BMW 3 Series vs Volvo S60
The BMW 3 Series is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 36 mpg combined versus 31 mpg for the Volvo S60, a 5 mpg advantage and costs about $150 less per year to fuel.
Across 5 measured categories, the BMW 3 Series leads in 3. Figures are EPA test data, not manufacturer claims.
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | BMW 3 Series | Volvo S60 |
|---|---|---|
| Best combined MPG | 36 mpg ✓ | 31 mpg |
| Best city MPG | 31 mpg ✓ | 30 mpg |
| Best highway MPG | 43 mpg ✓ | 37 mpg |
| Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year | $2,200 | $2,050 ✓ |
| Lowest CO2 output | 158 g/mi | 99 g/mi ✓ |
| Engines offered | SIDI & PFI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI, SIDI; PHEV, SIDI; Mild Hybrid | SIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI; PHEV, 2.0, SIDI |
| Transmissions | Automatic (S8), Manual 6-spd | Automatic (S8), Automatic (S6) |
| Drivetrains | Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive | Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel types | Premium, Premium and Electricity, Diesel | Premium, Premium and Electricity, Regular |
| EPA class | Compact Cars | Compact Cars |
| Years covered | 2015–2026 | 2015–2025 |
| Configurations on record | 105 | 51 |
Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.
3 Series vs S60: common questions
Which is better on gas, the BMW 3 Series or the Volvo S60?
The BMW 3 Series is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 36 mpg combined versus 31 mpg for the Volvo S60, a 5 mpg advantage and costs about $150 less per year to fuel.
Which costs less to run per year?
By EPA estimates at 15,000 miles a year, the Volvo S60 runs about $2,050 a year in fuel at its most efficient configuration, versus about $2,200 for the BMW 3 Series — a difference of roughly $150 per year.
What engines do the 3 Series and S60 offer?
BMW 3 Series: SIDI & PFI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI, SIDI; PHEV, SIDI; Mild Hybrid. Volvo S60: SIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI; PHEV, 2.0, SIDI.
Are they in the same vehicle class?
Yes — the EPA classifies both the BMW 3 Series and the Volvo S60 as Compact Cars, so they compete directly.
More 3 Series comparisons
Comparison id: bmw-3-series-vs-volvo-s60