BMW 3 Series vs Volvo S90
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Sedans compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Data checked: specs 29 Aug 2026, price 24 Jun 2026
BMW 3 Series
From $94,700
Sedan
Petrol
Petrol
190kW
6.5 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
480L
Volvo S90
Price TBC
Sedan
Diesel
—
173kW
5.1 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
500L
Volvo S90: we're still completing price, kerb weight, seat count, 0-100km/h and warranty, plus 1 other.
A blank cell below means we don't have that figure, not that the car scores badly on it. We leave them empty rather than estimate, so any row where one car is blank isn't a like-for-like comparison yet.
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Price Breakdown
Pricing for one or both models is yet to be confirmed for the Australian market. We will update this comparison when official RRPs are announced.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems.
The BMW 3 Series stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and Harman Kardon audio — features our data doesn't list for the Volvo S90. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The BMW 3 Series uses a Petrol producing 190kW and 400Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 5.8 seconds.
The Volvo S90 lines up making 173kW and 480Nm, paired to a 8-speed automatic driving all four wheels.
The BMW 3 Series has the clear power advantage at 190kW vs 173kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The BMW 3 Series measures 4,713mm long on a 2,851mm wheelbase, 250mm shorter than the Volvo S90 at 4,963mm (2,941mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Volvo S90 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 480L in the BMW 3 Series and 500L in the Volvo S90, giving the Volvo S90 a 20L advantage.
For towing, the Volvo S90 leads with a 1,800kg braked capacity vs 1,600kg. That 200kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.0m to 11.4m
Based on 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,853/year for the BMW 3 Series and $1,454/year for the Volvo S90. That is a $399 annual difference in favour of the Volvo S90.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BMW 3 Series if: You prioritise performance, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Volvo S90 if: You need more boot space, want lower running costs, need stronger towing, or prefer Volvo's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The BMW 3 Series comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (62 vs 46), taking 1 of 4 key spec rows below. The deciding gaps: technology (BMW 3 Series ahead by 55), safety (BMW 3 Series ahead by 29), performance (BMW 3 Series ahead by 19). The Volvo S90 will save you roughly $399 a year in fuel. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, BMW 3 Series and Volvo S90?
The BMW 3 Series is the cheapest at $94,700 before on-road costs.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Volvo S90 uses the least fuel at 5.1L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
None of BMW 3 Series and Volvo S90 carry a published ANCAP rating yet, so there is no crash result to compare. Check back as they are tested.
Which has the most boot space?
The Volvo S90 has the largest boot at 500L with the seats up.
Which can tow the most?
The Volvo S90 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,800kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The BMW 3 Series makes the most power at 190kW.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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