We have already watched countless reviews for the all-new Volvo XC60, and pretty much all of them are positive in their conclusions. Besides, the car has already won more than 70 international awards and shows no signs of slowing down.
It’s also proven to be very successful in comparison tests, albeit, most of those featured more popular versions such as the D4, D5 or the T5. So what about the 320 PS T6 AWD model? Can it hope to challenge one of the segment’s quickest offerings in the BMW X3 M40i?
Let’s look at the numbers first. The Volvo uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged unit, producing the previously-mentioned 320 PS (316 HP), but also 295 lb-ft (400 Nm) of torque. With the help of an 8-speed automatic, it will get you from zero to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.9 seconds and max out at 230 km/h (143 mph).
The BMW on the other hand uses a 3.0-liter in-line 6, with 360 PS (355 HP) and 369 lb-ft (500 Nm) of torque, also directed towards the wheels with the help of an 8-speed auto. Not only is the X3 M40i more powerful than the XC60 T6, it’s also lighter by a considerable margin. Therefore, it will sprint to 100 km/h (62 mph) in as little as 4.8 seconds, and max out at 250 km/h (155 mph).
Do the numbers tell the whole story though?
According to AutoGuide, which brought these two rivals together, the X3 M40i also happens to be more refined in the way it drives, compared to the Volvo, although, the two reviewers preferred the latter when it came time to decide on interior aesthetics.
In the end, the X3 M40i is clearly the pricier option, but if you’re in the market for a fun-to-drive yet refined compact SUV, the BMW will apparently get the job done better than the Volvo.
Which would you choose though?