPH Time

6.6 seconds
Tri-zone automatic

Standard Climate Control

Dual-zone automatic
10.25-inch touchscreen

Standard Infotainment System

9-inch touchscreen
12 speakers

Standard Audio System

10 speakers

When you need a small, nimble SUV that offers the premium performance and luxury amenities you crave, there’s nothing like the 2023 BMW X3 or Volvo XC60. As top competitors in the small SUV class, the BMW X3 and Volvo XC60 provide exceptional power, capability, and technology for the Los Angeles roads. So, which belongs in your garage? Find out in this Volvo vs. BMW SUV comparison from the team at Rusnak BMW!

 

 

2023 Volvo XC60 vs. BMW X3: Standard Performance

When comparing the 2023 Volvo XC60 vs. BMW X3, the deciding factor is often performance. BMW and Volvo don’t make the decision easy because both base trims of each lineup provide a standard 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine capable of nearly the same horsepower and torque. The key difference between these two sophisticated SUVs? Their drivetrain. While the Volvo XC60 Core model starts with front-wheel drive, the BMW X3 prioritizes speed and acceleration with rear-wheel drive, a choice that rockets the 0-60 time of the BMW X3 past the slower Volvo. See the difference yourself in the breakdown of each model’s starting powertrain below:

2023 BMW X3 Starting Powertrain

  • Engine: 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine
  • Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive
  • Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
  • Horsepower: 248 hp
  • Torque: 258 lb-ft
  • 0-60 MPH Time: 6 seconds

2023 Volvo XC60 Starting Powertrain

  • Engine: 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine
  • Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive
  • Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
  • Horsepower: 247 hp
  • Torque: 258 lb-ft
  • 0-60 MPH Time: 6.6 seconds

2023 Volvo XC60 vs. BMW X3: Standard Luxury

On top of providing a more exhilarating driving experience on the Westlake Village roads, the BMW X3 lineup boasts more standard luxury features inside the cabin. See how the BMW X3 interior stands out compared to the Volvo XC60 by comparing each model’s standards for:

  • Climate Control: Each BMW X3 comes standard with tri-zone automatic climate control to help everyone stay comfortable in any weather. Meanwhile, the Volvo XC60 only provides dual-zone automatic climate control, limiting how fast and precise you can manage your cabin’s climate. 
  • Infotainment: While the 2023 XC60 starts with a respectable nine-inch infotainment display, it can’t compete with the larger BMW X3 10.25-inch infotainment display, as this size makes it easier than ever to find all your favorite apps and features. 
  • Audio System: When drivers climb inside the BMW X3, they’ll find themselves immersed in a soundscape of their choosing. Whether you prefer blasting your favorite tunes on your Malibu commute or listening to the latest episode of a podcast, the 12-speaker audio system in the BMW X3 will provide clearer sound than the 10 speakers the come standard on the XC60.

Comparing the Volvo XC60 vs. BMW X3 is a great way to set yourself up for success, but at the end of the day, only one of these models will have what it takes to keep you satisfied! Our 2022 comparison shows that the X3 isn’t just the more powerful model—it’s also more agile, more spacious, and better-equipped as standard.

Volvo vs. BMW: Performance

If you choose the BMW, you’re getting the Ultimate Driving Machine®—and that’s not just talk. The base-level models offer similar amounts of power: 248 hp for the BMW and 247 hp for the Volvo. However, things change as you move down the lineup:

  • BMW offers a 3.0L M TwinPower i6 with 382 horsepower. The XC60 offers an engine upgrade in its B6 trim, but it only outputs 295 horsepower.
  • The Volvo XC60 does offer a 415-hp powertrain at the very top of its range—but the X3 wins out again with another available upgrade. The M TwinPower i6 in the X3 M configuration delivers up to 473 horsepower.

Westlake Village and Malibu drivers should note that the X3 has similar advantages over popular rivals like the Acura RDX. Not convinced by engine power comparisons on their own? The U.S. News said it well when comparing the Volvo XC60 vs. BMW X3 on handling and agility:

  • “Overall, this Volvo is not the sportiest vehicle in the class.”
  • “…the BMW has sharper handling and easier-to-use infotainment controls. Both are decent picks, but the X3 is a better one.”

Find out how to access your preferred engine by exploring our 2022 BMW X3 price list.

Volvo vs. BMW: Cargo Space

When the rear seats of both models are folded flat, the Volvo XC60 and the BMW X3 offer nearly identical amounts of total cargo space—but what if you’re traveling with passengers? Whether you’re road-tripping, camping with friends, or running errands in Los Angeles, you’ll appreciate that the X3 has a much bigger cargo storage area:

  • BMW X3 Cargo Volume (All Seats Upright): 28.7 cubic feet
  • Volvo XC60 Cargo Volume (All Seats Upright): 17.8 cubic feet

Volvo vs. BMW: Standard Features

If you’re comparing Volvo vs. BMW, you can be sure that both models will offer luxurious and comfortable cabins—but the X3 has a few more advantages that deserve your attention:

  • The X3 offers 12 standard speakers, vs. 10 in the XC60
  • The X3 offers a 10.25-inch touchscreen, compared to a 9-inch touchscreen in the XC60
  • With the X3, you get a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster as standard. The XC60 also has a digital gauge cluster, but it measures just 5.1 inches diagonally.
  • The BMW X3 offers standard Apple CarPlay®, but the XC60 doesn’t offer this feature at all.

Continue Your Volvo vs. BMW SUV Comparison at Rusnak BMW

Now that you’ve seen how each model stacks up on paper, you can compare Volvo vs. BMW SUVs in person with Rusnak BMW! When you contact us to set up a test drive in Thousand Oaks, our team will show you all the exciting features, specs, and accessories you can enjoy on a new BMW X3. And, when you shop our rotating selection of new vehicle specials, you’re sure to find a new BMW that suits your transportation needs and budget. Don’t wait– start your luxury SUV search with the experts at Rusnak BMW!

 

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