BMW X3 vs Volvo EX30

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

ANCAP lists the BMW X3 at 5 stars (2025) and the Volvo EX30 at 5 stars (2024). ANCAP tested these in different years (2025 vs 2024). Its criteria get stricter about every three years, so the stars are not like for like. Adult occupant protection scored 88% for the BMW X3 and 88% for the Volvo EX30, under different test years.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 7 of 10 key ADAS systems on the BMW X3, against 5 on the Volvo EX30.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the BMW X3 and 6 in the Volvo EX30.

Recalls on our record

A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.

Charging times

How long each takes to charge, from a household power point to a DC fast charger, estimated from battery size and the car's own maximum charge rates.

Feature Showdown

The BMW X3 features a 14.9-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Volvo EX30 gets a 12.3-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The BMW X3 stands out with Bowers & Wilkins audio — features our data doesn't list for the Volvo EX30. The Volvo EX30 counters with head-up display and Harman Kardon audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the BMW X3 gets merino leather upholstery while the Volvo EX30 offers nordico/microtech fabric. Climate control is 4-zone in the BMW X3 and 1-zone in the Volvo EX30.

Drivetrain

The BMW X3 uses a Petrol producing 140kW and 310Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.5 seconds.

The Volvo EX30 responds with a Electric making 200kW and 343Nm, paired to a single-speed driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 5.3 seconds.

The Volvo EX30 has the clear power advantage at 200kW vs 140kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Volvo EX30 is 3.2s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Space & Comfort

The BMW X3 measures 4,755mm long on a 2,865mm wheelbase, 522mm longer than the Volvo EX30 at 4,233mm (2,650mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BMW X3 generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 570L in the BMW X3 and 318L in the Volvo EX30, giving the BMW X3 a 252L advantage.

For towing, the BMW X3 leads with a 2,400kg braked capacity vs 1,600kg. That 800kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Neither U-turns in one sweep on a 7 m local street (both need a three-point turn); the Volvo EX30's turning circle is 1.1 m tighter, 11.0 m against 12.1 m kerb to kerb. The street estimate is indicative, worked from the published turning circles.

Cost to own

At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the BMW X3 costs about $2,138 a year (7.5 L/100km) and electricity for the Volvo EX30 about $797 a year (16.6 kWh/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh.

Warranty: 5 years / Unlimited (BMW X3) and 5 years / Unlimited (Volvo EX30).

Where each one leads

The BMW X3: the bigger boot with the seats up (570L against 318L) and the higher braked towing limit (2,400kg against 1,600kg).

The Volvo EX30: the lower starting price ($49,990 against $86,100) and more power (200kW against 140kW).

The Verdict

Volvo EX30 scores higher, 76 vs 73

The Volvo EX30 scores 76 to the BMW X3's 73 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 3 of the 5 spec rows that separate them, at the lower price. The biggest gaps: practicality (BMW X3 ahead by 19 points), value (Volvo EX30 ahead by 16 points), performance (Volvo EX30 ahead by 15 points). Boot space with the seats up: 570L in the BMW X3, 318L in the Volvo EX30.

Common questions