Volvo EX60 vs. BMW iX3: Which one to choose?

Volvo just revealed its new EX60, a midsize electric SUV, directly rivaling the BMW iX3 Neue Klasse. These two are way more than the latest models by their respective makers - rather they are the start of the new generation of premium electric cars. One leans into performance heritage refined for an electric age, while the other embraces Scandinavian restraint shaped by modern technology and a safety-first mindset.

For a full overview of the features and capabilities of the Volvo EX60 check out our article focusing on all we know so far about the model. Same applies for the BMW iX3 50 xDrive, which we even inspected in person. Both vehicles are similar in many ways, so it’s fair to assume a vast majority of buyers will be cross-shopping them and we are here to help you make a more informed choice.

Volvo EX60 P12 2026 - • BMW iX3 50 xDrive 2025 -

Exteriors

Volvo bets big on the success of the EX60, which will be manufactured in Sweden and targets the most lucrative segment in the automotive world - midsize SUVs. By going with an EV-only model, Volvo clearly shows its strong belief in the future of electric vehicles. Available in three versions with different power outputs, battery sizes and range figures, the EX60 aims to appeal to as many potential customers as possible.

The design of the Volvo EX60 is restrained and minimalist, in line with other Volvo models in recent years. The iconic "Thor's hammer" headlights and vertical tail lights give it a signature look from the outside. The absence of visible door handles complements the minimalistic design, while the frameless wing mirrors add sophistication.

Otherwise, the lines are subdued and flow seamlessly into each other, creating a simple silhouette, driven primarily by aerodynamics and optimization, rather than style and creativity. It is a minimalist vehicle with minimal visual noise on the exterior.

Volvo's minimalist styling might've gone overboard

The BMW iX3, on the other hand, stands out with a brand new exterior with multiple angles, while the new version of kidney grilles still makes it easily recognizable as a BMW product. Its design has been an object of constant debates online, and while it certainly isn't universally liked, it's one of the most recognizable around.

The BMW also lacks chrome and features flush door handles, but overall the design has many more accents and details.

BMW iX3 50 xDrive exterior shots

Both vehicles look similar from the side, incorporating classical SUV proportions. Due to being fully electric and having large batteries, both the EX60 and the iX3 appear taller, with a lower ground clearance due to the placement of the batteries in the floor.

Perhaps to make up for its tamer design, the Volvo offers more exterior color options.

It will be interesting to see when we test the two vehicles how they compare in terms of consumption. The drag coefficient of the iX3 is slightly lower with Cd 0.24 versus Cd 0.26 for the EX60. The WLTP figures also suggest the iX3 will go longer per charge but we'll see if the difference is noticeable when we test them on our test routes.

Interiors

On the inside the Volvo and BMW also differ drastically. Volvo once again prioritizes minimalism and can even appear sterile to some with its big elements, lack of details and simple layout. BMW treats its customers to a far busier cockpit, multiple accents and interesting material combinations.

Interesting in the BMW is the incorporation of a huge 43.3" driver’s display unit, which shows a plethora of information directly in the driver’s line of sight. The center display of the BMW is also bigger and offers way more customization options.

BMW iX3 interior

The Volvo EX60 keeps things simple inside with its 15.04" center display and a narrow 11.4" driver's display. The materials selected are less luxurious and more practical, with recycled materials all around. You can still equip some pretty nice features like Bowers & Wilkins audio, electrochromic roof and ventilated seats, whereas the iX3 doesn't get any of those even as optional equipment.

Volvo EX60 interior

We’ll have to see how the interior of the Volvo EX60 feels in person but based on the pictures and former experience with the brand, we can safely assume the BMW iX3 will offer the better atmosphere inside. However, if you are going for lots of optional extras, the Volvo is always the cheaper option no matter the trim.

Storage space

With all seats up, the Volvo offers significantly more storage space at 22.4 ft³, which is over 3.53 ft³ more than the iX3.

The trunks of the iX3 and EX60 are similar

However, once you fold down the second row of seats, the roles get reversed and the BMW wins by the same volume difference at 61.8 ft³.

Both models have a frunk (front trunk) of exactly the same volume of 2.05 ft³.

The frunks are exactly the same.

Power, range and batteries

BMW offers the iX3 in only one variant so far, called the 50 xDrive, which comes with a 108.7 kWh usable battery capacity, AWD, 469 hp and 476 lb-ft. Those figures should account for a sprint to 62 mph in 4.9 seconds and more importantly a WLTP range of 500 miles on a single charge.

Volvo offers three separate versions of the EX60 - the least potent one of which is called the P6, which comes with rear-wheel drive and 81 kWh usable battery capacity. We are focusing on the P10 and P12 versions as they come with 91 and 112 kWh usable battery capacities respectively. Also, power and acceleration figures are similar to the BMW, with the P12 being quicker for the 0 - 62 mph by a full second.

Range figures of the Volvo are 410 miles for the P10 and 503 miles WLTP for the P12. This makes the P12 a highly competitive option and the P10 a value-for-money one for almost the same experience. We can't wait to test those models on our range test track and compare their achievements but for now we’ll have to live off of the WLTP numbers.

It must be noted that while the BMW iX3 50 xDrive isn't as quick on paper, it is certainly coming to market at the end of Q1, 2026. Volvo says it will make the P12 available around Q3, but such deadlines are often missed, especially when we talk about Volvo.

Technological advancements

BMW iX3 and Volvo EX60 take two vastly different approaches towards modern technological features. BMW emphasizes individualization and displaying an overwhelming amount of information at once. The huge display unit at the base of the windshield can show some truly unique and sometimes pointless information, but it's always better to have something displayed and not needed than the other way around.

The center display unit integrates iDrive, which is one of the greatest infotainment systems in the industry and therefore we have little to no complaints about its operation. Feedback is great and there’s no lag whatsoever.

Volvo takes a minimalist approach inside the EX60. The driver display is slim and compact, limited to essential information only. There is no head-up display, simplifying the driver’s experience further.

Instead, nearly all vehicle functions and driving data are handled through the central touchscreen. While visually tidy, this setup places a heavy reliance on the main display, meaning common adjustments often require extra steps and attention. In practice, the lack of physical controls and secondary displays can make day to day operation feel less intuitive than expected.

The EX60 is the first Volvo to launch with "Gemini," Google's new AI assistant. Instead of memorizing robotic voice commands like in the iX3 and most other new vehicles, you can have natural conversations with your car. The rest of the infotainment also has Google features incorporated, in order to make the user experience more natural and easy, which we welcome dearly.

Verdict: Which one is better?

The BMW iX3 and Volvo EX60 have many virtues that make them a compelling choice for a midsize electric SUV. The BMW feels like the enthusiast's choice. It has a richer interior, one of the best infotainment systems in the business and an overall experience that constantly reminds you that you are driving something engineered with obsession.

The Volvo takes a far more laid-back approach. Its far subtler design is refreshingly focused on sustainability and simplicity. The EX60 trades visual drama for practicality, strong range figures, clever packaging, potentially huge power and a genuinely interesting step forward with Google’s Gemini assistant. It may not excite at first glance, but it makes a strong case for living with it every day.

In the end, the BMW impresses your senses, while the Volvo appeals to your logic. The good news is that neither choice feels like a compromise.

You can use our compare tool to check out how the two models differ in terms of specs!

Get the Volvo EX60 for:

• Minimalist styling.
• Many exterior color options.
• Google-based infotainment with Gemini AI assistant.
• Large trunk.
• More battery and motor options.
• More optional equipment.
• Cheaper price in most variants.

Get the BMW iX3 for:

• Distinct styling.
• Highly configurable infotainment and gauge cluster.
• Uncompromised driving experience.
• Superior material and build quality.
• More modern technology on-board.