Compare the2023 BMW 530eVS 2023 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.

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’ 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 530e’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.

As tested in Car and Driver the BMW 530e is faster than the S60 B5 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 standard tires than the S60 (245/40R19 vs. 235/45R18). The 530e’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the S60 (F:245/35R20 & R:275/30R20 vs. 235/45R18).

The 530e’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 40 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the S60’s standard 45 series tires. The 530e’s optional 245/35R20 front and 275/30R20 rear tires have a lower 35 series front and 30 series rear profile than the S60’s optional 40 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the 530e has standard 19-inch wheels. Smaller 18-inch wheels are standard on the S60. The 530e’s optional 20-inch wheels are larger than the 19-inch wheels optional on the S60.

Changing a flat tire near traffic can be dangerous and inconvenient. The run-flat tires available 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 7th in service department satisfaction (above the industry average). With a 12% lower rating, Volvo is ranked 12th.

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.

Optional air-conditioned seats in the 530e keep the driver and front passenger comfortable and take the sting out of hot seats in Summer. The S60 doesn’t offer air-conditioned seats.

The 530e offers optional massaging front seats in order to maximize comfort and eliminate fatigue on long trips. Massaging seats aren’t available in the S60.

The 530e’s available Parking Assistant Plus can parallel park 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.

The BMW 5 Series outsold the Volvo 60 Series by almost two to one during the 2021 model year.