Compare the2023 BMW X6VS 2023 Volvo XC60

The BMW X6 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 XC60 doesn’t offer a front passenger side knee airbag.

To provide maximum traction and stability on all roads, All-Wheel Drive is standard on the X6. But it costs extra on the XC60.

Both the X6 and the XC60 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 around view monitors.

There are over 24 percent more BMW dealers than there are Volvo dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the X6’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 X6’s reliability 14 points higher than the XC60.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the X6 second among upper midsize premium suvs in their 2022 Initial Quality Study. The XC60 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 2023 Auto Issue reports that BMW vehicles are more reliable than Volvo vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks BMW third in overall reliability. Volvo is ranked 14th.

The X6 has more powerful engines than the XC60:

As tested in Motor Trend the BMW X6 is faster than the Volvo XC60:

Both the X6 and the XC60 have a standard automatic start/stop engine feature to stop unnecessary fuel waste and pollution at stoplights and heavy traffic. All X6s have a standard disable switch for the system, so a driver can keep the engine from shutting off when the vehicle stops temporarily. The XC60 T8 doesn’t offer a way to disable start/stop.

The X6 has 3.1 gallons more fuel capacity than the XC60 (21.9 vs. 18.8 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

The X6’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 XC60 doesn’t offer launch control.

The X6 stops much shorter than the XC60:

For better traction, the X6 has larger standard tires than the XC60 (275/45R20 vs. 235/60R18). The X6’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the XC60 (F:275/40R21 & R:315/35R21 vs. 265/35R22).

The X6’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 45 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the XC60’s standard 60 series tires. The X6’s optional 315/30R22 rear tires have a lower 30 series profile than the XC60’s optional 35 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the X6 has standard 20-inch wheels. Smaller 18-inch wheels are standard on the XC60. The X6’s optional 22-inch wheels are larger than the 21-inch wheels optional on the XC60.

Changing a flat tire near traffic can be dangerous and inconvenient. The run-flat tires available on the X6 can be driven up to 50 miles without any air pressure, allowing you to drive to a service station for a repair. The XC60 doesn’t offer run-flat tires.

The X6 M50i offers active sway bars, which help keep it flat and controlled during cornering, but disconnect at lower speeds to smooth the ride and offer greater off-road suspension articulation. This helps keep the tires glued to the road on-road and off. The XC60 doesn’t offer an active sway bar system.

The front and rear suspension of the X6 uses coil springs for better ride, handling and control than the XC60, 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 X6 offers an available adjustable active suspension system, which counteracts cornering forces actively, limiting body roll and improving handling and stability. Volvo doesn’t offer an active suspension on the XC60.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the X6’s wheelbase is 4.3 inches longer than on the XC60 (117.1 inches vs. 112.8 inches).

For better handling and stability, the average track (width between the wheels) on the X6 is 1.2 inches wider in the front and 1.8 inches wider in the rear than the track on the XC60.

The X6 M50i handles at .97 G’s, while the XC60 Recharge Core pulls only .80 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The X6 M50i executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 3.2 seconds quicker than the XC60 B5 Core AWD (24.1 seconds @ .83 average G’s vs. 27.3 seconds @ .62 average G’s).

For greater off-road capability the X6 Air Suspension has a 1.2 inches greater minimum ground clearance than the XC60 (9.7 vs. 8.5 inches), allowing the X6 to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

The front grille of the X6 uses electronically controlled shutters to close off airflow and reduce drag when less engine cooling is needed. This helps improve highway fuel economy. The XC60 doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

The X6 has 1.3 inches more front headroom, 1.8 inches more front shoulder room and 1.4 inches more rear shoulder room than the XC60.

The X6 has a much larger cargo volume than the XC60 with its rear seat up (27.4 vs. 24.4 cubic feet).

Pulling a handle automatically lowers the X6’s rear seats, to make changing between passengers and cargo easier. The XC60 doesn’t offer automatic folding seats.

The X6’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the XC60’s (5952 vs. 3500 pounds). Maximum trailer towing in the Volvo XC60 is only 3500 pounds. The X6 offers up to a 7200 lbs. towing capacity.

The engine in the X6 is mounted longitudinally (North-South), instead of sideways, as in the XC60. 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 X6’s standard easy entry system raises the steering wheel, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The XC60 doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

Heated windshield washer nozzles are standard on the X6 to prevent washer fluid and nozzles from freezing and help continue to keep the windshield clear in sub-freezing temperatures. Heated windshield washer nozzles cost extra on the XC60.

To shield the driver and front passenger’s vision over a larger portion of the windshield and side windows, the X6 has standard extendable sun visors. The XC60 doesn’t offer extendable visors.

Manual rear side window sunshades are available in the X6 to help block heat and glare for the rear passengers. The XC60 doesn’t offer rear side window sunshades.

The X6 offers optional massaging front seats in order to maximize comfort and eliminate fatigue on long trips. Massaging seats aren’t available in the XC60.

The X6’s optional Parking Assistant Plus can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, starting, stopping and changing direction automatically. The XC60 doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

Insurance will cost less for the X6 owner. The Car Book by Jack Gillis rates the X6 with a number “1” insurance rate while the XC60 is rated higher at a number “10” rate.

According to The Car Book by Jack Gillis, the X6 is less expensive to operate than the XC60 because typical repairs cost less on the X6 than the XC60, including $12 less for fuel injection and $71 less for a fuel pump.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the X6 first among upper midsize premium suvs in owner reported satisfaction. This includes how well the vehicle performs and satisfies its owner’s expectations. The XC60 isn’t in the top three in its category.