If sportiness is what you are after, the x3 might win in that department. If you want a car that will save you and your family's bacon when the need arise, then you want the xc60. You get best of both worlds with the xc60. You'll get way more safety package as standard plus more on the xc60 out of the gate.

The xc60 is no slouch especially if you get the R-Design trim. The best and most comfortable seats the chiropractor will tell you to get.

Sent from my SM-G950U1 using Tapatalk

 

Perhaps this may assist you. Simple comparison of the two vehicles:
https://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/compare?trims=12920-375422_13023-376260_13053-381304

If you want a car that will save you and your family's bacon when the need arise, then you want the xc60.

how is the xc60 safer than the x3 or the q5/sq5 or glc?

It's not perfect but it's discreetly better than everything else dollar for dollar / feature for feature.

MDX is probably the best value on the road currently.

 

The BMW has somewhat different driving dynamics, but the ability to dial-up the XC60 makes the difference minimal...try the Audi SQ5 too ...but thats more expensive by about 4K than the topend XC60 T6 Inscription loaded...also, stay away from being seduced by the big wheels..anything over 21 is asking for rim damage in the northern states...southern you may be OK,,

 

I had a BMW x3 with the turbo 6 before. I definitely enjoyed the sportier awd on the X3 but the power is about equal, although the power on my X3 was definitely smoother. Something to keep in mind if you are looking at the T6 you'd probably compare that to the new M model X3 that's coming out but it's not out yet and they aren't expecting any real supply until June or so . . . Personally, like someone else said, I'd compare against the Audi sq5. It came down to the audi sq5 and the xc60 T6 w/ Polestar tune for me.

 

BMW X3 30i M; roughly the same price (withi 3k) as the XC60, only 248 hp vs 316 hp, no massaging seats, no active bending headlights, no 4 zone climate, no heated rear seats, no remote start, smaller moon roof, stuck-on tablet style center display. I could go on. Suffice it to say, I spent MONTHS researching this market sector, and nothing, I mean NOTHING has the features of the XC60 at its price point. As for ride and handling, its my wifes car and she always uses comfort mode anyway. Trade safety for handling? Not in my world...

 

We picked the XC60 R-Design T6, over the new X3 for my wife, and we have a X5 50i too. If you want pure driving dynamics... and I mean pushed to the edge, sliding around turns, rear wheel drive based, etc, etc. then you want the M40i, it's fast. It's what I would pick, but... we/she didn't need or want that. We wanted a safe, beautifully designed, smooth riding, feature rich, something different vehicle. And, the xc60 fit that bill. The X3 is familiar and similiar to our X5, so we like it, but it was more of the same. I will give the BMW points for a slightly smoother and faster acting electronics/nav interface. The dial wheel is simple and works. The volvo can be a touch laggy at times. Plus I don't like how volvo arranged the center stack layout. The center stack screen is not the dominate display you reference when navigating and they probably want it that way. The turn information is between the gauges and via heads up. I guess I'm just used to the BMW setup. The volvo works fine, just different. So far we have 4000 miles on the xc60 and love it. But there is one thing that we cannot stand and was almost a deal breaker... You cannot disable the start/stop system permanently. You have to turn it off every time you start the car or choose individual mode on the drive selector in which you have it set to off. I get it, it saves gas, but it sucks in stop and go driving. You come to the end of a street behind a car, shuts off. they move a little bit, it starts, you pull forward and stop, it shuts off. super annoying. So we just get used to turning it off every time we start it.

 

Thank you all for the informative input. I probably should've told everyone our budget and intended purpose of this purchase.

I am looking more for a comfortable and smooth ride, and my budget only allows for XC60 Momentum T5 with Vision package. Maybe upgrade to Inscription.

This means I am also limited to quite a bare BMW X3.

 

We can tell you everything but ultimately it comes down to your choice. Go out and test drive both cars the same day with comparable trim and then decide.

The thing about the Volvo is once you sit in one and test drive it for a while, it'll quickly become your benchmark after that for all cars you cross shopped. It's not perfect but it's discreetly better than everything else dollar for dollar / feature for feature.

It's as if bmw, merc and Audi went to sleep while Volvo came to town and beat them at their game.

Gl.

Sent from my SM-G950U1 using Tapatalk

 

If a rear wheel drive based car isn't important for you, I say: absolutely go for the Volvo. Regarding infotainment systems, yes the Bimmer's is really easy and fast to use - probably the best that's out there, but remember, you can use voice command in Volvo's for almost all settings and it's actully very easy to use. And using the Sensus screen, isn't at all that hard, once you learn.

I just did the same comparison, BMW X3 M30i or Volvo XC60 T5 R-Design and it all ended up with an order on a XC60 T8!
The Volvo feels like a at least 10 years more modern car. I like the BMW dash and cockpit, but it feels old and "the same as every year, James" .

Volvo's dash is simply beautiful and minimalistic - and I like that. Volvo's seats are also way better. The Bimmer's are not bad, but not close to the Volvo's.

Just my 50 cents.

Hmm, sorry, You wrote: "Especially the driving Dynamics is what I am interested in."

In that case, I have to be honest: I don't think a Volvo will ever beat a BMW in that category. But if driving dynamics is a deal breaker, don't go for a SUV. Not even a BMW X3.
I love driving my BMW 330iA - the rear drive push feeling and the steering perfection is "Pinnacle". I will miss that part when switching to the XC60. But I win a lot else. For instance, not having to sit almost on the floor... Which is what you do in a BMW 330i. That means some workout, getting in and out of the car. (Which can be fine, if you want to excersice... )

 

We have a newborn and needed a new family car. I am a big BMW fan and have a 528i xDrive. But we decided there was really no comparison between the 2018 XC60 and the X3. While the X3 is a BMW, that level of BMW just does not have the quality, fit, and finish as the XC60 T6 Inscription. We also cross shopped the X5 and still chose the XC60. The X3 and X5 designs are dated and the safety and operationsl/entertainment tech inside is just not as good. Not even close. The BMW iDrive system is ok. But once you live with the Sensus system, the iDrive system seems completely out of date. The T6 engine is extremely quick and powerful and very satisfying to drive. The X3 with the in-line 6 is as good, but I don’t like how the X3 grips to road as much as the XC60. But ultimately, the overall quality of the Volvo Inscription is just better than BMW. And we have both. Hard to believe, I know. But it’s true.

 

Would the ride in the X3 be about the same as the XC60? I don’t know. Lately I watched some YouTube videos where the tester said the new 2018 X3 was fairly soft and the XC60 was fairly firm. It went against traditional thinking. (I’m not talking about any optional air suspension or BMW’s optional dynamic suspension)

 

Considering your budget point, both models will be pretty bare unfortunately. I'm assuming then your budget is mid 40s? Buying or leasing? You have to remember with leasing that the MSRP is one of many factors in getting to your total cost of ownership.

In my opinion no trim level of the X3 is going to satisfy you at that price point. Don't even bother with the X1, it's a dog.

I did a ton of market research leading up to my purchase, test drove about 8 different models, ranging all across the spectrum. At your budget, I would seriously consider the top trim levels of the new Mazda CX9. It really is an amazing vehicle, and made my top three contenders. If 'driving dynamics' is a key criteria for you, Mazdas are some of the best.

 

So wife and I went for a test drive yesterday. We tested XC60 T6 Inscription, XC90 T5 Momentum+, and and BMW X3 3.0i

Both dealer had a lot of XV90s but none in the FWD Momentum trim we wanted to see. The price is so close to XC60 it is crazy especially with incentives. There were only 3 XC60 available for test drive. The BMW dealer would only allow us to drive it couple blocks. The seat was barely warm. Weird experience because I am used to getting the key and SA.tell me see you when you get back. After 4 BMWs I have never been on a shorter test drive. However they were really short on X3s.

I will post my thoughts on cars later tonight.

 

Hi, we did cross shopping between XC60 T5 and X3 xDrive30i. After few months of searching, X3 for some time was the preferred choice, until we test drove XC60.

EXTERIOR:
I personally like the fresh looks of new XC60 better. BMW looks like any other BMW. From distance it is difficult to say which model is it and is it new or old.
Big plus for volvo goes for fully covered lower door edges. Thanks to this your pants will always stay clean.

INTERIOR:
Quality of both interiors for me are equal and they are equally nice. Space inside is also similar except BMW have slightly bigger trunk.
However front seats in volvo are by far the best and most comfortable seats I have ever tested. In BMW they are not bad, but are quite narrow. I am BIG boy with 6'2" and 120 kg of weight.

SUSPENSION:
BMW in Poland is not offered with air suspension or any type of self leveling rear axle. This is quite important for me as I tow my trackday toy a lot and cary not only trailer but also a lot of spare tires, jacks, tools and other stuff in my trunk. I hate when my car looks like a "speed boat" [emoji4]
If that is not important for someone then what I can say about suspensions is this:
- Volvo: comfort comfort comfort (we test drove model with air-suspension)
- BMW: firmer than volvo and setup is more for dynamic driving.
In my case if I want to drive quick over curvy mountain roads I take our second car or go to a race track. SUV will never be a race car (no matter what manufacturers are trying to tell us). I have decided that I want to tow to/back from race track in comfort. Especially on our Polish roads full of potholes.

EXTRA EQUIPMENT
Volvo is way ahead BMW with safety features. Most of them are offered as standard or in reasonably priced packages.
In BMW here in Poland you have to pay extra for everything and even then you can't have same equipment as volvo.

Adaptive lights in Volvo are superior to those in BMW. I am not saying BMW are bad but those in Volvo are better. For me it matters as I drive at night quite a lot.

Another thing that I really did not like in BMW is lack of Android Auto. They only offer Apple Carplay which here in Europe is useless with its Apple Maps. I like Google Maps but unfortunately in BMW that is not possible.

PRICE:
Similarly equipped BMW on this side of the pond is more expensive that Volvo (by around 10%). And even then you can't have all the things that are offered in volvo (safety, air suspension, Android Auto). Also lease terms are better with volvo.

 

Also lease terms are better with volvo.

Yeah, the MF on BMW leases was just absurdly high. Same with Audi. Both dealers admitted to marking up the MF saying "It's the only way we can make money on these leases". :facepalm:

 

Here are my thoughts after the test drive:

XC90 T5: We were testing the pilot assist quite a bit. Too much distraction trying to play with the electronics instead of focusing on the car. However, I like the commanding driving position, but I left a little underwhelmed and overall. I think I need to drive it one more time. We are looking at the T5 FWD or T5 AWD with minimal options. So black interior, leatherette, and aluminum trim. It is not pretty, but hopefully the leatherette is easy to maintain. I feel the center dash is missing two knobs for the temperature control. As if they originally designed it with two extra knobs, but decided to omit them for the actual production. I need more time with XC90 T5.

XC60 T6: Immediately I feel the XC60 is more nimble (surprise!), but also a more solid and tighter package. I don't feel the T6 is worth the extra cost for the reasons I am buying a Volvo, so I didn't accelerate too hard. The interior is absolutely gorgeous. Better design than the XC90 for sure. The air vent knob feels fantastic. Really the only disappointing parts are the center console upper surround. I wish they would replace those hard plastic with something better. Otherwise, a perfect 10 imo. The interior feels surprisingly small for a car with such exterior dimensions. This prompted me to look at the XC90 immediately. Ultimately, the interior size may be the reason my family upgrades to the XC90 instead. I am not sure our Britax convertible car seat will fit back there with myself (5-10) sitting in the passenger seat. Overall, nice little car.

BMW X3: I barely drove it, but it feels like a step above the Volvoes. It has a sense of familiarity because I've owned BMWs since 2008, but there was something about the solidity and the way it operated. It was immediately German (as opposed to Volvo which is more Japanese) if you guys and gals know what I mean. Anyway not enough seat time, and their packages and options are really pissing me off. Still an option for my family. Also, the interior feels bigger than the XC60, but no where near as beautifully executed as XC60. Did I mention XC60 interior is drop dead gorgeous?

To be continued. The hunt goes on.

 

It was immediately German (as opposed to Volvo which is more Japanese) if you guys and gals know what I mean.

Care to elaborate?

Anyway not enough seat time, and their packages and options are really pissing me off.

Do you have a rental service like turo where you could compare the cars for longer? Also, have you directly compared trims and packages between each vehicle? Sometimes the feeling between different cars can change depending on the options you have. (i.e. leather dashboard in Inscriptions vs Momentum )

 

I know what you mean about too much distraction playing with pilot assist while test driving but once you are used to it, it's super easy to use/engage.

 

Yes, they should all be safe in an accident. Big difference is in available safety assistants that should help to avoid the accident. Here volvo scores 95% followed by Mercedes with 71% and BMW 58%.

In a similar crash you would probably walk away from all of them in similar condition. But if you ask me, I would prefer to avoid crashing in the first place and here volvo should be better than others.

 

I agree with the preventative safety features. That is why Volvo on the very top of my short list.