Compare the2023 BMW 2 Series Gran CoupeVS 2023 Volvo S60

The BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe 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.

Both the 2 Series Gran Coupe and the S60 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, front wheel drive, 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 2 Series Gran Coupe’s warranty.

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the 2 Series Gran Coupe’s reliability 21 points higher than the S60.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the 2 Series Gran Coupe first among small premium cars in their 2022 Initial Quality Study. The S60 isn’t in the top three in its category.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 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 above average in initial quality. With 91 more problems per 100 vehicles, Volvo is rated below average.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 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 above average in long-term dependability. With 5 more problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, Volvo is rated below average.

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 M235i xDrive Gran Coupe’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder produces 54 more horsepower (301 vs. 247) and 73 lbs.-ft. more torque (331 vs. 258) than the S60 B5’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid.

As tested in Consumer Reports the 228i Gran Coupe is faster than the S60 B5 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder:

Regardless of its engine, regenerative brakes improve the 2 Series Gran Coupe’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. Volvo only offers a regenerative brake system on the S60 T8.

Both the 2 Series Gran Coupe and the S60 have a standard automatic start/stop engine feature to stop unnecessary fuel waste and pollution at stoplights and heavy traffic. All 2 Series Gran Coupes have a standard disable switch for the system, so a driver can keep the engine from shutting off when the vehicle stops temporarily. The S60 T8 doesn’t offer a way to disable start/stop.

The 2 Series Gran Coupe’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 2 Series Gran Coupe’s standard front brake rotors are larger than those on the S60:

The 2 Series Gran Coupe stops much shorter than the S60:

The 2 Series Gran Coupe’s optional tires provide better handling because they have a lower 35 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the S60’s optional 40 series tires.

Changing a flat tire near traffic can be dangerous and inconvenient. The run-flat tires available on the 2 Series Gran Coupe 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 2 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.

The 2 Series Gran Coupe 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.

The M235i xDrive Gran Coupe handles at .91 G’s, while the S60 AWD pulls only .90 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 400 to 850 pounds less than the Volvo S60.

The 2 Series Gran Coupe is 9.6 inches shorter than the S60, making the 2 Series Gran Coupe easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

As tested by Car and Driver while at idle, the interior of the M235i xDrive Gran Coupe is quieter than the S60 Core (36 vs. 42 dB).

The 2 Series Gran Coupe has a much larger trunk than the S60 (15.1 vs. 11.6 cubic feet).

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that BMW service is better than Volvo. J.D. Power ranks BMW 7th in service department satisfaction (above the industry average). With a 12% lower rating, Volvo is ranked 12th.

The 2 Series Gran Coupe’s optional Parking Assistant can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, starting, stopping and changing direction automatically. The S60 Plus/Ultimate/Polestar’s automatic parking system requires operating the brakes and transmission to safely park.

Consumer Reports® recommends the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe, based on reliability, safety and performance. The Volvo S60 isn't recommended.

The BMW 2 Series outsold the Volvo 60 Series by 17% during the 2021 model year.