Compare the2019 BMW 4 Series Gran CoupeVS 2018 Volvo S60

Both the 4 Series Gran Coupe and the S60 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, plastic fuel tanks, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, daytime running lights, available all wheel drive, crash mitigating brakes, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems and around view monitors.

There are over 15 percent more BMW dealers than there are Volvo dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the 4 Series Gran Coupe’s warranty.

The battery on the 4 Series Gran Coupe is in the trunk, which protects it from hot underhood temperatures which can degrade battery life. By keeping the 4 Series Gran Coupe’s battery 20 to 30 degrees cooler, its life is increased by years. The S60’s battery is in the hot engine compartment.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the 4 Series Gran Coupe first among compact premium cars in their 2017 Initial Quality Study. The S60 isn’t in the top three.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2017 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that BMW vehicles are better in initial quality than Volvo vehicles. J.D. Power ranks BMW 6th in initial quality, above the industry average. With 46 more problems per 100 vehicles, Volvo is ranked 30th, below the industry average.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2018 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that BMW vehicles are more reliable than Volvo vehicles. J.D. Power ranks BMW 8th in reliability, above the industry average. With 35 more problems per 100 vehicles, Volvo is ranked 22nd.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ April 2018 Auto Issue reports that BMW vehicles are more reliable than Volvo vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks BMW 18 places higher in reliability than Volvo.

As tested in Car and Driver the 430i Gran Coupe is faster than the S60 T5:

On the EPA test cycle the 430i Gran Coupe xDrive gets better fuel mileage than the S60 T5 AWD (23 city/33 hwy vs. 22 city/33 hwy).

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe higher (3 to 7 out of 10) than the Volvo S60 (1 to 7). This means the 4 Series Gran Coupe produces up to 47 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the S60 every 15,000 miles.

For better stopping power the 4 Series Gran Coupe’s standard front brake rotors are larger than those on the S60:

The 4 Series Gran Coupe’s standard front and rear disc brakes are vented to help dissipate heat for shorter stops with less fading. The rear discs standard on the S60 T5 are solid, not vented.

The 4 Series Gran Coupe stops much shorter than the S60:

The 4 Series Gran Coupe has standard front and rear gas-charged shocks for better control over choppy roads. The S60’s suspension doesn’t offer gas-charged shocks.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the 4 Series Gran Coupe’s wheelbase is 1.3 inches longer than on the S60 (110.6 inches vs. 109.3 inches).

The 4 Series Gran Coupe’s front to rear weight distribution is more even (50% to 50%) than the S60’s (61.7% to 38.3%). This gives the 4 Series Gran Coupe more stable handling and braking.

The 430i Gran Coupe handles at .89 G’s, while the S60 T6 pulls only .86 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

As tested by Car and Driver, the interior of the 430i Gran Coupe xDrive is quieter than the S60 T5 Drive-E Inscription:

The 4 Series Gran Coupe has .6 inches more front headroom, .3 inches more front legroom and .2 inches more rear legroom than the S60.

The 4 Series Gran Coupe has a larger trunk with its rear seat up than the S60 (17 vs. 12 cubic feet).

To make loading and unloading groceries and cargo easier when your hands are full, the 4 Series Gran Coupe’s power liftgate can be opened or closed just by kicking your foot under the back bumper, leaving your hands completely free. The S60 doesn’t offer a power or hands-free opening trunk.

The engine in the 4 Series Gran Coupe is mounted longitudinally (North-South), instead of sideways, as in the S60. This makes it easier to service and maintain, because the accessory belts are in front.

The 4 Series Gran Coupe has a maintenance free battery for long life without checking the battery’s water level. The S60 doesn’t have a maintenance free battery, so the water level in the battery’s cells must be checked often to prevent damage.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that BMW service is better than Volvo. J.D. Power ranks BMW 8th in service department satisfaction (above the industry average). With a 15% lower rating, Volvo is ranked 14th.

The 4 Series Gran Coupe offers an optional heads-up display that projects speed and other key instrumentation readouts in front of the driver’s line of sight, allowing drivers to view information without diverting their eyes from the road. The S60 doesn’t offer a heads-up display.

If the windows are left open on the 4 Series Gran Coupe the driver can close them all at the outside door handle. On a hot day the driver can lower the windows at the outside door handle or from a distance using the keyless remote. The driver of the S60 can only operate the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

The 4 Series Gran Coupe’s rain-sensitive wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically based on the amount of rainfall on the windshield. This allows the driver to concentrate on driving without constantly adjusting the wipers. The S60’s standard intermittent wipers change speed with vehicle speed, but can’t turn on and off or change speed based on changing rainfall.

The BMW 4 Series comes in coupe, convertible and four door hatchback bodystyles; the Volvo S60 isn’t available as a coupe or convertible.

Insurance will cost less for the 4 Series Gran Coupe owner. The Car Book by Jack Gillis rates the 4 Series Gran Coupe with a number “1” insurance rate while the S60 is rated higher at a number “5” rate.

The 4 Series Gran Coupe will cost the buyer less in the long run because of its superior resale value. The IntelliChoice estimates that the 4 Series Gran Coupe will retain 44.99% to 47.5% of its original price after five years, while the S60 only retains 37.82% to 42.82%.

According to The Car Book by Jack Gillis, the 4 Series Gran Coupe is less expensive to operate than the S60 because typical repairs cost much less on the 4 Series Gran Coupe than the S60, including $180 less for fuel injection and $334 less for a fuel pump.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the 4 Series Gran Coupe third among compact premium cars in owner reported satisfaction. This includes how well the vehicle performs and satisfies its owner’s expectations. The S60 isn’t in the top three.

The 4 Series was chosen as one of Car and Driver’s “Top Ten” in 2014. The S60 has never been a Car and Driver “Top Ten” pick.

The 4 Series was chosen as one of Automobile Magazine’s “All Stars” in 2014. The S60 hasn’t been picked since 2011.

The BMW 4 Series outsold the Volvo 60 Series by over two to one during 2017.