Volvo S60 vs BMW 3 Series

Volvo transformed its image in a decade, shifting from quirky to sexy, and the 2019 Volvo S60 was a testament to this transformation. This model borrowed design cues from the larger S90 sedan but scaled them down to fit a compact luxury platform. The result was a car that shared the straight lines and precise angles of its bigger sibling but added an athletic stance, thanks to a dynamic rear fender and C-pillar. The S60 did not merely strive for functionality; its design invited admiration, compelling onlookers to explore more.

The S60 was available in three trims: Momentum, R-Design, and Inscription. The entry-level Momentum came with features like a panoramic moonroof, dual-zone climate control, a power driver’s seat with memory settings, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. It also offered an impressive list of driver-assistance features. The R-Design trim added fog lights, power-retractable side-view mirrors, dual integrated exhaust outlets, and an R-Design steering wheel with paddle shifters. Optional additions included heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and a Bowers & Wilkins premium stereo. The top-tier Inscription model brought genuine leather upholstery, 4-zone climate control, and the contents of the Advance Package, featuring active bending headlights, a 360-degree camera, a head-up display, and the Pilot Assist semi-autonomous driving system.

Conversely, the 2020 BMW 3 Series drew inspiration from the majestic presence of humpback whales. With its lidded headlights, curvaceous hood, wide lower air intakes, and oversized grille, the 3 Series had a striking and somewhat aquatic appearance. Despite its high starting price, the 3 Series, especially the M340i trim, was celebrated for its driving prowess.

Available at prices starting from $40,750 for the base 330i to $56,000 for the M340i, the BMW 3 Series offered various customization options. The M340i xDrive test car featured an $1,950 upgrade to Tanzanite Blue exterior paint, contrasting sharply with its off-white Ivory leather interior. BMW emphasized interior quality, making the cabin luxurious and well-appointed, though the high costs might sting a little less considering the premium materials and features.

The 2019 Volvo S60 offered three powertrain options: T5, T6, and T8. The T5 featured a turbocharged 2-liter 4-cylinder engine with 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, driving the front wheels. The T6 variant, which was tested, offered a twin-charged 2-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 316 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, sent to all-wheel drive. The T8 was a plug-in hybrid combining the twin-charged engine's front-wheel drive with electric power at the rear, generating 400 total horsepower and 495 lb-ft of torque with a 21-mile all-electric range. All powertrains used an 8-speed automatic transmission. The T6's performance was highlighted by its engaging throttle and transmission responses, making it a joy to drive in any mode.

Fuel economy for the T6 was estimated at 21 mpg city, 32 highway, and 25 combined, while real-world testing yielded 23.2 mpg. The T5 promised 24 mpg in the city, 36 on the highway, and 28 combined. Performance suspension was an option with the T6, enhancing cornering and stability, making the car feel firmly planted despite its FWD-based design.

In contrast, the 2020 BMW 3 Series made significant improvements to its driving dynamics, addressing past criticisms of its electric steering. The latest 3 Series engaged drivers with refined handling, thanks to structural and suspension changes and new lift-related dampers. The M340i model featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder engine, delivering 382 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. BMW’s rear-biased xDrive all-wheel-drive system, combined with a rear M Sport differential and M Sport brakes, provided exhilarating performance.

The M340i accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.1 seconds, supported by an 8-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. While purists might miss the manual gearbox, the automatic transmission's efficiency and responsiveness proved beneficial in real-world driving conditions.

Volvo prioritized form over function in the interior design of the 2019 S60 but did manage a sensible layout for some controls. The cabin offered ample storage with various cubbies, though the placement of the starter and drive-mode selector was somewhat awkward. The conventional shifter design was a welcome change, making gear selection straightforward. The rear seats provided reasonable space, especially compared to competitors such as the Lexus IS, with 11.6 cubic feet of cargo space, which was typical for the segment.

The 2020 BMW 3 Series excelled in front-seat comfort and support, designed both for spirited driving and long journeys. The test model included high-quality leather, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel - though ventilated seats were missed during hot weather. Rear-seat entry was a bit cumbersome, but the seats offered excellent support and bolstering. The trunk measured 17 cubic feet, which was generous for a sports sedan, although its narrow shape limited its practicality for larger items.

The 2019 Volvo S60 featured the Sensus touchscreen infotainment system, which presented a large, tablet-like interface. While visually appealing, too many functions were buried within the touchscreen menus, complicating tasks like adjusting climate control. The system occasionally lagged, which could disrupt the driving experience.

BMW’s latest iDrive infotainment system in the 2020 3 Series had evolved into an intuitive and user-friendly interface. It offered multiple interaction methods, including a touchscreen, natural voice recognition, and gesture control. The system's design, though minimalistic, made touch-based navigation straightforward. The “Hey, BMW” voice recognition was impressive, adept at understanding natural language commands for various functions.

The 2019 Volvo S60 came equipped with numerous safety features, including front- and side-impact airbags, a reversing camera, and a tire-pressure monitoring system. Standard driver-assistance systems included forward-collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, and traffic-sign recognition. The optional Advance Package added a suite of advanced features such as a head-up display, a 360-degree camera, and Pilot Assist semi-autonomous driving.

For the 2020 BMW 3 Series, advanced safety features were available through two Driving Assistance option packages. While functional, these systems could feel abrupt in operation, reminding drivers to remain vigilant. The 3 Series earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS when equipped with adaptive full LED headlights.