Through our Volvo S60 vs. BMW 3 Series guide, you'll learn a lot about which model provides better value for your money. The BMW 3 Series boasts a responsive powertrain and excellent cargo capacity. However, as you'll see when you visit us at Bomnin Volvo Cars Dadeland, the Volvo S60 brings unique Scandinavian design, much better interior comfort features, and unmistakable safety to the mix.

If you're shopping for high-end features, comprehensive warranty coverage, and an unforgettable design, the Volvo S60 won't disappoint. Let's see how it stands beside the iconic BMW 3 Series.

Price & Warranty

The Volvo S60 starts at a lower MSRP than the BMW sedan. Its higher trim levels catch up to those of the BMW 3 Series, though BMW drivers are encouraged to purchase add-ons.

• Volvo S60 – Starting at $43,795.² Its trims grant better comfort, convenience, and safety features. It comes from the dealership with the same four-year/50,000-mile factory warranty as the BMW 3 Series,³ but the Volvo Lifetime Parts Warranty promises extra peace of mind.¹
• BMW 3 Series – Starting at $45,950.⁴ The BMW 3 Series alternative trims largely improve only performance; for better features, add-ons are typically required. A four-year/50,000-mile warranty does help set your mind at ease, though the parts warranty is just for two years.³

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	Volvo S60	BMW 3 Series
Price (Base)	$43,7952	$45,9504
Engine	2.0L turbo 4-cyl	2.0L turbo 4-cyl
Horsepower	247	255
Torque	258 lb-ft	295 lb-ft
Transmission	8-speed auto	8-speed auto
Drivetrain	FWD, AWD avail	RWD, AWD avail
Max EPA-Est. MPG (City / Hwy / Cmb)	27 / 36 / 305	28 / 35 / 316
Acceleration (0-60 mph, standard engine)	6.4 sec	5.6 sec
Top Speed (mph)	112	155
Fuel Tank Size	15.9 gal	15.6 gal
Length	188.1 in	185.9 in
Width	75.4 in	71.9 in
Height	56.6 in	56.8 - 57 in
Curb Weight	3812 lbs	3644 lbs
Seats	5	5
Cargo Space	11.6 cu ft	16.9 cu ft
Max Towing Capacity	2,000 lbs7	Not recommended
Standard & Available Interior Feature Highlights	Four-zone climate control Harman Kardon® premium sound 4-way lumbar support Heated front seats BLIS™ Leather upholstery High-level interior illumination Comfort front seats Head-Up Display Rain Sensor	Three-zone climate control Harman Kardon® premium sound Lumbar support Heated front seats Active Blind Spot Detection Vernasca leather upholstery Ambient lighting Head-Up Display Rain Sensor
Standard & Available Exterior Feature Highlights	All-season tires Panoramic roof Front grille w/ high-gloss black insert High-gloss black side window trim 19-in wheels w/ unique designs	All-season tires Sunroof Upgraded rear damper connectors BMW Grille 19-in wheels
NHTSA Safety Rating	5/58	5/59
Factory Warranty	4-yr/50,000-mi3	4-yr/50,000-mi3
	2025 Volvo S60	Used BMW 3 Series

Engine & Performance

The BMW 3 Series has a better baseline performance than the Volvo S60. However, for the best responsiveness, try any Volvo S60 Plug-in Hybrid you find on our lot.

• Volvo S60 – The B5 powertrain produces 247 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The plug-in hybrid T8 powertrain instead makes 455 horsepower.
• BMW 3 Series – The base engine produces 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The M340i upgrades to 386 horsepower.

Fuel Economy & Maintenance

Fuel economy is quite close, with both models reaching an EPA-estimated 30-31 MPG (Combined).^5,6 However, only the Volvo S60 offers a plug-in hybrid variant, which gives it an edge against the BMW 3 Series (only available as a mild hybrid). These models have comparable maintenance costs.

• Volvo S60 – The Volvo S60 achieves an EPA-estimated 27/36 (City/Highway).⁵ Opt for the plug-in hybrid powertrain for more efficiency and some all-electric range.
• BMW 3 Series – A BMW 330i reaches an estimated 28/35 MPG (City/Highway).⁶ However, unlike its competitor, it does not have an improved option with electric range.

Cargo Space & Dimensions

The Volvo S60 is longer, with a larger wheelbase, but the BMW 3 Series has more trunk space and headroom.

• Volvo S60 – With a 188.1-inch length and 113.1-inch wheelbase, the Volvo S60 feels sturdy across every mile. It also has a very slight front-row legroom advantage, at 42.3 inches.
• BMW 3 Series – The BMW 3 Series has 42 inches of front legroom but more cargo space and overall headroom than the Volvo sedan.

Interior & Technology

Every new 2025 Volvo S60 for sale gives you a strong edge in technology and style. The Volvo S60 has a more compelling range of features as you move up through its available trims.

• Volvo S60 – Relax thanks to available four-way lumbar support as your Volvo S60 Ultra sets the mood with high-level interior illumination. A tailored dashboard, compact yet intuitive central touchscreen, and limewood decor enhance your feeling of homeliness in the Volvo sedan.
• BMW 3 Series – The BMW 3 Series is comfortable. However, with simpler lumbar support, more expensive leather upholstery, and three-zone climate control, its cabin is a step behind what the Volvo S60 brings to your daily drive.

Safety & Reliability

Both models provide excellent security, as shown by their five-out-of-five star ratings from the NHTSA.^8,9 However, a Volvo S60 for lease is more likely to stay reliably protected, thanks to its more affordable lineup of safety technologies.

• Volvo S60 – Standard safety features, such as the Blind Spot Information System, Road Sign Information, and Lane Keeping Aid, can be paired with available technologies, including a 360-Degree Camera and Head-Up Display.
• BMW 3 Series – While the BMW 3 Series has good sensor technology, its most impressive suite is locked behind the Active Driving Assistant Package – meaning more money spent for features like Active Blind Spot Detection and Frontal Collision Warning.

If you like the look of this comparison but are interested in larger sedans, both brands offer full-size luxury cars. Take a look at a Volvo S90 vs. BMW 5 Series review and see how the design ethos of the Volvo S60 lives on in its larger sibling.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Volvo S60 vs. BMW 3 Series Comparison

Which is more expensive: the Volvo S60 or the BMW 3 Series?

The Volvo S60 has a lower base MSRP than the BMW 3 Series, at $43,795² vs. the $45,500 base price of the BMW 3 Series.⁴ As you climb in trim levels, the Volvo S60 does catch up in price, but the BMW 3 Series doesn't improve in features – only performance. To reach the same level of amenities, you'll need expensive add-ons.

Which is more fuel-efficient: the Volvo S60 or the BMW 3 Series?

The Volvo S60 and BMW 3 Series have essentially the same fuel economy. The Volvo S60 is rated for an EPA-estimated 27/36 MPG (City/Highway),⁵ while the BMW 3 Series scores an EPA-estimated 28/35 MPG. (City/Highway) However, while the BMW 3 Series only loses MPG rating on higher trims, the Volvo S60 provides a plug-in hybrid variant to enhance your eco-friendly experience.

Which can tow more: the Volvo S60 or the BMW 3 Series?

The Volvo S60 is rated to tow 2,000 pounds,⁷ the perfect amount for small vehicles, planters, or bicycles. The BMW 3 Series is not rated to tow at all, and no official dealership will provide a built-in hitch for American BMW 3 Series models. The Volvo sedan is the best – and only – official towing option between these vehicles.

See What Drivers Think Of The Volvo S60

¹Lifetime warranty on parts is limited, non-transferable and only applies to the original purchaser. Part must be installed at an authorized Volvo dealer. See http://volvo.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/9411/~/volvo-lifetime-parts-%26-laborwarranty for further details. Excludes consumable parts due to normal wear. See dealer for details. Non-transferable.