BMW 3 Series vs. Volvo S60

iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the BMW 3 Series and 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 BMW 3 Series and the Volvo S60.

When we compare the BMW 3 Series's and the Volvo S60's specifications and ratings, the BMW 3 Series has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency, resale value, interior volume and base engine power. The Volvo S60 has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and reliability. The BMW 3 Series and Volvo S60 have the same overall quality score. Based on this comparison of the BMW 3 Series's and the Volvo S60's specifications and ratings, the BMW 3 Series is a better car than the Volvo S60.

Pricing: A used 2025 BMW 3 Series ranges from $38,998 to $61,980 while a used 2025 Volvo S60 is priced between $27,981 to $46,744. For a new model, the BMW 3 Series's price is between $49,425 and $69,475, with the Volvo S60 priced between $42,009 and $51,912.

Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the BMW 3 Series loses 51.4 percent of its value and the Volvo S60 loses 52.4 percent of its value. This means the BMW 3 Series retains 1 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Volvo S60.

Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the BMW 3 Series and Volvo S60 is 7.7 out of 10. With both vehicles earning the same number they are extremely competitive in their vehicle segment. BMW 3 Series is ranked 15 out of 36 Best Luxury Small Cars and Volvo S60 is ranked 13 out of 36, with their respective reliability, retained value, and safety ratings used to break the tie, in that order.

Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the BMW 3 Series is 7.3 out of 10. For the Volvo S60 the reliability rating is 7.4 out of 10. This gives the Volvo S60 a slight advantage in reliability compared to the BMW 3 Series.

Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the BMW 3 Series’s base engine makes 255 horsepower, and the Volvo S60 base engine makes 247 horsepower. The 3 Series is rated to deliver an average of 31 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 546 miles. The S60 is rated to deliver an average of 30 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 572 miles.This gives the BMW 3 Series the advantage in fuel efficiency and the Volvo S60 the advantage in maximum range. Both models use premium unleaded.

Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are compact cars, the 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 Volvo S60 has the advantage in the areas of front shoulder room and front leg room. The BMW 3 Series and Volvo S60 are comparable in regards to rear leg room.

Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the BMW 3 Series and the Volvo S60 have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.