Comparing The Volvo S60 Vs. BMW 3 Series

A blend of sporty performance and sumptuous luxury is quite appealing; when you compare the Volvo S60 vs. BMW 3 Series, you'll notice that the Volvo sedan adds next-level safety, interior amenities, and long-range efficiency that make it an even more compelling option. Sports sedans are a popular automotive segment, so read on to see how these models compare. Then, come see the winner up close at Gunther Volvo Cars Coconut Creek.

Volvo S60 vs. BMW 3 Series Safety Features

Comparing BMW 3 Series vs. Volvo S60 safety technologies reveals Volvo Cars' dedication to your protection.

The BMW 3 Series brings a lot of expected features to the table, like Lane Departure Warning and Frontal Collision Warning, but the Volvo S60 adds a bit more. Enjoy technologies like Cross Traffic Alert, Collision Mitigation Support, Oncoming Lane Mitigation, Whiplash Injury Protection, and more when you choose the Volvo model.

The Volvo S60 even helps you park safely thanks to standard Park Assist. The BMW 3 Series requires you to purchase an optional package to experience this benefit. The list of standard vs. available features goes on, but it's clear that the 2025 Volvo S60 takes the win in this category. In fact, a recent-model used Volvo S60 will generally also have a wide range of safety technologies.

BMW 3 Series vs. Volvo S60 Interior Features & Technology

If you take a look inside these two luxury automobiles, you'll find plenty to appreciate. Both vehicles have an impressive 12.3-inch digital display and include robust sound systems, for example. However, the Volvo S60 has plenty of details that help it stand out. Built-in Google services come standard, so you can enjoy best-in-class navigation, Google Assistant™, and familiar Google Play™ apps to stay connected while you drive. The BMW model's connectivity simply doesn't measure up.

To enhance the feeling of your ride in the Volvo S60, you can upgrade from the standard leatherette to premium leather or a blend of leather and textile. If you opt for the top-tier Ultra trim, your sedan's interior will even sport an opulent crystal gear selector knob by Orrefors®.

The BMW 3 Series also offers leather appointments, but you won't find anything like the crystal gear selector to elevate your cabin in the same way.

Compare Volvo S60 and BMW 3 Series Specs

BMW 3 Series vs. Volvo S60 sedans deliver comparable fuel economies. A BMW 330i sedan scores an EPA-estimated 28/35/31 MPG (City/Highway/Combined),¹ while the Volvo S60 earns an EPA-estimated 27/36/30 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).² But, with the Volvo S60 offering a larger fuel tank, that efficiency can go further.

While the base-level Volvo S60 B5 offers 247 horsepower against the entry-level BMW 330i sedan's 255 horsepower, the BMW car has a higher starting price. This isn't a very appealing proposition for such a small performance boost.

The Volvo S60 will enhance your ride with driver-tailored standard features like adaptive power steering, a dynamic chassis, and a silky-smooth eight-speed Geartronic™ automatic transmission. The BMW 3 Series does offer higher performance levels, but the Volvo S60 rises above them with something extraordinary.

Volvo S60 vs. BMW 3 Series: Plug-in Hybrid Specs

The 2025 Volvo S60 Plug-In Hybrid continues to impress. With up to an EPA-estimated 74 MPGe,³, 455 horsepower, a 0-60 mph time of approximately 4.3 seconds, and an EPA-estimated 41 miles of all-electric range.³

As for the competition, the BMW 3 Series plug-in hybrid variant didn't return for 2025. If you want to experience the thrill of a PHEV, the Volvo sedan is the way to go.

Discover the New Volvo S60 at Gunther Volvo Cars Coconut Creek

The Volvo S60 vs. BMW 3 Series comparison shows near-equal muscle and efficiency at the base level, competition-dominating hybrid specs, exceptional safety features, and additional standard benefits in any Volvo S60. Get in touch to schedule a Volvo S60 test drive and discover all the other details, like seats that ergonomically contour to your body and much more.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Volvo S60 comparable to?

The 2025 Volvo S60 is a midsize luxury sedan and is therefore comparable to other models in this specific segment. That includes the BMW 3 Series, as well as competitors like the Lexus ES, Audi A7, Cadillac CT5, and more. Of course, none of these other vehicles can quite replicate the experience of driving a Volvo S60. Contact us to learn how they measure up.

Can you compare Volvo S60 and BMW 3 Series?

In some aspects, you can compare the Volvo S60 and BMW 3 Series. The two are very similar in areas like horsepower, fuel economy, tech features, and so on. However, in other areas, it's hard for the BMW 3 Series to hold a candle to the Volvo sedan. The Volvo S60 has more standard safety features, an available plug-in hybrid model, and perhaps most importantly, a lower starting MSRP.

Which has more horsepower: the Volvo S60 or the BMW 3 Series?

At first glance, the BMW 3 Series has more standard horsepower than the Volvo S60, with the former offering 255 horsepower and the latter earning 247. However, you can easily outdo the BMW 3 Series with the Volvo S60 Plug-In Hybrid, which pumps out an impressive 455 horsepower. You'd have to spring for a high-performance – and expensive – BMW 3 Series model to come close.

¹For more information, please visit the official US government source for all fuel economy at www.fueleconomy.gov

²This is a hybrid plug in vehicle. Since electricity is not measured in gallons, a conversion factor is used to translate the fuel economy into miles per gallon of gasoline equivalent (MPGe). Use for comparison purposes only. Your MPGe 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. For more information, including information on MPGe, see www.fueleconomy.gov