2023 Volvo XC60 vs. 2023 BMW X3 Comparison | Moline, IL
Add comfort and style to your daily drive with a luxury mid-size SUV like the 2023 Volvo XC60 or 2023 BMW X3. Both of these intricately engineered vehicles offer luxe features and intuitive technology to elevate your driving experience. But which is a better fit with your lifestyle?
The team at McLaughlin Volvo Cars in Moline, IL, has crafted this Volvo XC60 vs. BMW X3 comparison to help you decide. We’re comparing the 2023 Volvo XC60 Core, with a starting MSRP of $44,545, and the 2023 BMW X3 sDrive30i, with a starting MSRP of $45,400.
Read our XC60 review to learn more about this popular Volvo SUV, then peruse available models in our XC60 inventory and find an attractive finance or lease offer to pair with your XC60. You can also schedule a test drive at our Volvo dealership in Moline, IL.
Have questions? Give us a call at (309) 797-5654 or contact us online.
2023 Volvo XC60 vs. BMW X3 Exterior Features
The 2023 Volvo XC60 and BMW X3 both sport a refined, streamlined look that exudes class. These luxury SUVs include convenient features like a power tailgate, roof rails for added storage potential, and auto-folding side mirrors with reverse tilt-down for easier parking.
Open up new vistas in the Volvo XC60 Core, which alone has a panoramic moonroof with power sunshade to bathe the cabin in light or draw back the curtain on a sky full of stars.

2023 Volvo XC60
2023 Volvo XC60 vs. BMW X3 Dimensions
The 2023 Volvo XC60 and BMW X3 sport similar exterior dimensions. Inside their cabins, the BMW boasts slightly more headroom while the Volvo excels in legroom. Find dimensions for both SUVs in this chart.
2023 Volvo XC60 | Model | 2023 BMW X3 |
---|---|---|
184.6 / 74.9 / 65.3 in. | Length/Width/Height | 185.9 / 74.4 / 66 in. |
4,148 lbs. | Curb Weight | 4,079 lbs. |
40.8 / 38.9 in. | Front/Rear Headroom | 41.1 / 41.1 in. |
41.5 / 38 in. | Front/Rear Legroom | 40.3 / 36.4 in. |
2023 Volvo XC60 vs. BMW X3 Interior Design & Technology
The sophisticated and plush interior furnishings of the 2023 Volvo XC60 and BMW X3 are designed to make every trip a pleasant one. Both SUVs offer high-performance audio systems, Apple CarPlay® and Bluetooth® connectivity, SiriusXM® Satellite Radio capability, Wi-Fi® hotspot capability, dual-zone automatic climate control, and power-adjustable front seats.
Within the Volvo XC60 Core you’ll also discover cloth or leatherette seating material, versus SensaTec in the BMW X3; Google built-in connectivity features; and power-adjustable lumbar support in the front seats.

2023 Volvo XC60

2023 Volvo XC60
2023 Volvo XC60 vs. BMW X3 Specs & Fuel Economy
You’ll find dynamic, efficient 2.0L engines under the hoods of both the 2023 Volvo XC60 and BMW X3. The XC60 is front-wheel drive and the X3 is rear-wheel drive, plus both models are also available with all-wheel drive. Horsepower, torque, and fuel economy specs are similar between the two, but the Volvo XC60 Core is rated to tow 2,400 pounds while the BMW X3 sDrive30i isn’t rated for towing. Performance specs can be found in this chart.
2023 Volvo XC60 | Model | 2023 BMW X3 |
---|---|---|
B5 2.0L I4 | Engine | 2.0L TwinPower turbo I4 |
247 HP | Horsepower | 248 HP |
258 lb.-ft. | Torque | 258 lb.-ft. |
2,400 lbs. | Max. Towing Capacity | Not rated |
Up to 23 city / 30 hwy MPG | Fuel Economy | Up to 23 city / 29 hwy MPG |
2023 Volvo XC60 vs. BMW X3 Cargo Space
As mid-size SUVs, the 2023 Volvo XC60 and BMW X3 are similar in overall size. You’ll find spacious seating for five people in both models in similarly sized cabins. The Volvo XC60 has a slightly larger maximum cargo volume, with 63.3 cubic feet of space available, compared with 62.7 cubic feet in the BMW X3.
2023 Volvo XC60 vs. BMW X3 Reliability & Safety
Drive with confidence when you get behind the wheel of the 2023 Volvo XC60 or BMW X3. In both SUVs, you can rely on a standard four-year/50,000-mile warranty. You’re sure to appreciate the advanced driver assistance technology designed to make driving more engaged and informed, too. Features offered with both vehicles include blind spot detection with rear cross-traffic alert, lane keeping aid, oncoming lane mitigation, a road sign information system, and a rear parking assist system.
2023 Volvo XC60 vs. BMW X3 Price
The 2023 Volvo XC60 has a starting MSRP of $44,545, while the starting MSRP of the BMW X3 is similar, at $45,400.
The top-of-the-line Volvo XC60 trim, the XC60 Ultimate, has a starting MSRP of $54,595, which compares favorably with a starting MSRP of $59,950 for the top BMW X3 trim, the X3 M40i.
2021 Volvo XC60 vs. 2021 BMW X3: Head to Head Comparison
Refined strength and sleek lines combine in the 2021 Volvo XC60 and 2021 BMW X3. Both five-passenger luxury vehicles are crafted to accommodate long ski poles or furniture when the rear seats are folded. The XC60 is considered a crossover SUV, while the X3 is called a sport activity vehicle, or SAV. Each model is paired with a 2.0L four-cylinder engine and all-wheel drive (AWD), perfect for drives in any weather conditions. For more details on each of these vehicles, examine the following XC60 vs. X3 guide created by the team at McLaughlin Volvo Cars.
If you’d like to learn more about the 2021 XC60, explore our XC60 models for sale in Moline, IL, and consider our intriguing XC60 offer. If you have any questions, please contact our Volvo Cars dealership in the Quad Cities region by phone at (866) 982-1024.
To make comparison easier, we have matched the 2021 Volvo XC60 Momentum, which starts at $47,500 MSRP, against the 2021 BMW X3 xDrive30i, which has a starting MSRP of $45,000.

2021 Volvo XC60 vs. 2021 BMW X3Power & Handling
Both the 2021 Volvo XC60 and 2021 BMW X3 have spirited engines under the hood that produce similar fuel efficiency ratings. However, because the XC60 engine is supercharged and turbocharged, the horsepower and torque specifications are significantly higher than the X3 performance figures.
Volvo XC60 Momentum
Engine | T6 2.0L I4 turbocharged, supercharged |
---|---|
Horsepower |
316 HP
|
Torque |
295 lb.-ft.
|
MPG (city/hwy) | 20/27 |
Drivetrain | AWD |
BMW X3 xDrive30
Engine | 2.0L BMW TwinPower Turbo I4 |
---|---|
Horsepower |
248 HP
|
Torque |
258 lb.-ft.
|
MPG (city/hwy) | 25/29 |
Drivetrain | Intelligent AWD |

2021 Volvo XC60 vs. 2021 BMW X3Interior
Run your fingers over glamorous textures no matter which vehicle you drive. The 2021 Volvo XC60 has sleek leather upholstery covering the seats and strategically-placed retro Linear Lime wood inlays. The BMW X3 greets your skin with plush SensaTec upholstery and your eyes with alluring Dark Oak wood trim. Other XC60 interior accommodations include:
- Panoramic sunroof with power operation
- Dual zone electronic climate control
- Power adjustable front seats with two-way power lumbar
- Driver’s seat with memory settings
- Comfort seat padding

2021 Volvo XC60 vs. 2021 BMW X3Exterior
The exterior finishes on the 2021 Volvo XC60 and 2021 BMW X3 are striking and polished. Both models are equipped with 18-inch wheels bearing y-spoke patterns, which are silver alloy on the XC60. Light up your nighttime commute home to your loved ones with the LED headlights built into both vehicles. Additional XC60 exterior features include:
- Power operated trunk lid
- Color coordinated rearview mirrors
- Tinted windows
- Dual visible tailpipes with chrome sleeves
Still Have Questions?
2021 Volvo XC60 vs. 2021 BMW X3Dimensions
Designed to fit five people or hold kayak paddles with the seats down, the 2021 Volvo XC60 and BMW X3 are spacious vehicles with similar dimensions. View the following table for key specifications.
Volvo XC60
Passenger Capacity | Five |
---|---|
Cargo Capacity | 63.6 cu.-ft. |
Length | 184.6 in. |
Width | 74.9 in. |
Height | 65.3 in. |
BMW X3
Passenger Capacity | Five |
---|---|
Cargo Capacity | 62.7 cu.-ft. |
Length | 185.9 in. |
Width | 74.4 in. |
Height | 66 in. |
2021 Volvo XC60 vs. 2021 BMW X3Technology
Incorporate top technology features into your daily drive regardless of whether you choose the 2021 Volvo XC60 or 2021 BMW X3. Both can use Apple CarPlay® to connect to their infotainment systems for an easy music-listening experience. If you’re looking for additional radio channels, these models also both offer SiriusXM® Satellite Radio. Other key XC60 technology features include:
- Android Auto™
- High performance sound system
- 12.3-in. digital driver display
- Bluetooth®


2021 Volvo XC60 vs. 2021 BMW X3Safety
Maintain your sense of calm and confidence when you utilize the driver assist features available on each of these 2021 vehicles. Both are designed to alert you if you appear to be attempting to leave your lane prematurely, known as the lane keeping aid on the XC60 and lane departure warning on the X3. And you can rest assured that you’ll be able to call on emergency services at a moment’s notice with Volvo On Call or BMW Assist eCall™. Additional XC60 safety features include:
- Collision mitigation support
- Blind spot information system with cross traffic alert
- Park assist camera
- Hill descent control
- Inflatable curtains
- SIPS airbags
- Whiplash protection for the front seats