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BMW 3 Series Saloon vs Volvo S60 comparison

Compare performance (530 HP vs 455 HP), boot space and price (39,900 £ vs 42,500 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – BMW 3 Series Saloon or Volvo S60?

BMW 3 Series Saloon vs Volvo S60: Key differences

BMW 3 Series Saloon

  • only slightly cheaper
  • a bit more power
  • only slightly more electric range
  • markedly quicker 0–100 km/h
  • only slightly lighter
  • slightly more trunk space
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Volvo S60

3.9 (1 Reviews)
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  • substantially more efficient
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All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.

By Achim Sedelmaier

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

3 Series Saloon

Costs and Efficiency:

Looking at overall running costs, both models reveal some interesting differences in everyday economy.

BMW 3 Series Saloon is only slightly cheaper – starting at 39,900 £ , while the Volvo S60 costs 42,500 £ . That’s a price difference of around 2,572 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the Volvo S60 uses 0.7 L/100km and is substantially more efficient than the BMW 3 Series Saloon with 2.4 L/100km. The difference is about 1.7 L/100km.

As for electric range, the BMW 3 Series Saloon offers only slightly more range – reaching up to 101 km, about 7 km more than the Volvo S60.

S60

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration say a lot about how a car feels on the road. This is where you see which model delivers more driving dynamics.

When it comes to engine power, the BMW 3 Series Saloon offers a bit more power – delivering 530 HP compared to 455 HP. That’s roughly 75 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the BMW 3 Series Saloon is markedly quicker – completing the sprint in 3.5 s, while the Volvo S60 takes 4.6 s. That’s about 1.1 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Volvo S60 delivers only slightly more torque with 709 Nm compared to 700 Nm. That’s about 9 Nm more.

3 Series Saloon

Space and Everyday Use:

Cabin size, boot volume and payload all play a role in everyday practicality. Here, comfort and flexibility make the difference.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, BMW 3 Series Saloon is only slightly lighter – 1,575 kg compared to 1,715 kg. The difference is around 140 kg.

Looking at boot space, the BMW 3 Series Saloon offers slightly more boot space – 480 L compared to 427 L. That’s a difference of about 53 L.

When it comes to payload, the BMW 3 Series Saloon carries only slightly more – 495 kg compared to 475 kg. That’s a difference of about 20 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Volvo S60 stands well ahead of its rival in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

from £42,500
S60

Volvo S60

  • Engine Type : Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 197 - 455 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 0.7 - 7.1 L/100km
  • Electric Range : 94 km
BMW 3 Series Saloon
Volvo S60

Costs and Consumption

View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance

View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body

View detailed analysis

BMW 3 Series Saloon

The BMW 3 Series saloon is a driver's car in a suit, blending poised handling with a cabin that feels more premium than its practicality suggests. It’s composed enough for daily duties yet playful enough to keep weekend drives interesting, making it a sensible choice for buyers who still want to have fun.

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Volvo S60

The Volvo S60 wears Scandinavian understatement like a tailored suit, pairing a serene cabin with composed handling that makes the daily commute feel unexpectedly civilized. For buyers after executive looks, rock‑solid safety and practical versatility — with a dash of discreet luxury — it's a persuasive pick that doesn't need to shout for attention.

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BMW 3 Series Saloon
Volvo S60

Costs and Consumption

Price
39,900 - 91,000 £
Price
42,500 - 65,100 £
Consumption L/100km
2.4 - 10.1 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
0.7 - 7.1 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
96 - 101 km
Electric Range
94 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
14.7 kWh
co2
54 - 227 g/km
co2
16 - 161 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
60 L

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
Sedan
Body Type
Sedan
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
4
Curb weight
1,575 - 1,960 kg
Curb weight
1,715 - 2,039 kg
Trunk capacity
375 - 480 L
Trunk capacity
390 - 427 L
Length
-
Length
4,778 mm
Width
1,827 - 1,903 mm
Width
1,850 mm
Height
-
Height
1,431 mm
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
405 - 495 kg
Payload
461 - 475 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Diesel MHEV, Petrol, Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Plugin Hybrid
Transmission
Automatic, Manuel
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox, Manual Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox
Drive Type
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
150 - 530 HP
Power HP
197 - 455 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
3.5 - 8.6 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.6 - 7.9 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
180 km/h
Torque
250 - 700 Nm
Torque
300 - 709 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4 - 6
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
110 - 390 kW
Power kW
145 - 335 kW
Engine capacity
1,995 - 2,998 cm3
Engine capacity
1,969 cm3

General

Model Year
2,024 - 2,025
Model Year
2,022 - 2,024
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, E, F, G, B
CO2 Efficiency Class
E, F, B
Brand
BMW
Brand
Volvo
DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. The displayed prices are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted to the respective country’s VAT. Country-specific registration taxes are not included. This information is not legally binding.