2025 BMW 3 Series vs 2025 Volvo S60

$45,950 · Sedan

$42,600 · Sedan

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the 2025 BMW 3 Series and the 2025 Volvo S60 often comes down to balancing sporty pedigree against upfront cost and efficiency. The BMW starts at a higher MSRP of $45,950 compared to the Volvo's $42,600, a $3,350 difference. Performance-wise, the 3 Series boasts a slight edge with 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque versus the S60's 247 hp and 258 lb-ft. Fuel economy is remarkably close, with the BMW hitting 31 MPG combined while the S60 achieves 30 MPG combined, though the BMW does mandate premium fuel. Size-wise, the S60 is slightly longer at 188.1 inches, but the BMW offers significantly more usable storage space with 16.9 cu ft versus the Volvo's 11.6 cu ft. This comparison highlights a choice between sharper driving dynamics and immediate savings.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Volvo S60

The Volvo S60 offers better highway fuel efficiency at 36 MPG and only recommends premium fuel, saving the daily driver money.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 BMW 3 Series

The 2025 BMW 3 Series provides substantially more cargo capacity at 16.9 cu ft compared to the S60's 11.6 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 BMW 3 Series

The BMW 3 Series delivers superior straight-line performance with 255 hp and higher torque output of 295 lb-ft.

💰 Best Value

2025 Volvo S60

The Volvo S60 saves buyers $3,350 upfront at the sticker price while still delivering nearly identical combined MPG.

Choose the BMW 3 Series if...

You prioritize sharper handling characteristics, given its standard Rear Wheel Drive layout.
You require the extra usable space provided by its 16.9 cu ft of cargo capacity.
You want the higher output figures of 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque.

Choose the Volvo S60 if...

You are looking to keep the initial purchase price down, as it starts at $42,600.
You frequently drive in the city and want the slightly better Highway MPG rating of 36 MPG.
You prefer a Front Wheel Drive setup for potentially better traction in light snow conditions.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	BMW 3 Series	Volvo S60
Length	185.9"	188.1"
Width	71.9"	72.8"
Height	56.8"	56.6"
Wheelbase	112.2"	113.1"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	BMW	Volvo
Driver Attention Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Brake Drying	✓	—
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Brake Preparation System	✓	✓
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	✓	—
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Blind Spot Monitor	—	✓
Lane Departure Warning	—	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	—	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Cornering Lights	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓
Front Fixed Headrests	—	✓
Rear Folding Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	BMW	Volvo
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	mild hybrid
Horsepower	255 hp @ 4700 rpm	247 hp @ 5400 rpm
Torque	295 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm	258 lb-ft @ 1800 rpm
Number of Valves	16	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	BMW	Volvo
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	rear wheel drive	front wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	BMW	Volvo
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	premium unleaded (recommended)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	28/35 MPG	27/36 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	31 MPG	30 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	436.8/546.0 mi.	429.3/572.4 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	15.6 gal.	15.9 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	BMW	Volvo
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	—
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Cruise Control	✓	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Leatherette Steering Wheel	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	BMW	Volvo
Infotainment Display	14.9 in	9.0 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Stereo Power	205W	220W
Speaker System	10	10
Subwoofer Count	2	—
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	12 months	3 months
Android Auto (Wired)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	BMW	Volvo
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Moonroof Type	1st Row Power Glass	1st Row Power Glass
Remote Keyless Entry	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Keyless Entry	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	BMW	Volvo
Front Head Room	38.7 in.	37.4 in.
Front Leg Room	42.0 in.	42.3 in.
Front Shoulder Room	56.0 in.	56.1 in.
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Sport	✓	—
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	10-way	8-way
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	2-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Thigh Extension	✓	—
Driver Seat Memory Settings	2	2
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	10-way	8-way
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	2-way	—
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Passenger Seat Thigh Extension	✓	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	—
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	—
Front Hip Room	—	55.3 in.
Front Seat Type: Bucket	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	BMW	Volvo
Rear Head Room	37.6 in.	37.2 in.
Rear Leg Room	35.2 in.	35.2 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	54.6 in.	54.5 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	—
Folding Rear Seat Feature	✓	✓
Pass-Thru Center Armrest	✓	✓
Rear Hip Room	—	53.4 in.

Tires and Wheels

Feature	BMW	Volvo
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Size	18 x 7.5 in	18 x 8.0 in
Tire Size	225/45R18	235/45R18
Run Flat Tires	✓	—
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy
Tire Type	—	All Season
Spare Tire Type	—	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	—	Inside Mounted

Suspension

Feature	BMW	Volvo
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	BMW	Volvo
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	12 yr./ unlimited mi.	12 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ unlimited mi.	4 yr./ unlimited mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	3 yr./ 30000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 BMW 3 Series and 2025 Volvo S60.

Is the premium fuel requirement in the BMW 3 Series a significant long-term cost?

Yes, the 2025 BMW 3 Series mandates premium fuel for its 255 hp engine, which adds to the operational cost compared to the Volvo S60 which only recommends it. While their base MPG figures are similar (31 combined vs 30 combined), the fuel grade difference impacts the yearly budget for a high-mileage driver.

How does the size difference affect practicality between these sedans?

Although the Volvo S60 is slightly longer at 188.1 inches compared to the BMW's 185.9 inches, the BMW wins on utility. The 3 Series offers 16.9 cu ft of trunk space, a noticeable improvement over the S60's 11.6 cu ft, making it better for groceries or luggage.

Which car is better for outright spirited driving?

Enthusiasts will likely prefer the 2025 BMW 3 Series due to its 295 lb-ft of torque and standard Rear Wheel Drive configuration, suggesting a sportier, more engaging dynamic.

What is the difference in efficiency on the highway?

The Volvo S60 edges out the BMW slightly on the highway, achieving an EPA rating of 36 MPG compared to the 3 Series' 35 MPG, although the BMW has better city economy at 28 MPG versus 27 MPG.

Is the $3,350 price gap between the two cars justified by the performance boost?

That depends on your priorities; the BMW costs $3,350 more but gives you 8 more horsepower and significantly more torque. If cargo space or fuel economy savings are paramount, the S60 represents better value for the money.

Do the differing drive types (RWD vs FWD) make a noticeable difference?

Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) in the BMW generally offers a better-balanced feel favored by performance drivers, while Front Wheel Drive (FWD) in the Volvo often provides more predictable traction in low-grip, everyday commuting scenarios.