2022 BMW X3 vs 2021 Volvo XC60

The 2021 Volvo XC60, a product of the Swedish brand's rebirth under Geely Holding Group, showcased a blend of elegance and innovation. Built on Volvo's SPA platform, the XC60 shared its architecture with other 60-series and 90-series vehicles, offering a near-luxury experience. Its design featured a tailored two-box crossover style with short overhangs and an agile form. The iconic upright grille and Thor's hammer-shaped LED headlights added a distinct Swedish touch. Inside, the XC60's cabin exuded Scandinavian charm with clean lines, authentic materials, and a serene atmosphere. The 9-inch portrait-oriented infotainment touchscreen was a standout feature, complemented by elegant HVAC vents and harmonious textures, making it a delightful space for occupants.

In contrast, the 2022 BMW X3 presented a more aggressive exterior design with a larger kidney grille and adaptive full LED headlights. The rear featured new taillights with a pincer claw-shaped design, while the updated rear bumper and exhaust tips added to its sporty appeal. The X3 offered a variety of exterior finishes and wheel options, including an M Sport Package for enhanced performance aesthetics. Inside, the X3's cabin was well-appointed with wood trim, power-adjustable seats, and tri-zone climate control. The SensaTec synthetic leather upholstery provided comfort, while the optional Vernasca leather added a touch of luxury. The X3's interior was practical, with a 40/20/40-split rear seat and ample cargo space, making it a versatile choice for families.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 offered a range of powertrains, all featuring a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The T5 model produced 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, while the T6 variant delivered 316 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque with the addition of a supercharger. The T8 plug-in hybrid models combined an 87-hp electric motor with the gasoline engine, resulting in a total output of 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque. The T8 Polestar Engineered model further enhanced performance with 415 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque. The XC60's AWD system and torque vectoring provided a smooth and secure driving experience, making it an excellent choice for road trips. Fuel consumption figures ranged from 11.1 L/100 km city to 9.3 L/100 km combined for the T8 PHEV, with premium gasoline recommended.

The 2022 BMW X3 featured an eight-speed automatic transmission across all models. The xDrive30i variant was powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 248 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, with a 0-100 km/h time of 6.3 seconds. The M40i model boasted a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine with a mild-hybrid system, generating 382 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. The M40i's performance was evident on curvy roads, with a 0-100 km/h time of 4.5 seconds. The M40i also featured a sports exhaust system, adaptive suspension, and a rear-oriented torque split for enhanced driving dynamics. Despite the mild-hybrid system, fuel efficiency remained a concern for X3 owners.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 excelled in comfort and practicality, with well-designed seats and a heating system that performed admirably in winter conditions. The cabin offered smart storage solutions and intuitive controls, making it user-friendly. The XC60 provided 613 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats and up to 1,410 litres with the rear seats folded. It was also capable of towing up to 1,587 kilograms, adding to its versatility.

The 2022 BMW X3 offered a spacious interior with seating for five adults, although the rear middle seat was best suited for smaller passengers. The 40/20/40-split rear seats provided flexibility, and the cargo area was ample for luggage and equipment. The X3's SensaTec seats were comfortable, with the option to upgrade to Vernasca leather for added luxury. The redesigned centre console improved ergonomics, and the infotainment system featured a larger touchscreen for enhanced usability.

The 2021 Volvo XC60's Sensus infotainment system featured a tablet-style touchpad interface, offering a familiar experience for frequent iPad users. The system's quadrant-based screen segmentation allowed for intuitive navigation, although it required a learning curve. Smartphone integration was seamless, with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Bowers & Wilkins premium sound system provided exceptional audio quality.

The 2022 BMW X3 came equipped with BMW Live Cockpit Plus and iDrive 7 telematics, featuring a 5.1-inch instrument panel and a 10.25-inch infotainment screen. The system included navigation, smartphone compatibility, and a range of connected features. An optional Live Cockpit Professional offered larger screens and cloud-based navigation. The X3's standard sound system was a 12-speaker HiFi setup, with an optional Harman Kardon system for enhanced audio. Additional tech options included keyless entry, a panoramic sunroof, and a head-up display.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 was a testament to Volvo's commitment to safety, earning a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA. It featured a comprehensive suite of safety technologies, including collision avoidance, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. Volvo's semi-autonomous Pilot Assist system was available, and the XC60's top speed was limited to 180 km/h for safety.

The 2022 BMW X3 received a five-star crash safety rating from the NHTSA, with additional safety features for 2022. Standard equipment included adaptive LED headlights, adaptive cruise control, and active blind-spot monitoring. Optional features included parking assistance, traffic jam assistance, and a 360-degree camera view. The X3's safety systems aimed to enhance driver confidence and occupant protection.