BMW 3 Series M vs Volvo S60
Verdict
The BMW 3 Series M is the harder-hitting petrol sedan here, with 387 hp, 500 Nm and a 4.4-second 0-100 km/h time, but it asks RM388,800. The Volvo S60 costs RM315,888 and is barely behind at 4.5 seconds, while its plug-in hybrid set-up brings 2.0 L/100 km, a 90 km EV range and RM365 road tax. For a Malaysian buyer, the BMW feels like the performance pick; the Volvo is the smarter daily ownership play.
Pick the BMW 3 Series M if you want the stronger 387 hp and 500 Nm petrol sedan, plus the larger 480-litre boot.
Pick the Volvo S60 if you want near-identical acceleration with plug-in hybrid efficiency, 90 km EV range and a five-year warranty.
Key differences
- Price: BMW 3 Series M RM388,800; Volvo S60 RM315,888
- Output: BMW 3 Series M 387 hp and 500 Nm; Volvo S60 314 hp and 400 Nm
- 0-100 km/h: BMW 3 Series M 4.4 seconds; Volvo S60 4.5 seconds
- Size: BMW 3 Series M 4,714 mm long with a 2,851 mm wheelbase; Volvo S60 4,761 mm long with a 2,872 mm wheelbase
- Boot space: BMW 3 Series M 480 litres; Volvo S60 391 litres
- Warranty and road tax: BMW 3 Series M 2 years and RM2,125 a year; Volvo S60 5 years and RM365 a year
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM 388,800 | RM 315,888✓ |
| Body type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Segment | Compact Executive | Compact Executive |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Assembly | CKD | CKD |
| Powertrain | ||
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol Plug-in Hybrid |
| Engine | 2,998 cc | 1,969 cc |
| Power | 387 hp✓ | 314 hp |
| Torque | 500 Nm✓ | 400 Nm |
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Conventional Automatic |
| Driven wheels | All Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance | ||
| 0–100 km/h | 4.4 s✓ | 4.5 s |
| Top speed | 250 km/h | 250 km/h |
| Efficiency | ||
| Fuel economy | — | 2.0 L/100km |
| Battery | — | 18.8 kWh |
| EV range | — | 90 km |
| CO₂ | — | 46 g/km |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,714 mm | 4,761 mm |
| Width | 1,827 mm | 1,850 mm |
| Height | 1,440 mm | 1,431 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,851 mm | 2,872 mm |
| Boot space | 480 L✓ | 391 L |
| Fuel tank | 59 L | 60 L |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 6 | 6 |
| Auto emergency braking | Yes | Yes |
| Ownership | ||
| Warranty | 2 | 5✓ |
| Road tax / year | RM 2,125 | RM 365✓ |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
3 Series M
- Strongest output here at 387 hp and 500 Nm
- Quicker 4.4-second 0-100 km/h time
- Bigger 480-litre boot
- Costs RM72,912 more
- Two-year warranty trails the Volvo’s five years
- RM2,125 annual road tax is much higher
S60
- Plug-in hybrid with 90 km EV range
- Low 2.0 L/100 km fuel economy figure
- Five-year warranty
- Less power and torque at 314 hp and 400 Nm
- Smaller 391-litre boot
- Just behind on 0-100 km/h at 4.5 seconds
3 Series M vs S60 FAQ
Is the BMW 3 Series M or Volvo S60 better?
The BMW 3 Series M is better for outright performance and boot space. The Volvo S60 is better for daily running costs, warranty cover and plug-in hybrid driving.
What is the price difference?
The BMW 3 Series M costs RM388,800, while the Volvo S60 costs RM315,888. That makes the BMW RM72,912 more expensive.
Which one is quicker?
The BMW 3 Series M is fractionally quicker, doing 0-100 km/h in 4.4 seconds. The Volvo S60 is very close at 4.5 seconds, and both have a 250 km/h top speed.