Comparing The Sports Sedans: Volvo S60 Vs. BMW 3 Series
You're comparing the 2025 Volvo S60 vs. BMW 3 Series because you want a safe, spacious sedan with sporty looks, great performance and handling, and intuitive tech to make every drive more enjoyable. Luckily, we've got all the information you need to decide if a Volvo S60 or BMW 3 Series is the car for you. Explore this helpful guide crafted by the experts at Gunther Volvo Cars Daytona Beach to see why the Volvo S60 is the clear winner.
Volvo S60 vs. BMW 3 Series Performance and Safety
The Volvo S60 comes in three stunning trims, each of which shines in terms of performance and safety. The Core and Plus trims feature a choice of two automatic powertrains: the standard B5 FWD or the available B5 AWD, both delivering 247 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. FWD models get an EPA-estimated 27/36/30 MPG (City/Highway/Combined),1 while AWD powertrains like the range-topping Ultra earn an EPA-estimated 25/34/28 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).2
When it comes to safety and driver-assistance technology, the Volvo S60 is much better equipped than its competitor. You'll find the following standard systems – and there's plenty more available – with the Volvo sedan:
- Volvo Intelligent Driver Information System
- Blind Spot Information System (BLIS™) and Cross Traffic Alert
- Drift Detection and Correction System
- Auto-Braking
- Whiplash Injury Protection System
- Inflatable curtain
- Side Impact Protection
- Rear Collision Mitigation Support
- Cruise Control
- Lane Keeping Aid
- Oncoming Lane Mitigation
- Rear Park Assist
- Rear Park Assist Camera
- Rain Sensor
- Road Sign Information
- Slippery Road Alert
- Tempered side windows
A child weight sensor and ISOFIX mounting points help keep car seats safely installed and protected in a collision. The Plus and Ultra trims also feature Pilot Assist, a 360-Degree Camera, and Adaptive Cruise Control to help guide you on every drive. Experience all the impressive safety features of the new Volvo S60 by shopping our online inventory or stopping by Gunther Volvo Cars Daytona Beach today.
The BMW 3 Series has two core models: the BMW 330i and the BMW 330i XDrive. Both sedans produce 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque with their 2.0-liter BMW turbo engines. Together with an eight-speed automatic transmission, the BMW 330i gets an EPA-estimated 28/35/31 MPG (City/Highway/Combined),3 and the BMW 330i xDrive offers an EPA-estimated 26/34/29 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).3
As you can see, whether you choose the Volvo sedan or the BMW model, you'll get similar output and fuel ratings. Where these two automobiles differ in this portion of our comparison is in their standard and available driver-support tech. The BMW 3 Series offers some advanced systems, but it simply can't keep pace with the Volvo S60.
Safety features for the BMW 3 Series include Driving Dynamics Control with selectable drive modes, Dynamic Stability Control, a Front and Rear Head Protection System (HPS), an Active Protection System to detect accidents, an Active Guard with Frontal Collision Warning, Automatic City Collision Mitigation and Braking, and a Rearview Camera.
Volvo S60 vs. BMW 3 Series Interior
In a Volvo S60 vs. BMW 3 Series comparison of interior amenities, the Volvo S60 scores points with impressive standard touches like a panoramic roof, Google built-in services, including Google Assistant™, Google Maps™, and Google Play™ Store, a high-performance audio system, and interior illumination. Ergonomic power driver and passenger seats, a hand-stitched steering wheel and gear selector, a humidity sensor, and an afterrun parking climate system add luxury and comfort to the entry-level model.
The Scandinavian-inspired design and spacious seating for five give the Volvo S60 cabin a rich and calming atmosphere. Upgrade your interior even more with warm Linear Lime decor, leather upholstery, HomeLink® access, and a cabin air purifier on Plus trims, or get heated front seats, a four-zone climate system, a luxuriously tailored dashboard, a Volvo Graphical Head-Up Display, and a Harman Kardon® premium sound system for extra ambiance in the Ultra trim.
The BMW 3 Series interior features SensaTec upholstery, an anthracite headliner, and open-pore fine wood trim to keep passengers comfortable. Access BMW ConnectedDrive Services to integrate your smartphone and Connected Package Professional features to get real-time traffic updates, on-street parking information, natural speech input for navigation, and more. Both the BMW 3 Series and Volvo S60 are luxury vehicles, but it's hard to outclass the Swedish automaker's minimalist yet refined design techniques.
BMW 3 Series vs. Volvo S60 Technology
Volvo S60 models come packed with varying levels of enhanced technology across the trim lineup. The Core model offers a powerful 220-watt high-performance sound system, Apple CarPlay®, and Bluetooth®. Get a 14-speaker Harmon Kardon® premium sound system in the Ultra trim – or upgrade to the available 15-speaker Bowers & Wilkins® option – along with an air-ventilated subwoofer, a Head-Up Display, and a 360-Degree Camera.
Tech features in the BMW 3 Series include a 10-speaker, 205-watt hi-fi sound system and a one-year Platinum Plan Subscription to SiriusXM® with 360L. Enjoy your journey with Apple CarPlay®, Android Audio™, and wireless device charging. If you want options like a futuristic Head-Up Display in one of the BMW 3 Series core models, you'll have to add it via an expensive package – you won't find it as standard equipment on either of the trims.
BMW 3 Series vs. Volvo S60 Dimensions
The Volvo S60 is a midsize sedan that is 75.4 inches wide, 188.1 inches long, and only 56.6 inches tall. It offers 37.4 inches of front headroom, 42.3 inches of front legroom, and 11.6 cubic feet of rear cargo room in the trunk, which is enough space to stow two carry-on suitcases and two cabin bags.
The BMW 3 Series has a smaller length and width of 185.9 and 71.9 inches and a height of 56.8 inches.4 This sedan gives you 38.7 inches of front headroom, 42 inches of front legroom, and 16.9 cubic feet of cargo space4 – though it's unlikely that you'll find yourself needing this much cargo room.
If this BMW 3 Series vs. Volvo S60 review has helped you see that a 2025 Volvo S60 is the right car for you, congratulations! Browse our inventory online or in person to get the process started. If you want to explore our other premium new Volvo cars for sale, we have a wide selection we know you'll love.
Our finance team will help you secure a Volvo S60 lease plan or financing agreement that suits your lifestyle and budget, so stop by Gunther Volvo Cars Daytona Beach today to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Volvo S60 better than a BMW 3 Series?
When we compare Volvo S60 vs. BMW 3 Series sedans, we see that both of them offer similar gas mileage, exterior dimensions, and interior space. However, the Volvo S60 delivers advanced features like a Head-Up Display, a 360-Degree Camera, and a HomeLink® system. The Volvo S60 also has a fantastic array of driver, passenger, and child safety features to help protect you in any emergency.
Are Volvo vehicles cheaper to maintain than BMW models?
Volvo Cars easily wins when you compare BMW 3 Series vs. Volvo S60 maintenance costs – BMW vehicles have a reputation for needing expensive repairs more often than average. However, when you do need maintenance, rest assured that Gunther Volvo Cars Daytona Beach can handle your service and repair needs. We can also help you start a Volvo S60 lease so you can drive home this reliable sedan today.
What is the life expectancy of a Volvo S60?
The life expectancy of your new Volvo S60 depends on the number of miles you regularly drive, the road conditions you typically experience, and whether you follow recommended maintenance schedules, among other factors. To keep your Volvo S60 in top shape, visit our service department to ensure your oil, tires, fluids, and parts stay well-maintained and healthy. We're always happy to help!
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1EPA estimated range is 27 MPG city/36 MPG highway/30 MPG combined (B5 FWD). Your actual range will vary for many reasons, including but not limited to, driving conditions, how and where you drive, how you maintain your vehicle, battery-package/condition, and other factors. See https://www.fueleconomy.gov/
2EPA estimated range is 25 MPG city/34 MPG highway/28 MPG combined (B5 AWD). Your actual range will vary for many reasons, including but not limited to, driving conditions, how and where you drive, how you maintain your vehicle, battery-package/condition, and other factors. See https://www.fueleconomy.gov/
3Preliminary EPA-estimated figures are for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary, depending on speed, driving habits, trip length and driving conditions; actual mileage may be lower.
4This information is not verified by the official manufacturer and shall serve solely as unofficial general information. For details, visit: https://www.edmunds.com/bmw/3-series/2025/features-specs/