BMW X5 M vs Volvo XC90

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

ANCAP's published record does not give the BMW X5 M a rating. ANCAP's published record does not give the Volvo XC90 a rating. With no pair of ratings to compare, the active-safety features in the spec table above are the fairer comparison.

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.

Feature Showdown

The BMW X5 M features a 14.9-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Volvo XC90 gets a 11.2-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The BMW X5 M stands out with ventilated seats and Harman Kardon audio — features our data doesn't list for the Volvo XC90. The Volvo XC90 counters with Bowers & Wilkins audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the BMW X5 M gets merino leather upholstery while the Volvo XC90 offers leather.

Drivetrain

The BMW X5 M uses a Petrol producing 460kW and 750Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 3.9 seconds.

The Volvo XC90 responds with a 2.0L 4-cyl turbocharged 48V mild hybrid B5 making 183kW and 350Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.7 seconds.

The BMW X5 M has the clear power advantage at 460kW vs 183kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the BMW X5 M is 3.8s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Space & Comfort

The BMW X5 M measures 4,948mm long on a 2,972mm wheelbase, 5mm shorter than the Volvo XC90 at 4,953mm (2,984mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Volvo XC90 generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 650L in the BMW X5 M and 301L in the Volvo XC90, giving the BMW X5 M a 349L advantage. The Volvo XC90 seats 7 vs 5.

For towing, the BMW X5 M leads with a 2,700kg braked capacity vs 2,400kg. That 300kg 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 XC90's turning circle is 0.7 m tighter, 12.0 m against 12.7 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 X5 M costs about $3,563 a year (12.5 L/100km) and fuel for the Volvo XC90 about $2,309 a year (8.1 L/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh. That is $1,254 a year less for the Volvo XC90.

Warranty: 5 years / Unlimited (BMW X5 M) and 5 years / Unlimited (Volvo XC90). Capped-price servicing: no data (BMW X5 M), 5 years (Volvo XC90).

Where each one leads

The BMW X5 M: more power (460kW against 183kW), the bigger boot with the seats up (650L against 301L) and the higher braked towing limit (2,700kg against 2,400kg).

The Volvo XC90: the lower starting price ($97,990 against $247,800) and lower fuel or energy costs on our assumptions ($2,309 a year against $3,563).

The Verdict

Volvo XC90 scores higher, 67 vs 59

The Volvo XC90 scores 67 to the BMW X5 M's 59 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 2 of the 6 spec rows that separate them, at the lower price. The biggest gaps: performance (BMW X5 M ahead by 42 points), fuel economy (Volvo XC90 ahead by 40 points), value (Volvo XC90 ahead by 26 points). At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Volvo XC90 costs about $1,254 less (8.1 L/100km against 12.5 L/100km, at $1.90 a litre). Boot space with the seats up: 650L in the BMW X5 M, 301L in the Volvo XC90.

Common questions