BMW X3 vs Volvo V60
Verdict
These two are almost identical on sticker: the BMW X3 costs RM320,800, the Volvo V60 RM321,888. The BMW is the practical SUV choice, with a taller 1,660 mm body, wider 1,920 mm footprint and 570-litre boot, but its 188 hp/310 Nm output and 8.5-second century sprint are modest here. The Volvo hits much harder on performance: 316 hp, 400 Nm and 0-100 km/h in 4.6 seconds, plus an 18.8 kWh plug-in hybrid battery and 90 km EV range. But it gives up boot space and top speed.
Pick the BMW X3 if you want the SUV shape, 1,660 mm height and 570-litre boot more than outright acceleration.
Pick the Volvo V60 if you want plug-in hybrid running, 316 hp performance and a five-year warranty.
Key differences
- Price: BMW X3 RM320,800; Volvo V60 RM321,888
- Power/torque: BMW X3 188 hp/310 Nm; Volvo V60 316 hp/400 Nm
- 0-100 km/h: BMW X3 8.5 s; Volvo V60 4.6 s
- Boot space: BMW X3 570 L; Volvo V60 529 L
- Dimensions: BMW X3 4,755 x 1,920 x 1,660 mm; Volvo V60 4,761 x 1,850 x 1,432 mm
- Road tax/year: BMW X3 RM439; Volvo V60 RM365
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM 320,800✓ | RM 321,888 |
| Body type | SUV | Wagon |
| Segment | Compact Executive | Compact Executive |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Assembly | CKD | CKD |
| Powertrain | ||
| Fuel | Petrol Hybrid/REV | Petrol Plug-in Hybrid |
| Engine | 1,998 cc | 1,969 cc |
| Power | 188 hp | 316 hp✓ |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 400 Nm✓ |
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Conventional Automatic |
| Driven wheels | All Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance | ||
| 0–100 km/h | 8.5 s | 4.6 s✓ |
| Top speed | 215 km/h✓ | 180 km/h |
| Efficiency | ||
| Fuel economy | — | 2.0 L/100km |
| Battery | — | 18.8 kWh |
| EV range | — | 90 km |
| CO₂ | — | 46 g/km |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,755 mm | 4,761 mm |
| Width | 1,920 mm | 1,850 mm |
| Height | 1,660 mm | 1,432 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,865 mm | 2,872 mm |
| Boot space | 570 L✓ | 529 L |
| Fuel tank | — | 60 L |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 6 | 6 |
| Auto emergency braking | Yes | Yes |
| Ownership | ||
| Warranty | 2 | 5✓ |
| Road tax / year | RM 439 | 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.
X3
- 570-litre boot beats the Volvo’s 529 litres
- Taller SUV body at 1,660 mm
- Higher 215 km/h top speed
- 188 hp and 310 Nm trail the Volvo
- 0-100 km/h takes 8.5 seconds
- Two-year warranty versus five years
V60
- 316 hp and 400 Nm
- 4.6-second 0-100 km/h time
- 18.8 kWh battery with 90 km EV range
- 529-litre boot is smaller
- 180 km/h top speed trails the BMW
- Lower 1,432 mm body if you want SUV height
X3 vs V60 FAQ
Is the BMW X3 or Volvo V60 better?
The Volvo V60 is better for speed, EV range and warranty: 316 hp, 4.6 seconds, 90 km EV range and five years. The BMW X3 is better if you want SUV height and the bigger 570-litre boot.
What is the price difference?
The Volvo V60 costs RM1,088 more: RM321,888 versus RM320,800 for the BMW X3.
Which is quicker?
The Volvo V60 is much quicker. It does 0-100 km/h in 4.6 seconds, while the BMW X3 takes 8.5 seconds.