2021 BMW 3 Series vs. 2021 Volvo S60
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the 2021 BMW 3 Series and 2021 Volvo S60 contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the 2021 BMW 3 Series and the 2021 Volvo S60.
In comparing the 2021 BMW 3 Series's and the 2021 Volvo S60's specifications and ratings, the 2021 BMW 3 Series has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency, reliability, interior volume, overall quality score and base engine power. The 2021 Volvo S60 has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for used cars, and resale value. Based on this comparison of the 2021 BMW 3 Series's and the 2021 Volvo S60's specifications and ratings, the 2021 BMW 3 Series is a better car than the 2021 Volvo S60.
Pricing: A used 2021 BMW 3 Series ranges from $26,565 to $47,926 while a used 2021 Volvo S60 is priced between $23,056 to $33,893.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 2021 BMW 3 Series loses 50.1 percent of its value and the 2021 Volvo S60 loses 50 percent of its value. This means the 2021 Volvo S60 retains 0.1 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 2021 BMW 3 Series.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the BMW 3 Series is 8.6 out of 10 while the Volvo S60's quality rating is 8.6 out of 10. This results in the BMW 3 Series being ranked 15 out of 36 Best Luxury Small Cars and the Volvo S60 being ranked 13 out of 36.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the BMW 3 Series is 8.4 out of 10. For the Volvo S60 the reliability rating is 8.4 out of 10. This gives the BMW 3 Series a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Volvo S60.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the 2021 BMW 3 Series’s base engine makes 255 horsepower, and the 2021 Volvo S60 base engine makes 250 horsepower. The 3 Series is rated to deliver an average of 30 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 562 miles. The S60 is rated to deliver an average of 27 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 541 miles. This gives the 2021 BMW 3 Series the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the 2021 Volvo S60. Both models use premium unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are compact cars, the 2021 BMW 3 Series has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, and cargo space. The 2021 Volvo S60 has the advantage in the areas of front shoulder room and front leg room. The 2021 BMW 3 Series and 2021 Volvo S60 are comparable in regards to rear leg room.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the 2021 BMW 3 Series and the 2021 Volvo S60 have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$41,250
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
$44,749
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
$26,100 - $75,400
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$37,750
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
$44,749
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
$26,100 - $75,400
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$34,353
Price Range:
$26,565 - $47,926
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
$37,986
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
$24,001 - $72,125
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
465
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
48,128
# Good or Great Deals:
117
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$28,459
Price Range:
$23,056 - $33,893
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
$37,986
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
$24,001 - $72,125
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
53
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
49,160
# Good or Great Deals:
20
BMW 3 Series Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.6 / 10
Reliability:
8.4 / 10
Retained Value:
7.4 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
Volvo S60 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.6 / 10
Reliability:
8.4 / 10
Retained Value:
7.4 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2021 BMW 3 Series
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
7.4
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
8.1
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
5.1 - 11.4
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
12.5%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2021 Volvo S60
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
7
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
8.1
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
5.1 - 11.4
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
4.4%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
28.9
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
3.4
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
1 - 28.9
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
3.2
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
3.4
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
1 - 28.9
BMW 3 Series Rankings
Ranking
5 out of / 36Ranking
10 out of / 36Ranking
11 out of / 36Ranking
11 out of / 32Ranking
12 out of / 36Ranking
15 out of / 36Ranking
16 out of / 32Ranking
19 out of / 36Ranking
20 out of / 36Ranking
20 out of / 36Volvo S60 Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 36Ranking
7 out of / 36Ranking
8 out of / 36Ranking
8 out of / 32Ranking
9 out of / 32Ranking
13 out of / 36Ranking
14 out of / 36Ranking
25 out of / 36Ranking
25 out of / 36Ranking
28 out of / 36Ranking
33 out of / 36Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline, Plug-In Hybrid
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
2021 BMW 3 Series Trim Levels
330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive
2021 Volvo S60 Trim Levels
T5 Inscription, T5 Momentum, T5 R-Design, T6 Inscription, T6 Momentum, T6 R-Design
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
255 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque:
295 foot-lbs @ 1550 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.071 hp per pound
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
250 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque:
258 foot-lbs @ 1500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.067 hp per pound
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
RWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
26 / 36 / 30
Range (city/hwy):
406 / 562 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
23 / 34 / 27
Range (city/hwy):
366 / 541 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Automatic Parking:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Wifi:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Automatic Parking:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
38.7 inches
Front Leg Room:
42 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
56 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.6 inches
Rear Leg Room:
35.2 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
54.6 inches
Cargo Space:
13 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
94.0 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
37.4 inches
Front Leg Room:
42.3 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
56.1 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.2 inches
Rear Leg Room:
35.2 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
54.5 inches
Cargo Space:
11.6 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
93.0 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3589 lbs
Width:
81.4 inches
Height:
56.8 inches
Length:
185.7 inches
Wheelbase:
112.2 inches
Ground Clearance:
5.4 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3719 lbs
Width:
80.3 inches
Height:
56.6 inches
Length:
187.4 inches
Wheelbase:
113.1 inches
Ground Clearance:
5.8 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
225/45R18
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 8.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
235/45R18
Exterior Colors
Black
Black Sapphire Metallic / Jet Black
Blue
Blue Ridge Mountain Metallic / Phytonic Blue Metallic / Portimao Blue Metallic
Gray
Mineral Grey Metallic
Orange
Sunset Orange Metallic
Red
Melbourne Red Metallic
Silver
Glacier Silver Metallic
White
Alpine White / Mineral White Metallic
Exterior Colors
Black
Black Stone
Blue
Denim Blue Metallic
Gray
Birch Light Metallic / Osmium Grey Metallic / Pebble Grey Metallic / Pine Grey Metallic
Orange
Not available
Red
Fusion Red Metallic
Silver
Not available
White
Crystal White Metallic
Interior Colors
Beige
Canberra Beige / Canberra Beige/Black w/ Contrast Stitching
Black
Black / Black w/ Blue Contrast Stitching / Black w/ Oyster Contrast Stitching
Brown
Cognac w/ Contrast Stitching
Gray
Oyster w/ Contrast Stitching
White
Not available
Interior Colors
Beige
Not available
Black
Charcoal
Brown
Not available
Gray
Not available
White
Blonde / Blonde City Weave