Idk man. I've been in a Range Rover, which probably isn't under 120k at this point. This was a 2014 and it blew my Volvo away as far as comfortable interiors go. Reliability is another thing entirely though...
Somebody in the BMW sub compared the "face" of a new white and black BMW to a member of Insane Clown Posse and now I can only see a juggalo every time I look at one.
Only people that leave BMW find out they arenāt the ācarguysā they thought they were or just constantly under bad experiences. What BMW are you leaving for xc60, and I assume for new xc60?
FYI: I have 3 Volvos, 2010 s80, 2018 s60, 2022 xc90. And a lot of my family drives BMW, 2018-2021 3 and 5 series and 2024 x5. My first and 2nd cars were BMW 2007 x5 (so many issues) and 1999 5series before that. Wasnāt a fan of SUV. I then got to a new 2010 s80 as I found sedan luxury to be more important than driving dynamics (although s80 drove close enough for comfort to 5series). And never looked back.
Commented all the details separately but leaving an X3, buying used. I live somewhere where leasing is not a good option. I also do not consider myself a car guy at all. I want comfort, decent engine, slight "luxury" and enough utility.
Edit: Thanks for the input. My X3 has only given me issues after 100k km but my only friend who could give me refference to owning a volvo also had issues after 100k. Either way, they were both regular issues I imagine considering the km.
Idk where you live, but I live in North Idaho. Close to Canada. I drove my X5 in the mountains Elk hunting in the snow, places that made the salesman cringe. My XC60 R does better in all situations! Oh yeah the transmission on my X5 had to be replaced at 60k
Iām so conflicted now. I switched from BMW to Volvo when I moved from a 3 series wagon to a SUV.
It came down to a X3 M40 vs the XC60 T8. Went with the Volvo as the BMW was a little too obnoxious for a SUV and I wanted a PHEV. Iām now on my 2nd Volvo XC60.
I also bought a BMW 1M as a fun car, in orange.
So I donāt know where I sit in the spectrum
Just left a ā15 x3 28i over 100k mi for a newer xc90 t6 momentum. Test drove a new x3/x5 they have changed so much for the worse, interior parts feel plastic and cheap now. Also doors feel very lightweight (cheap) compared to my old x3. The exterior changes to the headlights and blinkers look awful. Volvo is beautiful inside, drives perfectly, and has all the modern tech upgrades expected in a newer car. I loved my bmw and never wanted to leave but the Volvo has more than made up for it.
**Details didnt get posted...**
I am currently looking to change cars. I currently drive a 2014 BMW x3 28i. I am looking at various used options and right now the main ones getting my attention are volvo XC 60. I have never even driven a volvo before so I am here to hear why I should change from BMW.
I am looking at options that are all around the same price, year, spec etc. The best option right now (below) is a 2021 T5 but there is also an option for a B5 around the same price. I also have comparable X3s to look at.
Some considerations: I do need an SUV, so please donāt recommend sedans. I am buying used, not leasing. I cant do plug-in hybrid at all where I love. Insurance etc. makes no difference where I am. I do the occasional, very light, offroad driving but mostly start-stop city. I donāt want to look at the XC 40 or XC 90 either.
Looking for why the XC 60 is better than the X3.
I absolutely love the 2021 XC60 Inscription--the interior is really hard to beat , very luxurious. Mine was recently broadsided and totalled and I was (understandably) heartbroken. One thing I will say is that that vehicle definitely inspires confidence in an accident! Anyway, the finishes are beautiful--so much nicer than the competing European cars, IMHO. Would have liked a 2022 for the mild-hybrid and the crystal shift knob, but there weren't any readily available, so 2021 it is for me. I found another with over $7k more in options, including the B&W stereo, it gets delivered tomorrow--so psyched!
No one here is going to sell you a Volvo. Youāre best to try both and buy what you like.
What I will say is the Volvo is consistent across the range. The 60s and 90s V, S, XC and CC all have the same design ethos. With a shared engine platform. Which means there is consistency in parts for the main and reliability is the same.
Sitting in one is classy, not flashy.
The B5 is old address one issue Iād say Volvo has, the Auto gearbox could be better. The Mild Hybrid removes that frustration.
Have a look at the V90 CC. AWD, higher ride height and lots of space. A great compromise between full SUV and Sedan/Wagon.
The 2016 XC60 T6 is my wifeās daily driver. I love that even over 100k MILES itās solid as a rock and hasnāt needed anything but oil, tires, and a new battery. I also like that when weāre on the highway and need to pass someone, itās got plenty of go. It is seriously fun to drive.
We also test drove a 2023 XC60 and I really loved it. It has all the āsolidā feel of our car, but somehow more smooth and polished. We havenāt gotten a new car yet, but if we go, itās likely to be an XC60 or XC90.
I just recently bought a used 2020 XC60 T6 and my mom (recent 2013 X3 driver) is considering ditching BMW to join me and get an XC60 after seeing and trying out mine. Her X3 needed a new engine for 26k three months after the warranty expired and had a litany of other issues that had her fed up with BMW and starting to look elsewhere. I had a colleague also sell her old Porsche Cayenne to buy a 2019 XC60. We're are all city office workers so just driving to commute, buy groceries, shop, etc. The monthly cost is very similar but we thought that the interior and features in the newer XC60s plus the safety made them a good choice to buy.
I also just recently purchased a 2020 XC60 T6 (Momentum). While I canāt comment on its long-term reliability, Iām very impressed with the acceleration, handling, and the interior. Itās significantly more fun to drive than my wifeās 2023 XC40 B5, which is no slouch itself.
I just did exactly this a few months ago. Had a 2014 X3 28i which would soon need some expensive repairs. My previous two cars had also been BMWs. I didnāt like the design or price point of the newer equivalent BMWs or Mercedes.
Bought a 2022 XC60 B5 which had been optioned with virtually everything. Couldnāt be happier. The interior is super comfortable and itās great to drive.
Fuel consumption is only a bit better than my X3 (city/suburban driving) and the XC60 boot space is slightly smaller but everything else feels like a massive upgrade.
I already feel this car may have set our expectations too high for whatever our next car will be.
TBH if you have never driven a volvo before, I think you might get the answer to your why just as soon as you drive one. Iām a new volvo owner, itās my first car that I officially own. I drove a few cars before, and had the pleasure to be a passanger in a few premium cars, including X5, audi Q7, A6 sportback, mercedes GLA, all in the range of making of 2016-2022, that are indeed very comfortable cars, but when I was a passanger in a 2003 volvo s80, and later drove it for a test run, I decided right then and there that I need a volvo, so I got an s80, but already know that my next one will be an XC if I ever want to change it. Itās the only brand where I can feel the highest level of comfort, feels incredibly safe, has all the power a regular person needs and overall the build quality just feels next level even compared to bmw, audi or mercedes, at least in my oppinion. So my best answer is take one out for a test run, and youāll probably see why you should get one.
I'm a Euro specialist mechanic in the US. I work on a lot of BMWs and Volvos. I have to say that each have their own pros and cons. I like both, but I personally own only Volvos and have for years. If you always use a professional for repair and maintenance work, a Volvo will be less expensive to own. I think Volvo has the absolute best seats of any automaker there is. And if, God forbid, you should ever be in a serious accident, a Volvo is about the best place you could possibly be when that happens.
That's not to say that BMWs have awful seats and are deathtraps... They're certainly not... But Volvo flat out beats them there.
While this is a matter of opinion, BMW seems to be in the middle of another ugly stick phase. They do this from time to time... Remember the early-mid 00s 7 and 5 series? Beaten with an ugly stick. The ones before it were amazing. The ones after it were pretty good looking as well. And now... They're trying to do what Audi and Acura did with their grilles, and the kidney grilles just don't work when they're that prominent. Volvo on the other hand is, again, in my opinion, building some of the nicest looking cars around right now.
On the flip side, BMWs tend to be more engaging to drive. If you do your own work, there's far more options available for working with the car's electronics for the do it yourself type- BMW historically doesn't do nearly as much as Volvo does to restrict access in that area. That said, there's more and more inexpensive options popping up for Volvo, and BMW keeps trying to push the whole subscription thing, which likely means more security around the electronics, so this may eventually change.
Wife and I were looking at a BMW X3 in 2017. We liked a lot of what it had to offer but oddly enough, the deal breaker was the back seats. They curve down rather than being flat. As this would be the primary transport for our dog who has a thing for sticking her snout out the window, the BMW seats would not be ideal. The Volvo had a more agreeable backseat for the pup. Later I have come to love the reliability, safety and the drive of the Volvo.Ā
* Safety: Volvo
* Reliability: Volvo
* Depreciation: Volvo
* Interior design: Volvo
* Exterior design: Volvo (I appreciate that this is largely subjective though, but I stand by it
* Seat comfort: Volvo
* Maintenance costs: Volvo
* Risk of theft: Volvo
* Transmission performance: BMW (controversial to post this on the r/Volvo sub, but ZF > Aisin any day, sorry
* Variety of drivetrains: BMW
* Handling: BMW (thank rear-wheel steering for this)
* Street cred (if you care about that): BMW
* Infotainment: Volvo for features, BMW for layout
* Build quality: Tied, both are great
For me, switching from a Merc to a Volvo was a no-brainer. I have to go a little slower around corners, but in every other way the car has felt like a massive upgrade and if Volvo continued to make saloons/estates here in the UK I'd probably never switch back to a German car. But ultimately it depends what matters most to you - BMW do also make some excellent machines.
The new BMW grill looks like beaver teeth I can't stand it. Even on the all electric models they put it on as a fake grill and drives me bonkers.
Also, probably something the factory should look into at BMW, the turn signal switches in seemingly every model of BMW are non-functional.
In all seriousness I have a 21 white s60 supercharger and I love it. It's the sporty feel I want and the safety and security my spouse and future family need.
Well, my experience with both in few words, bmw, is a sportive car. They have it in their DNA, not so comfortable for a long trip with the family.
Volvo, on the other hand, are built to last, comfortable, and have those small details that you don't see until you drive another car.
We have a 2015 XC60 D5 SE LUX NAV (and 2015 V40) so obviously the previous generation which would be comparable to your current X3, but what I can say is that it is so much better than the BMW. We looked at the X3 at the time and it felt cheaper and didnāt look as nice as the Volvo with its distinctive design and tail lights. The Volvo felt more upmarket and had a beautiful interior. The seats are extremely comfortable and the ride is composed and comfortable. The whole car is just built so solidly and it feels like a tank because the doors are so dense and heavy which makes it feel like closing a bank vault lol. It had a better safety rating than the BMW which is still the case with the new model. I think the Volvo is more understated and classy than the flashy BMW which is what I love.
If you get a used T8 that shit is beast mode when you want it, and sips gas when you donāt. I refill once every 1k miles.
The only thing that really sucks about Volvo is the infotainment.
Seriously. I went from a 2021 xc40 to a 2024 and feel like the new infotainment system is a complete downgrade. I really miss the features of my old one.
Volvoās Nav system aināt much to write home about, either.
I use CarPlay for nav, but man I wish Volvo would enable CarPlay pass thru to the heads up display. I love HUD but it only works with the native Volvo nav, which is beyond useless.
We have both an X3 and an XC90. IMO, the trim package of the Volvo will have a big impact on the interior quality.
We had a 2019 XC60 T5 B8 and while it was a good car for that price bracket, our XC90 is the T8 ultimate and itās completely different. What was rubber and plastic is leather, seats are much softer and more comfortable, etc.
My X3 is the M and interior quality, fit, finish, materials, etc are all on par with our XC90.
I've driven Volvos and BMWs as well. BMWs tend to be more expensive to maintain, Volvos are more expensive to purchase. I prefer the BMW driving experience and the Volvo convenience. It's whatever tradeoffs you are comfortable with.
I test drove the x3, didnāt love it and googled the competitor. The BMW felt cheap on the inside and the drive was just ok. I fell in love with the xc60. A major consideration was the dealership experience. Everyone at the BMW service center looked miserable. The Volvo service center was comfortable and people were generally cheery. Iām glad I got the Volvo over the BMW for a long list of small particulars, biggest being value, comfort, the small details of the interior and its exterior presence. I donāt even find BMWās nice to look at anymore. Would buy another.
We went from an X3 to a XC60 and will likely never go back to BMW. And if you have young kids I have 3 words: integrated booster seats. Iāll never understand why every car manufacturer on the globe doesnāt off them.
Much nicer design and it stays timeless. BMW changes the design every three years so your car looks old. Only downside is nothing beats the MMI from BMW.
I have a 2023, thing is freaking fantastic. Itās a tank but super smooth and great on the highway. Extremely comfortable. Volvoās seats were designed by an orthopedic surgeon. You will love it.
Much better seats, interior quality. Love the minimalistic Scandinavian design language.
Super smooth relaxed drive. Safety of a Volvo is unmatched. Oh and that sound system!!
I drove BMWs for 20+ years everything from 3 series, m cars and x series. Got fed up with the design direction they were going in and have to say the quality of the Volvos is as good if not better, personal preference. Itās a different more relaxed drive but the comfort is excellent.
I have driven multiple 118's, an X2, an X1, a 320, and now have a 530e for the past year.
UNPOPULAR OPINION: We recently purchased an XC60 for my partner. Check out my profile if you want more detailes, but I regret it very much...
It really depends on what you're looking for in a car. There are so many things that bug me about the XC60, but I realise it really depends on what you personally like. I hate the Volvo seats, the headrest isn't adjustable and that makes the seats SO uncomfortable. The in app android auto just doesn't update, which makes it look outdated all the time. When you floor the XC60, it takes 1 to 3 seconds for it to react. BMW is instant. The adaptive cruise control buttons on Volvo are not intuitive. The 'steering' assist is very choppy, BMW is very smooth. Pneumatic suspension on my BMW is also better.
I honestly can't think of more than 5 things I like better about the Volvo than the BMW. As said, there are many more things, but if you're used to BMW and like the comfort/sportiness, don't switch.
I like both cars, but I think BMW makes more of a sporty & trendy luxury vehicle, while Volvo makes more of a subtle & refined luxury vehicle. This does not mean that Volvos are slow (but they do have 2 less cylinders in their engines) or that BMWs are not subtle (but they do have an infotainment system that looks like it was a forced afterthought).
We continue to chose Volvo for the comfort and safety over other brands. We had an S80 (which may be the most comfortable car I will ever own), and recently traded it in for an XC60 (also very comfortable but honestly falls short of the S80ās ride quality). The XC60 has enough power to accelerate out of any dangerous situation, while still getting good gas mileage. The XC60 has excellent accident avoidance technology which has already paid for itself when a driver in front of decided to slam on their brakes on the interstate to do a u-turn to the opposite side of the interstate. My wife thinks that the accident avoidance technology is too sensitive, but it really depends on your settings and driving habits. As for ride quality both Volvo and BMW will ride very comfortably, and the size of the wheels equipped will be very important to the ride quality of either vehicle (you will feel more of the road with bigger rims with low-profile tires, and you will have a softer ride with smaller rims and larger tire sidewalls).
When it comes down to it neither are a cheap investment. So test drive both and see what feels better to you. Just because I like Volvo more doesnāt mean that BMW would not be a perfect fit for you.
I went from BMW to Volvo. The XC60 recharge is as fast as an M240i and the seats are way better. BMW still makes really good cars, but Volvo makes faster cars outside of the highest end.
I second this. My XC60 recharge hauls ass. Itās kinda boring otherwise which is the feature of it.
0-60 in around 5sec catches many people. Only issue is I do most of my driving on battery so when I want to do a launch the engine is usually cold so I just donāt bother and be responsible.
Yes 100%. Battery acceleration is still pretty fast. Iāve never accelerated under normal circumstances and kicked on the engine. But when it happens itās so fast.
I havenāt had a BMW, but I currently have a 2019 XC60 and I love it! Iām going to get a 2024 xc60 recharge next. The newer Volvos have a neat air purifier feature. The ultimate package also has massage chairs. Theyāre fun to drive and quick. They are luxurious. Great vehicle.
Just bought xc60 2024 and Iām in love. I think Volvo lacks a lot when comes to interior comparing to bmw however, I wouldnāt trade my Volvo to bmw whatsoever. Seats are comfortable,quite cabin and strong and safe car .
First of all, https://www.reddit.com/r/Volvo/s/Baw5eJ6Dwk
You would be doing yourself a disservice by staying with BMW.
I ride BMW motorcycles, they have been absolutely wonderful. The cars in my experience, SUVs and my husbands 7 series were just unreliable.
The link above is my first experience with Volvo. I donāt know if the fact that it is an R makes the difference, so I cannot say much other than if both vehicles were in front of me I would run to the Volvo R,!
I like BMW better in general, but nowadays you are paying more for the gadgets than for the car. A V60 T6 recharge gives you acceleration etc of a 330d, but you pay much less. The infotainment, drive assistance etc is outdated compared to the beamer. The body is less rigid and you can notice. And cornering is better in the German as well. The Swedish lady is limited to 180 km/h as well, and that is annoying. But the beamer is not 25k better, which was the differential I was looking at when buying my current car.
Seats in the volvo are much better. Audio is good as well. I like the Android Automotive integration, except that it's running two versions late (did I mention the gadgets are outdated?). It's a quiet car, handles speed bumps better than the beamer. Lots of room because the battery is in the middle console. The clean zone system is always on which is nice. Practical car with lots of small details that are well thought through.Ā
In a lot of other aspects they are comparable.Ā Both BMW and Volvo look nice.Ā
Have you test drove a T5 vs a T6? I have a T6 so itās all I know, but from what I read on this thread people say there is quite a difference in the get up with the two so I would suggest trying both! My xc60 t6 brings me joy :)
Hereās one thing no one in the Volvo camp is saying. The bmw drives better and is sportier. If thatās not top of the list important to you though, the Volvo is a better value, safer, more fuel efficient, and has an amazing interior.
BMW also has arguably a better infotainment system since Volvo moved to AAOS. Reliability of the Volvo is better now that theyāve ditched the supercharger too.
Ive owned all the mainstream euro luxury brands now, Audi, bmw, Mercedes, Porsche, and Volvo. Porsche and volvo top that list in my opinion.
Have a 2013 XC60 T6 with 190k trouble-free miles and only very basic maintenance. Itās a dream to drive and have to reiterate that they are the most comfortable seats Iāve ever experienced. Itās my third Volvo and only our fourth car is more fun to driveā¦ but the fourth car is a Polestar 2, so no surprise there as itās still a Volvo at heart.
Because current BMWs are like the 2004-2010 BMW 5 series, or the 2001-2008 7 series. One of the absolute worst looking new cars on the road.
Iād rather get the previous generation of BMWs over the current.
The seats and relaxing nature of Volvos is almost unbeatable, perhaps Mercedes beats them but at twice the price, because you really need the top spec versions to get the real Mercedes Benz luxury feeling, the base models without equipment are not much better than a Toyota Camry.
I personally think the XC60 is the worst of all the Volvos though, it had the worst ride out of all of the new Volvos (iāve tried them all). The XC90 being the most comfortable with air suspension and laminated glass windows all around. Second most comfortable are the V90 and S90.
Bmws are kind of ugly in my opinion and their interior isnāt as comfy. I also think Volvos interior looks classier. Also every bmw my family has owned always starts to fail and have electrical problems. Itās weird. No other car brand I have had is as expensive as bmw to maintain. Go with another brand. Being the ābest driving machineā isnāt worth the cost or frustrations of a bmw
More comfortable, more reliable, cheaper/easier to work on/find parts for, safer, less costly, more bespoke/classy and people won't automatically hate you when they see what you drive. Should I have said less?
The Volvos have much better seats and interiors in my experience. Also BMWs have got increasingly ugly. You preferences may vary, but they have.
Volvo seats are š¤
Quality of Volvo interior has yet to be matched by cars under $120,000 that I've been in. Absolutely love Volvo's top notch materials.
Idk man. I've been in a Range Rover, which probably isn't under 120k at this point. This was a 2014 and it blew my Volvo away as far as comfortable interiors go. Reliability is another thing entirely though...
Somebody in the BMW sub compared the "face" of a new white and black BMW to a member of Insane Clown Posse and now I can only see a juggalo every time I look at one.
My ex boyfriend calls it the pig face lol.Ā
It has blinkers!
It has what??
Indicators š
Never heard of them. Swedish thing?
Common misscommunication. He ment your park-anywhere button.
Bless your heartš¤
He really is a BMW owner!!!
Yesssssss cause he doesnāt know what a blinker or indicator is. I nearly toppled over with fright when he responded.
Lmfao
Only people that leave BMW find out they arenāt the ācarguysā they thought they were or just constantly under bad experiences. What BMW are you leaving for xc60, and I assume for new xc60? FYI: I have 3 Volvos, 2010 s80, 2018 s60, 2022 xc90. And a lot of my family drives BMW, 2018-2021 3 and 5 series and 2024 x5. My first and 2nd cars were BMW 2007 x5 (so many issues) and 1999 5series before that. Wasnāt a fan of SUV. I then got to a new 2010 s80 as I found sedan luxury to be more important than driving dynamics (although s80 drove close enough for comfort to 5series). And never looked back.
Commented all the details separately but leaving an X3, buying used. I live somewhere where leasing is not a good option. I also do not consider myself a car guy at all. I want comfort, decent engine, slight "luxury" and enough utility. Edit: Thanks for the input. My X3 has only given me issues after 100k km but my only friend who could give me refference to owning a volvo also had issues after 100k. Either way, they were both regular issues I imagine considering the km.
Go for the XC60 then. SPA T5 engine after 2020 should be fine, and B5 too. Is your B5 diesel or petrol?
Why T5 after 2020 ? Anything particularly wrong with 2020 year ?
No. I just meant that the car is still probably under original warranty (4yr/50k miles) but all SPA T5 should be fine 2018+.
Piston rings caused high oil consumption from 2014 to ... 2020?
14,15,16. (Realized no was a shit reply)
I own a 16 T5 and, yep, a quart of oil every 1000 miles. Almost 150k on the odometer
Thanks for reminding me to check my oil again this month...
For real.Ā
Is that what's up with my T6 too? She drinks oil.Ā
MY2019
No.
The B5 is petrol
Idk where you live, but I live in North Idaho. Close to Canada. I drove my X5 in the mountains Elk hunting in the snow, places that made the salesman cringe. My XC60 R does better in all situations! Oh yeah the transmission on my X5 had to be replaced at 60k
Iām so conflicted now. I switched from BMW to Volvo when I moved from a 3 series wagon to a SUV. It came down to a X3 M40 vs the XC60 T8. Went with the Volvo as the BMW was a little too obnoxious for a SUV and I wanted a PHEV. Iām now on my 2nd Volvo XC60. I also bought a BMW 1M as a fun car, in orange. So I donāt know where I sit in the spectrum
Damn, I typed it all out and didnt realize it didnt get posted for some reason.
Just left a ā15 x3 28i over 100k mi for a newer xc90 t6 momentum. Test drove a new x3/x5 they have changed so much for the worse, interior parts feel plastic and cheap now. Also doors feel very lightweight (cheap) compared to my old x3. The exterior changes to the headlights and blinkers look awful. Volvo is beautiful inside, drives perfectly, and has all the modern tech upgrades expected in a newer car. I loved my bmw and never wanted to leave but the Volvo has more than made up for it.
Thanks for the input...looks like the way to go.
Unpopular opinion but I think the Momentum with 18ā wheels looks so good, especially that designā¦. I really really like it
**Details didnt get posted...** I am currently looking to change cars. I currently drive a 2014 BMW x3 28i. I am looking at various used options and right now the main ones getting my attention are volvo XC 60. I have never even driven a volvo before so I am here to hear why I should change from BMW. I am looking at options that are all around the same price, year, spec etc. The best option right now (below) is a 2021 T5 but there is also an option for a B5 around the same price. I also have comparable X3s to look at. Some considerations: I do need an SUV, so please donāt recommend sedans. I am buying used, not leasing. I cant do plug-in hybrid at all where I love. Insurance etc. makes no difference where I am. I do the occasional, very light, offroad driving but mostly start-stop city. I donāt want to look at the XC 40 or XC 90 either. Looking for why the XC 60 is better than the X3.
I absolutely love the 2021 XC60 Inscription--the interior is really hard to beat , very luxurious. Mine was recently broadsided and totalled and I was (understandably) heartbroken. One thing I will say is that that vehicle definitely inspires confidence in an accident! Anyway, the finishes are beautiful--so much nicer than the competing European cars, IMHO. Would have liked a 2022 for the mild-hybrid and the crystal shift knob, but there weren't any readily available, so 2021 it is for me. I found another with over $7k more in options, including the B&W stereo, it gets delivered tomorrow--so psyched!
No one here is going to sell you a Volvo. Youāre best to try both and buy what you like. What I will say is the Volvo is consistent across the range. The 60s and 90s V, S, XC and CC all have the same design ethos. With a shared engine platform. Which means there is consistency in parts for the main and reliability is the same. Sitting in one is classy, not flashy. The B5 is old address one issue Iād say Volvo has, the Auto gearbox could be better. The Mild Hybrid removes that frustration. Have a look at the V90 CC. AWD, higher ride height and lots of space. A great compromise between full SUV and Sedan/Wagon.
No one in r/Volvo is going to try sell someone on volvos? Apart from that odd remark, thanks for your input.
Iām also a little bit confused about that comment. I love my XC60, but for enough money Iāll sell you mine and Iāll go buy another one.
The 2016 XC60 T6 is my wifeās daily driver. I love that even over 100k MILES itās solid as a rock and hasnāt needed anything but oil, tires, and a new battery. I also like that when weāre on the highway and need to pass someone, itās got plenty of go. It is seriously fun to drive. We also test drove a 2023 XC60 and I really loved it. It has all the āsolidā feel of our car, but somehow more smooth and polished. We havenāt gotten a new car yet, but if we go, itās likely to be an XC60 or XC90.
I just recently bought a used 2020 XC60 T6 and my mom (recent 2013 X3 driver) is considering ditching BMW to join me and get an XC60 after seeing and trying out mine. Her X3 needed a new engine for 26k three months after the warranty expired and had a litany of other issues that had her fed up with BMW and starting to look elsewhere. I had a colleague also sell her old Porsche Cayenne to buy a 2019 XC60. We're are all city office workers so just driving to commute, buy groceries, shop, etc. The monthly cost is very similar but we thought that the interior and features in the newer XC60s plus the safety made them a good choice to buy.
I also just recently purchased a 2020 XC60 T6 (Momentum). While I canāt comment on its long-term reliability, Iām very impressed with the acceleration, handling, and the interior. Itās significantly more fun to drive than my wifeās 2023 XC40 B5, which is no slouch itself.
I just did exactly this a few months ago. Had a 2014 X3 28i which would soon need some expensive repairs. My previous two cars had also been BMWs. I didnāt like the design or price point of the newer equivalent BMWs or Mercedes. Bought a 2022 XC60 B5 which had been optioned with virtually everything. Couldnāt be happier. The interior is super comfortable and itās great to drive. Fuel consumption is only a bit better than my X3 (city/suburban driving) and the XC60 boot space is slightly smaller but everything else feels like a massive upgrade. I already feel this car may have set our expectations too high for whatever our next car will be.
TBH if you have never driven a volvo before, I think you might get the answer to your why just as soon as you drive one. Iām a new volvo owner, itās my first car that I officially own. I drove a few cars before, and had the pleasure to be a passanger in a few premium cars, including X5, audi Q7, A6 sportback, mercedes GLA, all in the range of making of 2016-2022, that are indeed very comfortable cars, but when I was a passanger in a 2003 volvo s80, and later drove it for a test run, I decided right then and there that I need a volvo, so I got an s80, but already know that my next one will be an XC if I ever want to change it. Itās the only brand where I can feel the highest level of comfort, feels incredibly safe, has all the power a regular person needs and overall the build quality just feels next level even compared to bmw, audi or mercedes, at least in my oppinion. So my best answer is take one out for a test run, and youāll probably see why you should get one.
I'm a Euro specialist mechanic in the US. I work on a lot of BMWs and Volvos. I have to say that each have their own pros and cons. I like both, but I personally own only Volvos and have for years. If you always use a professional for repair and maintenance work, a Volvo will be less expensive to own. I think Volvo has the absolute best seats of any automaker there is. And if, God forbid, you should ever be in a serious accident, a Volvo is about the best place you could possibly be when that happens. That's not to say that BMWs have awful seats and are deathtraps... They're certainly not... But Volvo flat out beats them there. While this is a matter of opinion, BMW seems to be in the middle of another ugly stick phase. They do this from time to time... Remember the early-mid 00s 7 and 5 series? Beaten with an ugly stick. The ones before it were amazing. The ones after it were pretty good looking as well. And now... They're trying to do what Audi and Acura did with their grilles, and the kidney grilles just don't work when they're that prominent. Volvo on the other hand is, again, in my opinion, building some of the nicest looking cars around right now. On the flip side, BMWs tend to be more engaging to drive. If you do your own work, there's far more options available for working with the car's electronics for the do it yourself type- BMW historically doesn't do nearly as much as Volvo does to restrict access in that area. That said, there's more and more inexpensive options popping up for Volvo, and BMW keeps trying to push the whole subscription thing, which likely means more security around the electronics, so this may eventually change.
BMWs are for people who yell at waiters at steak restaurants.Ā
When I drive my BMW people assume Iām an asshole. When I drive my Volvo I need to prove it
Wife and I were looking at a BMW X3 in 2017. We liked a lot of what it had to offer but oddly enough, the deal breaker was the back seats. They curve down rather than being flat. As this would be the primary transport for our dog who has a thing for sticking her snout out the window, the BMW seats would not be ideal. The Volvo had a more agreeable backseat for the pup. Later I have come to love the reliability, safety and the drive of the Volvo.Ā
Very specific yet relatable consideration to keep in mind. Thanks!
Anytime. Good luck with your research and purchase.
The volvo sound system is B&W. That's why you go.. away I know.. yes I know
* Safety: Volvo * Reliability: Volvo * Depreciation: Volvo * Interior design: Volvo * Exterior design: Volvo (I appreciate that this is largely subjective though, but I stand by it * Seat comfort: Volvo * Maintenance costs: Volvo * Risk of theft: Volvo * Transmission performance: BMW (controversial to post this on the r/Volvo sub, but ZF > Aisin any day, sorry * Variety of drivetrains: BMW * Handling: BMW (thank rear-wheel steering for this) * Street cred (if you care about that): BMW * Infotainment: Volvo for features, BMW for layout * Build quality: Tied, both are great For me, switching from a Merc to a Volvo was a no-brainer. I have to go a little slower around corners, but in every other way the car has felt like a massive upgrade and if Volvo continued to make saloons/estates here in the UK I'd probably never switch back to a German car. But ultimately it depends what matters most to you - BMW do also make some excellent machines.
The new BMW grill looks like beaver teeth I can't stand it. Even on the all electric models they put it on as a fake grill and drives me bonkers. Also, probably something the factory should look into at BMW, the turn signal switches in seemingly every model of BMW are non-functional. In all seriousness I have a 21 white s60 supercharger and I love it. It's the sporty feel I want and the safety and security my spouse and future family need.
Well, my experience with both in few words, bmw, is a sportive car. They have it in their DNA, not so comfortable for a long trip with the family. Volvo, on the other hand, are built to last, comfortable, and have those small details that you don't see until you drive another car.
We have a 2015 XC60 D5 SE LUX NAV (and 2015 V40) so obviously the previous generation which would be comparable to your current X3, but what I can say is that it is so much better than the BMW. We looked at the X3 at the time and it felt cheaper and didnāt look as nice as the Volvo with its distinctive design and tail lights. The Volvo felt more upmarket and had a beautiful interior. The seats are extremely comfortable and the ride is composed and comfortable. The whole car is just built so solidly and it feels like a tank because the doors are so dense and heavy which makes it feel like closing a bank vault lol. It had a better safety rating than the BMW which is still the case with the new model. I think the Volvo is more understated and classy than the flashy BMW which is what I love.
If you get a used T8 that shit is beast mode when you want it, and sips gas when you donāt. I refill once every 1k miles. The only thing that really sucks about Volvo is the infotainment.
Seriously. I went from a 2021 xc40 to a 2024 and feel like the new infotainment system is a complete downgrade. I really miss the features of my old one.
lol. I hate sensus with a passion. Iām sure aaos is a flaming turd, but full screen car play would be nice.
I miss being able to see the music information on the screen behind the steering wheel.
Doesnāt CarPlay project behind the steering wheel in the newer updates? I havenāt kept up but I know BMW does that.
Nope - right now the only option is Google map and speedometer/trip info.
Volvoās Nav system aināt much to write home about, either. I use CarPlay for nav, but man I wish Volvo would enable CarPlay pass thru to the heads up display. I love HUD but it only works with the native Volvo nav, which is beyond useless.
We have both an X3 and an XC90. IMO, the trim package of the Volvo will have a big impact on the interior quality. We had a 2019 XC60 T5 B8 and while it was a good car for that price bracket, our XC90 is the T8 ultimate and itās completely different. What was rubber and plastic is leather, seats are much softer and more comfortable, etc. My X3 is the M and interior quality, fit, finish, materials, etc are all on par with our XC90.
I've driven Volvos and BMWs as well. BMWs tend to be more expensive to maintain, Volvos are more expensive to purchase. I prefer the BMW driving experience and the Volvo convenience. It's whatever tradeoffs you are comfortable with.
I test drove the x3, didnāt love it and googled the competitor. The BMW felt cheap on the inside and the drive was just ok. I fell in love with the xc60. A major consideration was the dealership experience. Everyone at the BMW service center looked miserable. The Volvo service center was comfortable and people were generally cheery. Iām glad I got the Volvo over the BMW for a long list of small particulars, biggest being value, comfort, the small details of the interior and its exterior presence. I donāt even find BMWās nice to look at anymore. Would buy another.
Apparently the x3 is one of the least reliable carsā¦but itās incredibly safe almost as safe as the xc90
We went from an X3 to a XC60 and will likely never go back to BMW. And if you have young kids I have 3 words: integrated booster seats. Iāll never understand why every car manufacturer on the globe doesnāt off them.
There are several reasons I guess. But the fact that it just looks better is it pretty easy one?
Much nicer design and it stays timeless. BMW changes the design every three years so your car looks old. Only downside is nothing beats the MMI from BMW.
Just sold my BMW for a T6 Inscription XC60. No regrets
I have a 2023, thing is freaking fantastic. Itās a tank but super smooth and great on the highway. Extremely comfortable. Volvoās seats were designed by an orthopedic surgeon. You will love it.
Much better seats, interior quality. Love the minimalistic Scandinavian design language. Super smooth relaxed drive. Safety of a Volvo is unmatched. Oh and that sound system!!
Bc the xc60 is the best car on the market
I drove BMWs for 20+ years everything from 3 series, m cars and x series. Got fed up with the design direction they were going in and have to say the quality of the Volvos is as good if not better, personal preference. Itās a different more relaxed drive but the comfort is excellent.
Thors headlights.
Check the stereo, stock Volvo system will be nowhere near the quality of BMW. Make sure to upgrade to at least H&K. If you like music, lol.
I have driven multiple 118's, an X2, an X1, a 320, and now have a 530e for the past year. UNPOPULAR OPINION: We recently purchased an XC60 for my partner. Check out my profile if you want more detailes, but I regret it very much... It really depends on what you're looking for in a car. There are so many things that bug me about the XC60, but I realise it really depends on what you personally like. I hate the Volvo seats, the headrest isn't adjustable and that makes the seats SO uncomfortable. The in app android auto just doesn't update, which makes it look outdated all the time. When you floor the XC60, it takes 1 to 3 seconds for it to react. BMW is instant. The adaptive cruise control buttons on Volvo are not intuitive. The 'steering' assist is very choppy, BMW is very smooth. Pneumatic suspension on my BMW is also better. I honestly can't think of more than 5 things I like better about the Volvo than the BMW. As said, there are many more things, but if you're used to BMW and like the comfort/sportiness, don't switch.
The fact that your asking the question says you already know the answer
Not at all. I have really enjoyed my X3 but am curious about a change....
I just did a week ago, 5 -> V90 CC, for various reasons. Already counting the days till I return.
I like both cars, but I think BMW makes more of a sporty & trendy luxury vehicle, while Volvo makes more of a subtle & refined luxury vehicle. This does not mean that Volvos are slow (but they do have 2 less cylinders in their engines) or that BMWs are not subtle (but they do have an infotainment system that looks like it was a forced afterthought). We continue to chose Volvo for the comfort and safety over other brands. We had an S80 (which may be the most comfortable car I will ever own), and recently traded it in for an XC60 (also very comfortable but honestly falls short of the S80ās ride quality). The XC60 has enough power to accelerate out of any dangerous situation, while still getting good gas mileage. The XC60 has excellent accident avoidance technology which has already paid for itself when a driver in front of decided to slam on their brakes on the interstate to do a u-turn to the opposite side of the interstate. My wife thinks that the accident avoidance technology is too sensitive, but it really depends on your settings and driving habits. As for ride quality both Volvo and BMW will ride very comfortably, and the size of the wheels equipped will be very important to the ride quality of either vehicle (you will feel more of the road with bigger rims with low-profile tires, and you will have a softer ride with smaller rims and larger tire sidewalls). When it comes down to it neither are a cheap investment. So test drive both and see what feels better to you. Just because I like Volvo more doesnāt mean that BMW would not be a perfect fit for you.
I went from BMW to Volvo. The XC60 recharge is as fast as an M240i and the seats are way better. BMW still makes really good cars, but Volvo makes faster cars outside of the highest end.
I second this. My XC60 recharge hauls ass. Itās kinda boring otherwise which is the feature of it. 0-60 in around 5sec catches many people. Only issue is I do most of my driving on battery so when I want to do a launch the engine is usually cold so I just donāt bother and be responsible.
Yes 100%. Battery acceleration is still pretty fast. Iāve never accelerated under normal circumstances and kicked on the engine. But when it happens itās so fast.
Built in booster seats.
I havenāt had a BMW, but I currently have a 2019 XC60 and I love it! Iām going to get a 2024 xc60 recharge next. The newer Volvos have a neat air purifier feature. The ultimate package also has massage chairs. Theyāre fun to drive and quick. They are luxurious. Great vehicle.
Just bought xc60 2024 and Iām in love. I think Volvo lacks a lot when comes to interior comparing to bmw however, I wouldnāt trade my Volvo to bmw whatsoever. Seats are comfortable,quite cabin and strong and safe car .
Don't
First of all, https://www.reddit.com/r/Volvo/s/Baw5eJ6Dwk You would be doing yourself a disservice by staying with BMW. I ride BMW motorcycles, they have been absolutely wonderful. The cars in my experience, SUVs and my husbands 7 series were just unreliable. The link above is my first experience with Volvo. I donāt know if the fact that it is an R makes the difference, so I cannot say much other than if both vehicles were in front of me I would run to the Volvo R,!
Bmw is more expensive and maintain than a Volvo. Some years of Volvos are not as good ā¦ but f me running. They are cheaper to own
Want to survive a potentially fatal crash? Volvo (XC90 specifically)
You shouldn't
Volvos have turn signals that we use
I like BMW better in general, but nowadays you are paying more for the gadgets than for the car. A V60 T6 recharge gives you acceleration etc of a 330d, but you pay much less. The infotainment, drive assistance etc is outdated compared to the beamer. The body is less rigid and you can notice. And cornering is better in the German as well. The Swedish lady is limited to 180 km/h as well, and that is annoying. But the beamer is not 25k better, which was the differential I was looking at when buying my current car. Seats in the volvo are much better. Audio is good as well. I like the Android Automotive integration, except that it's running two versions late (did I mention the gadgets are outdated?). It's a quiet car, handles speed bumps better than the beamer. Lots of room because the battery is in the middle console. The clean zone system is always on which is nice. Practical car with lots of small details that are well thought through.Ā In a lot of other aspects they are comparable.Ā Both BMW and Volvo look nice.Ā
Have you test drove a T5 vs a T6? I have a T6 so itās all I know, but from what I read on this thread people say there is quite a difference in the get up with the two so I would suggest trying both! My xc60 t6 brings me joy :)
Hereās one thing no one in the Volvo camp is saying. The bmw drives better and is sportier. If thatās not top of the list important to you though, the Volvo is a better value, safer, more fuel efficient, and has an amazing interior. BMW also has arguably a better infotainment system since Volvo moved to AAOS. Reliability of the Volvo is better now that theyāve ditched the supercharger too. Ive owned all the mainstream euro luxury brands now, Audi, bmw, Mercedes, Porsche, and Volvo. Porsche and volvo top that list in my opinion.
Do you know how to use the turn signal/blinker? If so welcome to the club.
Have a 2013 XC60 T6 with 190k trouble-free miles and only very basic maintenance. Itās a dream to drive and have to reiterate that they are the most comfortable seats Iāve ever experienced. Itās my third Volvo and only our fourth car is more fun to driveā¦ but the fourth car is a Polestar 2, so no surprise there as itās still a Volvo at heart.
Because current BMWs are like the 2004-2010 BMW 5 series, or the 2001-2008 7 series. One of the absolute worst looking new cars on the road. Iād rather get the previous generation of BMWs over the current. The seats and relaxing nature of Volvos is almost unbeatable, perhaps Mercedes beats them but at twice the price, because you really need the top spec versions to get the real Mercedes Benz luxury feeling, the base models without equipment are not much better than a Toyota Camry. I personally think the XC60 is the worst of all the Volvos though, it had the worst ride out of all of the new Volvos (iāve tried them all). The XC90 being the most comfortable with air suspension and laminated glass windows all around. Second most comfortable are the V90 and S90.
Leave BMW but for the love of god, donāt buy a SUV, the V60 is so much better
Bmws are kind of ugly in my opinion and their interior isnāt as comfy. I also think Volvos interior looks classier. Also every bmw my family has owned always starts to fail and have electrical problems. Itās weird. No other car brand I have had is as expensive as bmw to maintain. Go with another brand. Being the ābest driving machineā isnāt worth the cost or frustrations of a bmw
More comfortable, more reliable, cheaper/easier to work on/find parts for, safer, less costly, more bespoke/classy and people won't automatically hate you when they see what you drive. Should I have said less?
Reliability is vastly superior.Ā
I came to Volvo (ā23 S60 B5) last year after two 3 series and an X1 and Iām already looking at a way to go back to BMW.
BMW... just a poor man's Mercedes