Volvo S60 vs BMW 3 Series
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
Volvo S60
Price TBC
Sedan
Petrol
—
270kW
7.8 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
380L
BMW 3 Series
From $94,700
Sedan
Petrol
Petrol
190kW
6.5 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
480L
Volvo S60: 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 counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and Harman Kardon audio. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Volvo S60 lines up producing 270kW and 470Nm of torque, sent through a 8-speed automatic to a AWD layout.
The BMW 3 Series responds with a Petrol making 190kW and 400Nm, paired to a auto driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 5.8 seconds.
The Volvo S60 has the clear power advantage at 270kW vs 190kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Volvo S60 measures 4,635mm long on a 2,776mm wheelbase, 78mm shorter than the BMW 3 Series at 4,713mm (2,851mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BMW 3 Series generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 380L in the Volvo S60 and 480L in the BMW 3 Series, giving the BMW 3 Series a 100L advantage.
0Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.0m to 11.3m
Based on 11.3m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.0m 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 $2,223/year for the Volvo S60 and $1,853/year for the BMW 3 Series. That is a $370 annual difference in favour of the BMW 3 Series.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Volvo S60 if: You prioritise performance, or prefer Volvo's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the BMW 3 Series if: You need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The BMW 3 Series comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (62 vs 39), taking 3 of 4 key spec rows below. The deciding gaps: technology (BMW 3 Series ahead by 55), safety (BMW 3 Series ahead by 29), practicality (BMW 3 Series ahead by 23). The BMW 3 Series will save you roughly $370 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the BMW 3 Series has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Volvo S60 and BMW 3 Series?
The BMW 3 Series is the cheapest at $94,700 before on-road costs.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The BMW 3 Series uses the least fuel at 6.5L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
None of Volvo S60 and BMW 3 Series 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 BMW 3 Series has the largest boot at 480L with the seats up.
Which can tow the most?
The BMW 3 Series has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,600kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Volvo S60 makes the most power at 270kW.
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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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