Compare the2023 BMW 330eVS 2023 Volvo S60

The BMW 330e 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 330e 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, rearview cameras, driver alert monitors, available all wheel drive, blind spot warning systems, rear parking sensors and rear cross-path warning.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the BMW 330e is safer than the Volvo S60:

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a flat barrier at 38.5 MPH and into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the BMW 330e is safer than the Volvo S60:

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

There are over 24 percent more BMW dealers than there are Volvo dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the 330e’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 330e’s reliability 29 points higher than the S60.

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 330e’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid produces 41 more horsepower (288 vs. 247) and 52 lbs.-ft. more torque (310 vs. 258) than the S60 B5’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid.

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the BMW 330e higher (7 out of 10) than the Volvo S60 (5 to 7). This means the 330e produces up to 8 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the S60 every 15,000 miles.

The 330e’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 330e’s standard brake rotors are larger than those on the S60:

The 330e’s optional 255/35R19 rear 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 standard on the 330e 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 330e 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 330e 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 330e 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 330e has 1.3 inches more front headroom, .4 inches more rear headroom and .1 inches more rear shoulder room than the S60.

The 330e has a much larger trunk than the S60 (13.2 vs. 11.6 cubic feet).

The engine in the 330e 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 7th in service department satisfaction (above the industry average). With a 12% lower rating, Volvo is ranked 12th.

To shield the driver and front passenger’s vision over a larger portion of the windshield and side windows, the 330e has standard extendable sun visors. The S60 doesn’t offer extendable visors.

The 330e’s available Automatic 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.

Insurance will cost less for the 330e owner. The Car Book by Jack Gillis rates the 330e with a number “3” insurance rate while the S60 is rated higher at a number “5” rate.

According to The Car Book by Jack Gillis, the 330e is less expensive to operate than the S60 because typical repairs cost much less on the 330e than the S60, including $588 less for a fuel pump.

Consumer Reports® recommends the BMW 330e, based on reliability, safety and performance. The Volvo S60 isn't recommended.

The BMW 3 Series outsold the Volvo 60 Series by over three to one during the 2021 model year.