Compare the2022 BMW 530eVS 2022 Volvo S60

The BMW 530e has standard driver and front passenger side knee airbags mounted low on the dashboard. These airbags helps prevent the driver and front passenger from sliding under their seatbelts or the main frontal airbags; this keeps them better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. Knee airbags also help keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The S60 doesn’t offer a front passenger side knee airbag.

A passive infrared night vision system optional on the 530e helps the driver to more easily detect people, animals or other objects in front of the vehicle at night. Using an infrared camera to detect heat, the system then displays the image on a monitor in the dashboard. The S60 doesn’t offer a night vision system.

Both the 530e and the S60 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, post-collision automatic braking systems, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, driver alert monitors and available all wheel drive.

There are over 24 percent more BMW dealers than there are Volvo dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the 530e’s warranty.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2020 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 18th in initial quality. With 34 more problems per 100 vehicles, Volvo is ranked 31st.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2021 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 10th in reliability, above the industry average. With 35 more problems per 100 vehicles, Volvo is ranked 25th.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2021 Auto Issue reports that BMW vehicles are more reliable than Volvo vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks BMW 6 places higher in reliability than Volvo.

The 530e’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid produces 38 more horsepower (288 vs. 250) and 52 lbs.-ft. more torque (310 vs. 258) than the S60 T5’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder.

As tested in Car and Driver the BMW 530e is faster than the S60 T5 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder:

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the BMW 530e higher (7 out of 10) than the Volvo S60 (5 to 7). This means the 530e produces up to 8 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the S60 every 15,000 miles.

The 530e’s launch control uses engine electronics to hold engine RPM’s precisely in order to provide the most stable and rapid acceleration possible, using all of the available traction. The S60 doesn’t offer launch control.

For better stopping power the 530e’s standard brake rotors are larger than those on the S60:

The 530e stops much shorter than the S60:

For better traction, the 530e has larger tires than the S60 (245/45R18 vs. 235/45R18).

Changing a flat tire near traffic can be dangerous and inconvenient. The run-flat tires standard on the 530e can be driven up to 50 miles without any air pressure, allowing you to drive to a service station for a repair. The S60 doesn’t offer run-flat tires.

The 530e has standard front and rear gas-charged shocks for better control over choppy roads. The S60’s suspension doesn’t offer gas-charged shocks.

The front and rear suspension of the 530e uses coil springs for better ride, handling and control than the S60, which uses transverse leafs springs in the rear. Coil springs compress more progressively and offer more suspension travel for a smoother ride with less bottoming out.

The 530e offers an optional driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads. The S60’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the 530e’s wheelbase is 4 inches longer than on the S60 (117.1 inches vs. 113.1 inches).

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the 530e is .1 inches wider in the front and 1.2 inches wider in the rear than on the S60.

The front grille of the 530e uses electronically controlled shutters to close off airflow and reduce drag when less engine cooling is needed. This helps improve highway fuel economy. The S60 doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

The 530e has 2.8 cubic feet more passenger volume than the S60 (98.8 vs. 96).

The 530e has 1.4 inches more front headroom, 2.6 inches more front shoulder room, .3 inches more rear headroom, 1.3 inches more rear legroom and 1.4 inches more rear shoulder room than the S60.

The engine in the 530e 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.

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 3% lower rating, Volvo is ranked 11th.

The 530e’s standard easy entry system raises the steering wheel, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The S60 doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

A power rear sunshade and manual rear side window sunshades are optional in the 530e to help block heat and glare for the rear passengers. The S60 doesn’t offer a rear or rear side window sunshades.

The 530e’s available Parking Assistant Plus can parallel park by itself, starting, stopping and changing direction automatically. The S60 T8’s automatic parking system requires operating the brakes and transmission to safely park.