BMW vs. Volvo
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of cars from BMW and Volvo contrasts the two brands across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which one is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of vehicle models, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and projected lifetime recalls based on recall history. This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which brand represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both BMW and Volvo cars.
When comparing the BMW brand to the Volvo brand, BMW has the advantage in the areas of used car pricing, towing capacity, reliability, safety, vehicle rankings and variety of models offered. Volvo has the advantage in the areas of new car pricing, depreciation, horsepower, fuel efficiency, overall quality and retained value.
BMW versus Volvo: Pricing and Value: Analyzing BMW versus Volvo pricing we see a lower new vehicle starting price for Volvo in 9 out of 13 vehicle comparisons. In contrast, BMW has lower used vehicle starting prices in 5 out of 9 vehicle comparisons. Volvo models depreciate at a lower (better) rate in 10 out of 13 comparisons.
BMW versus Volvo: Horsepower, Fuel Efficiency and Towing Capacity: Volvo vehicles offer higher maximum horsepower numbers in their base trim in 8 out of 13 model comparisons, with BMW offering more horsepower in 5 comparisons. Volvo offers higher MPG for its vehicles in their base trim in 6 out of 11 comparisons. BMW vehicles have higher MPG in 4 comparisons, and both BMW and Volvo vehicles have the same MPG in 1 comparisons. BMW offers a greater towing capacity in 4 out of 5 comparisons. In 1 comparisons, BMW and Volvo have the same towing capacity.
BMW versus Volvo: Quality, Reliability, Safety, and Value Retention Ratings: A comparison of BMW versus Volvo overall quality ratings shows Volvo with higher quality ratings in 3 out of 6 model comparisons. In terms of reliability ratings, BMW has the advantage in 4 out of 6 comparisons. BMW has better safety ratings in 2 out of 4 comparisons while Volvo has better safety ratings in 1 out of 4 comparisons. BMW and Volvo tie for safety in 1 comparisons. Volvo shows higher ratings for retained value in 10 out of 13 comparisons.
Best Car Rankings: BMW and Volvo each have better car rankings in 8 categories. BMW ranks better in the following cases: BMW X3 (Plug-in Hybrid) in Best Hybrid Luxury Small SUVs, BMW X3 in Best Luxury 5-seater SUVs, BMW 3 Series in Best Luxury Compact Cars, BMW X3 in Best Luxury Crossover SUVs, BMW 5 Series in Best Luxury Midsize Cars, BMW 3 Series in Best Luxury Small Cars, BMW X3 in Best Luxury Small SUVs, and BMW 3 Series (wagon) in Best Luxury Wagons. Volvo ranks better in the following cases: Volvo S60 (Plug-in Hybrid) in Best Hybrid Luxury Compact Cars, Volvo XC90 (Plug-in Hybrid) in Best Hybrid Luxury Crossover SUVs, Volvo S90 (Plug-in Hybrid) in Best Hybrid Luxury Midsize Cars, Volvo S60 (Plug-in Hybrid) in Best Hybrid Luxury Small Cars, Volvo S60 (Plug-in Hybrid) in Best Luxury Hybrid Cars, Volvo XC90 (Plug-in Hybrid) in Best Luxury Hybrid SUVs, Volvo S60 (Plug-in Hybrid) in Best Luxury Plug-in Hybrid Cars (PHEV), and Volvo XC90 (Plug-in Hybrid) in Best Luxury Plug-in Hybrid SUVs (PHEV).
Most Reliable Car Rankings: BMW has better car rankings in 6 categories: BMW X3 (Plug-in Hybrid) in Most Reliable Luxury Hybrid SUVs, BMW 5 Series in Most Reliable Luxury Midsize Cars, BMW X3 (Plug-in Hybrid) in Most Reliable Luxury Plug-in Hybrid SUVs (PHEV), BMW 3 Series in Most Reliable Luxury Small Cars, BMW X3 in Most Reliable Luxury Small SUVs, and BMW 3 Series (wagon) in Most Reliable Luxury Wagons. Volvo has better car rankings in 3 categories: Volvo XC90 in Most Reliable Luxury Crossover SUVs, Volvo S60 (Plug-in Hybrid) in Most Reliable Luxury Hybrid Cars, and Volvo S60 (Plug-in Hybrid) in Most Reliable Luxury Plug-in Hybrid Cars (PHEV).
Best Cars for the Money Rankings: Volvo has better car rankings in 2 categories: Volvo S60 in Best Luxury Small Cars for the Money and Volvo XC60 in Best Luxury Small SUVs for the Money.
Available Body Styles: BMW offers 14 SUVs, 15 sedans, 6 coupes, and 5 convertibles. In comparison, Volvo offers 7 SUVs, 3 wagons, and 4 sedans.
Drivetrain Options: BMW offers 23 gasoline vehicles, 5 plug-in hybrids, and 4 electric vehicles. Volvo offers 7 gasoline vehicles, 5 plug-in hybrids, and 2 electric vehicles.
BMW offers 26 all-wheel-drive models, 1 front-wheel-drive model, and 15 rear-wheel-drive models. Volvo offers 14 all-wheel-drive models, 1 front-wheel-drive model, and 2 rear-wheel-drive models.
New Car Pricing
SUVs
BMW X1
$43,893 - $57,593
BMW X2
$46,016 - $57,285
BMW X3
$51,062 - $68,409
BMW X4
$58,776 - $75,459
BMW X7
$89,198 - $126,050
Hybrids
BMW 3 Series (Plug-in Hybrid)
$49,241 - $58,975
Cars
BMW 3 Series
$47,938 - $68,399
BMW 5 Series
$60,788 - $77,947
Other Comparisons
BMW 3 Series (Plug-in Hybrid)
$49,241 - $58,975
BMW 3 Series
$47,938 - $68,399
BMW X3
$51,062 - $68,409
BMW 5 Series (Plug-in Hybrid)
$53,157 - $68,540
BMW X7
$89,198 - $126,050
New Car Pricing
SUVs
Volvo XC40
$43,000 - $52,303
Volvo XC40
$43,000 - $52,303
Volvo XC60
$47,843 - $61,191
Volvo XC60
$47,843 - $61,191
Volvo XC90
$58,080 - $74,643
Hybrids
Volvo S60 Recharge
$53,897 - $62,556
Cars
Volvo S60
$43,473 - $52,195
Volvo S90
$58,294 - $71,035
Other Comparisons
Volvo S60
$43,473 - $52,195
Volvo S60 Recharge
$53,897 - $62,556
Volvo XC60 Recharge
$61,553 - $77,140
Volvo S90
$58,294 - $71,035
Volvo XC90 Recharge
$73,113 - $88,677
Used Car Pricing
SUVs
BMW X1
$40,467 - $56,873
BMW X2
$40,988 - $54,176
BMW X3
$45,645 - $62,947
BMW X4
$51,713 - $73,299
BMW X7
Not Yet Available
Hybrids
BMW 3 Series (Plug-in Hybrid)
$13,900 - $54,595
Cars
BMW 3 Series
$42,839 - $64,993
BMW 5 Series
$56,935 - $71,330
Other Comparisons
BMW 3 Series (Plug-in Hybrid)
$13,900 - $54,595
BMW 3 Series
$42,839 - $64,993
BMW X3
$45,645 - $62,947
BMW 5 Series (Plug-in Hybrid)
$41,911 - $61,960
BMW X7
Not Yet Available
Used Car Pricing
SUVs
Volvo XC40
$40,489 - $50,702
Volvo XC40
$40,489 - $50,702
Volvo XC60
$45,143 - $58,338
Volvo XC60
$45,143 - $58,338
Volvo XC90
$56,839 - $72,351
Hybrids
Volvo S60 Recharge
$44,011 - $60,165
Cars
Volvo S60
$39,936 - $51,800
Volvo S90
Not Yet Available
Other Comparisons
Volvo S60
$39,936 - $51,800
Volvo S60 Recharge
$44,011 - $60,165
Volvo XC60 Recharge
$54,356 - $77,024
Volvo S90
Not Yet Available
Volvo XC90 Recharge
$66,137 - $87,529
5-Year Depreciation (Lower is better)
SUVs
BMW X1
44.6%
BMW X2
45.1%
BMW X3
48.6%
BMW X4
50.7%
BMW X7
55%
Hybrids
BMW 3 Series (Plug-in Hybrid)
54.2%
Cars
BMW 3 Series
50.1%
BMW 5 Series
57.1%
Other Comparisons
BMW 3 Series (Plug-in Hybrid)
54.2%
BMW 3 Series
50.1%
BMW X3
48.6%
BMW 5 Series (Plug-in Hybrid)
61.2%
BMW X7
55%
5-Year Depreciation (Lower is better)
SUVs
Volvo XC40
44.2%
Volvo XC40
44.2%
Volvo XC60
48.2%
Volvo XC60
48.2%
Volvo XC90
54.4%
Hybrids
Volvo S60 Recharge
53%
Cars
Volvo S60
50%
Volvo S90
56.8%
Other Comparisons
Volvo S60
50%
Volvo S60 Recharge
53%
Volvo XC60 Recharge
53%
Volvo S90
56.8%
Volvo XC90 Recharge
59.2%
Horsepower / Torque
SUVs
BMW X1
241 hp / 295 foot-lbs
BMW X2
241 hp / 295 foot-lbs
BMW X3
248 hp / 258 foot-lbs
BMW X4
248 hp / 258 foot-lbs
BMW X7
375 hp / 398 foot-lbs
Hybrids
BMW 3 Series (Plug-in Hybrid)
288 hp / 310 foot-lbs
Cars
BMW 3 Series
255 hp / 295 foot-lbs
BMW 5 Series
255 hp / 295 foot-lbs
Other Comparisons
BMW 3 Series (Plug-in Hybrid)
288 hp / 310 foot-lbs
BMW 3 Series
255 hp / 295 foot-lbs
BMW X3
248 hp / 258 foot-lbs
BMW 5 Series (Plug-in Hybrid)
288 hp / 310 foot-lbs
BMW X7
375 hp / 398 foot-lbs
Horsepower / Torque
SUVs
Volvo XC40
247 hp / 258 foot-lbs
Volvo XC40
247 hp / 258 foot-lbs
Volvo XC60
247 hp / 258 foot-lbs
Volvo XC60
247 hp / 258 foot-lbs
Volvo XC90
247 hp / 258 foot-lbs
Hybrids
Volvo S60 Recharge
455 hp / 523 foot-lbs
Cars
Volvo S60
247 hp / 258 foot-lbs
Volvo S90
295 hp / 310 foot-lbs
Other Comparisons
Volvo S60
247 hp / 258 foot-lbs
Volvo S60 Recharge
455 hp / 523 foot-lbs
Volvo XC60 Recharge
455 hp / 523 foot-lbs
Volvo S90
295 hp / 310 foot-lbs
Volvo XC90 Recharge
455 hp / 523 foot-lbs
MPG (city/highway/combined)
SUVs
BMW X1
25 / 34 / 28
BMW X2
24 / 33 / 28
BMW X3
23 / 29 / 25
BMW X4
21 / 28 / 24
BMW X7
Not Yet Available
Hybrids
BMW 3 Series (Plug-in Hybrid)
24 / 32 / 27
Cars
BMW 3 Series
25 / 34 / 29
BMW 5 Series
27 / 35 / 30
Other Comparisons
BMW 3 Series (Plug-in Hybrid)
24 / 32 / 27
BMW 3 Series
25 / 34 / 29
BMW X3
23 / 29 / 25
BMW 5 Series (Plug-in Hybrid)
24 / 29 / 26
BMW X7
Not Yet Available
MPG (city/highway/combined)
SUVs
Volvo XC40
24 / 30 / 26
Volvo XC40
24 / 30 / 26
Volvo XC60
22 / 28 / 25
Volvo XC60
22 / 28 / 25
Volvo XC90
22 / 27 / 24
Hybrids
Volvo S60 Recharge
30 / 33 / 31
Cars
Volvo S60
26 / 35 / 30
Volvo S90
22 / 31 / 25
Other Comparisons
Volvo S60
26 / 35 / 30
Volvo S60 Recharge
30 / 33 / 31
Volvo XC60 Recharge
28 / 28 / 28
Volvo S90
22 / 31 / 25
Volvo XC90 Recharge
26 / 27 / 27
Max Towing Capacity
SUVs
BMW X1
3500 lbs
BMW X2
Not yet available
BMW X3
4400 lbs
BMW X4
Not yet available
BMW X7
7500 lbs
Other Comparisons
BMW X3
4400 lbs
BMW X7
7500 lbs
Max Towing Capacity
SUVs
Volvo XC40
3500 lbs
Volvo XC40
3500 lbs
Volvo XC60
3500 lbs
Volvo XC60
3500 lbs
Volvo XC90
5000 lbs
Other Comparisons
Volvo XC60 Recharge
3500 lbs
Volvo XC90 Recharge
5000 lbs
iSeeCars Overall Quality Ratings
SUVs
BMW X1
7.9 / 10
BMW X2
6.7 / 10
BMW X3
8.6 / 10
BMW X4
7.2 / 10
BMW X7
Not available
Hybrids
BMW 3 Series (Plug-in Hybrid)
7.3 / 10
Cars
BMW 3 Series
8.6 / 10
BMW 5 Series
7.7 / 10
Other Comparisons
BMW 3 Series (Plug-in Hybrid)
7.3 / 10
BMW 3 Series
8.6 / 10
BMW X3
8.6 / 10
BMW 5 Series (Plug-in Hybrid)
7.0 / 10
BMW X7
Not available
iSeeCars Overall Quality Ratings
SUVs
Volvo XC40
Not available
Volvo XC40
Not available
Volvo XC60
8.2 / 10
Volvo XC60
8.2 / 10
Volvo XC90
8.2 / 10
Hybrids
Volvo S60 Recharge
Not available
Cars
Volvo S60
8.6 / 10
Volvo S90
7.1 / 10
Other Comparisons
Volvo S60
8.6 / 10
Volvo S60 Recharge
Not available
Volvo XC60 Recharge
Not available
Volvo S90
7.1 / 10
Volvo XC90 Recharge
Not available
iSeeCars Reliability Ratings
SUVs
BMW X1
7.2 / 10
BMW X2
5.8 / 10
BMW X3
8.4 / 10
BMW X4
7.1 / 10
BMW X7
Not available
Hybrids
BMW 3 Series (Plug-in Hybrid)
7.5 / 10
Cars
BMW 3 Series
8.4 / 10
BMW 5 Series
8.2 / 10
Other Comparisons
BMW 3 Series (Plug-in Hybrid)
7.5 / 10
BMW 3 Series
8.4 / 10
BMW X3
8.4 / 10
BMW 5 Series (Plug-in Hybrid)
7.4 / 10
BMW X7
Not available
iSeeCars Reliability Ratings
SUVs
Volvo XC40
Not available
Volvo XC40
Not available
Volvo XC60
8.2 / 10
Volvo XC60
8.2 / 10
Volvo XC90
8.6 / 10
Hybrids
Volvo S60 Recharge
Not available
Cars
Volvo S60
8.4 / 10
Volvo S90
7.2 / 10
Other Comparisons
Volvo S60
8.4 / 10
Volvo S60 Recharge
Not available
Volvo XC60 Recharge
Not available
Volvo S90
7.2 / 10
Volvo XC90 Recharge
Not available
iSeeCars Safety Ratings
SUVs
BMW X1
8.9 / 10
BMW X2
Not available
BMW X3
10 / 10
BMW X4
Not available
BMW X7
Not available
Hybrids
BMW 3 Series (Plug-in Hybrid)
Not available
Cars
BMW 3 Series
10 / 10
BMW 5 Series
8.0 / 10
Other Comparisons
BMW 3 Series (Plug-in Hybrid)
Not available
BMW 3 Series
10 / 10
BMW X3
10 / 10
BMW 5 Series (Plug-in Hybrid)
Not available
BMW X7
Not available
iSeeCars Safety Ratings
SUVs
Volvo XC40
10 / 10
Volvo XC40
10 / 10
Volvo XC60
9.0 / 10
Volvo XC60
9.0 / 10
Volvo XC90
9.0 / 10
Hybrids
Volvo S60 Recharge
Not available
Cars
Volvo S60
10 / 10
Volvo S90
Not available
Other Comparisons
Volvo S60
10 / 10
Volvo S60 Recharge
Not available
Volvo XC60 Recharge
8.0 / 10
Volvo S90
Not available
Volvo XC90 Recharge
9.0 / 10
iSeeCars Resale Value Ratings
SUVs
BMW X1
7.7 / 10
BMW X2
7.7 / 10
BMW X3
7.5 / 10
BMW X4
7.3 / 10
BMW X7
7.1 / 10
Hybrids
BMW 3 Series (Plug-in Hybrid)
7.1 / 10
Cars
BMW 3 Series
7.4 / 10
BMW 5 Series
6.9 / 10
Other Comparisons
BMW 3 Series (Plug-in Hybrid)
7.1 / 10
BMW 3 Series
7.4 / 10
BMW X3
7.5 / 10
BMW 5 Series (Plug-in Hybrid)
6.7 / 10
BMW X7
7.1 / 10
iSeeCars Resale Value Ratings
SUVs
Volvo XC40
7.8 / 10
Volvo XC40
7.8 / 10
Volvo XC60
7.5 / 10
Volvo XC60
7.5 / 10
Volvo XC90
7.1 / 10
Hybrids
Volvo S60 Recharge
7.2 / 10
Cars
Volvo S60
7.4 / 10
Volvo S90
7.0 / 10
Other Comparisons
Volvo S60
7.4 / 10
Volvo S60 Recharge
7.2 / 10
Volvo XC60 Recharge
7.2 / 10
Volvo S90
7.0 / 10
Volvo XC90 Recharge
6.8 / 10
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings
SUVs
BMW X3
#1 of 61 in
Best Luxury 5-seater SUVs
BMW X4
#9 of 29 in
Best Luxury Small SUVs
Cars
BMW 3 Series
#3 of 36 in
Best Luxury Small Cars
BMW 5 Series
#11 of 29 in
Best Luxury Midsize Cars
Other Comparisons
BMW 3 Series
#2 of 20 in
Best Luxury Plug-in Hybrid Cars (PHEV)
BMW 5 Series
#4 of 6 in
Best Hybrid Luxury Midsize Cars
iSeeCars Best Car Rankings
SUVs
Volvo XC60
#6 of 61 in
Best Luxury 5-seater SUVs
Volvo XC60
#3 of 29 in
Best Luxury Small SUVs
Cars
Volvo S60
#4 of 36 in
Best Luxury Small Cars
Volvo S90
#19 of 29 in
Best Luxury Midsize Cars
Other Comparisons
Volvo S60
#4 of 36 in
Best Luxury Small Cars
Volvo S90
#19 of 29 in
Best Luxury Midsize Cars
iSeeCars Most Reliable Car Rankings
SUVs
BMW X3
#2 of 29 in
Most Reliable Luxury Small SUVs
BMW X4
#5 of 29 in
Most Reliable Luxury Small SUVs
Cars
BMW 3 Series
#3 of 36 in
Most Reliable Luxury Small Cars
BMW 5 Series
#8 of 29 in
Most Reliable Luxury Midsize Cars
Other Comparisons
BMW 3 Series
#4 of 20 in
Most Reliable Luxury Plug-in Hybrid Cars (PHEV)
BMW 5 Series
#6 of 20 in
Most Reliable Luxury Plug-in Hybrid Cars (PHEV)
iSeeCars Most Reliable Car Rankings
SUVs
Volvo XC60
#3 of 29 in
Most Reliable Luxury Small SUVs
Volvo XC60
#3 of 29 in
Most Reliable Luxury Small SUVs
Cars
Volvo S60
#4 of 36 in
Most Reliable Luxury Small Cars
Volvo S90
#17 of 29 in
Most Reliable Luxury Midsize Cars
Other Comparisons
Volvo S60
#4 of 36 in
Most Reliable Luxury Small Cars
Volvo S90
#17 of 29 in
Most Reliable Luxury Midsize Cars
iSeeCars Best Cars for the Money Rankings
SUVs
BMW X3
#3 of 4 in
Best Luxury Small SUVs for the Money
Cars
BMW 3 Series
#6 of 12 in
Best Luxury Small Cars for the Money
iSeeCars Best Cars for the Money Rankings
SUVs
Volvo XC60
#2 of 4 in
Best Luxury Small SUVs for the Money
Cars
Volvo S60
#3 of 12 in
Best Luxury Small Cars for the Money