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Comparative Automotive Research has identified no less than 40 advantages that the Volvo XC60 AWD has over the BMW X5.
| MSRP Range | |
| Volvo XC60 AWD | |
| BMW X5 | |
Performance
Engine
The standard engine in the XC60 AWD 3.0L I6 is more powerful, with more horsepower than the standard engine in the X5 3.0L I6, 300 HP vs. 265 HP.
The XC60 AWD's engines reach maximum power at lower RPM's than the X5's engines, as detailed below by trim and engine:
 | | | RPM's to Peak HP | |
| XC60 AWD | | 5600 | |
| X5 xDrive35i 3.0L I6 | | 5800 | |
| X5 xDrive35i Premium 3.0L I6 | | 5800 | |
| X5 xDrive35i Sport Activity 3.0L I6 | | 5800 | |
With 325 lb-ft of torque, the standard engine in XC60 AWD 3.0L I6 has more low-end power than the standard engine in the X5 3.0L I6, which has 300 lb-ft of torque.
The XC60 AWD utilizes more effective multi-port fuel injection system than the X5, which uses electronic fuel injection system. The multi-port fuel injection system allows for more precise control of the fuel mixture providing the XC60 AWD with improved engine response, increased fuel efficiency and lower emissions.
Power-to-weight ratio illustrates the relationship between curb weight and horsepower (Curb Weight / Horsepower). As a rule, the lower the ratio, the faster the vehicle. The XC60 AWD, has a lower power-to-weight ratio than the X5, as detailed below by trim level and engine:
| | | Power To Weight Ratio | |
| XC60 AWD | | 14.1 | |
| X5 xDrive35d 3.0L I6 | | 19.6 | |
| X5 xDrive35i 3.0L I6 | | 16.5 | |
| X5 xDrive35i Premium 3.0L I6 | | 16.5 | |
| X5 xDrive35i Sport Activity 3.0L I6 | | 16.5 | |
Powertrain Warranty
Volvo's powertrain warranty offers better coverage than the BMW's. This warranty covers most of the parts that make the car move such as the engine, transmission, and drive axles.
| | | Powertrain Warranty Months | | Powertrain Warranty Miles | |
| XC60 AWD | | 60 | | 60000 | |
| X5 | | 48 | | 50000 | |
Fuel Economy and Emissions
The XC60 AWD is more fuel efficient than the X5. Superior fuel efficiency makes the XC60 AWD both more environmentally friendly and less expensive to operate than the X5.
| | | Fuel Economy City | |
| XC60 AWD | | 17 mpg. | |
| X5 xDrive35i 3.0L I6 | | 16 mpg. | |
| X5 xDrive35i Premium 3.0L I6 | | 16 mpg. | |
| X5 xDrive35i Sport Activity 3.0L I6 | | 16 mpg. | |
*Mileage statistics shown are for each vehicle with its standard transmission. Fuel economy is only compared for like engines (i.e. 4 cyl. to 4 cyl.)
Cost to Own
The base MSRP on the XC60 AWD is less than the base MSRP on the X5 as shown in the table below.
| | | Base Price MSRP | |
| XC60 AWD T6 | | 39,450 | |
| XC60 AWD T6 R-Design | | 43,700 | |
| XC60 AWD T6 Premier Plus | | 41,200 | |
| XC60 AWD T6 Platinum | | 43,900 | |
| XC60 AWD T6 R-Design Premier Plus | | 45,450 | |
| XC60 AWD T6 R-Design Platinum | | 48,150 | |
| X5 xDrive35i | | 47,500 | |
| X5 xDrive35d | | 56,700 | |
| X5 xDrive35i Premium | | 55,200 | |
| X5 xDrive35i Sport Activity | | 57,700 | |
| X5 xDrive50i | | 64,200 | |
| X5 M Base | | 87,250 | |
Airbags
Both the XC60 AWD and the X5 feature Standard driver and passenger air bags.
Restraints
The XC60 AWD features a Optional child safety seat(s) which meet specific federal standards designed to protect a child in the event of an accident. This feature is Not Available in the X5.
The XC60 AWD has Standard height-adjustable shoulder belts which allows the best fit for the greatest variety of drivers and passengers. Better fitting shoulder belts translate into higher seat belt usage rates. Height adjustable seat belts are Not Available in the X5.
General Safety
The XC60 AWD is equipped with Standard AWD.
The XC60 AWD has a Standard remote fuel door release which allows the driver to open the fuel door from inside the vehicle. Because the fuel door cannont be opened from the outside, access to the vehicle's fuel tank is restricted, preventing tampering with the fuel supply. A remote fuel door is Not Available on the X5.
A Standard locking fuel door/cap on the XC60 AWD is a safety feature that prevents unwanted access to the vehicle's fuel tank. This safety feature is Not Available on the X5 Base.
The XC60 AWD features Optional headlight washers which keep headlight lenses clean and their output high. Headlight washers are Not Available on the X5 xDrive35i.
CapacitiesInterior Space
The XC60 AWD has more interior space than the X5 in the following areas:
| | | Leg Room, Front | | Head Room, Front | |
| XC60 AWD | | 41.2 in. | | 38.0 in. | |
| X5 xDrive35i | | 40.0 in. | | 36.6 in. | |
| X5 xDrive35d | | 40.0 in. | | 36.6 in. | |
| X5 xDrive35i Premium | | 40.0 in. | | 36.6 in. | |
| X5 xDrive35i Sport Activity | | 40.0 in. | | 36.6 in. | |
| X5 xDrive50i | | 40.0 in. | | 36.6 in. | |
| X5 M Base | | 40.0 in. | | - | |
Cargo Space
The Standard second row split seat allows XC60 AWD owners the flexibility for both storage and passenger seating. A second row split seat is Not Available in the X5.
The XC60 AWD features Standard locking interior storage compartments, useful for carrying important information and/or protecting small valuables stored inside the vehicle. Locking interior storage is Not Available in the X5.
Payload and Towing
The XC60 AWD has a higher payload capacity than the X5, meaning it can handle a greater total weight of passengers and cargo.
| | | Payload Capacity, Max | | Payload Capacity, Std | |
| XC60 AWD | | 1155 lbs. | | 1155 lbs. | |
| X5 M Base | | 1102 lbs. | | 1102 lbs. | |
General Suspension
The XC60 AWD (T6, T6 Platinum, T6 Premier Plus) features a Optional adaptive variable suspension that can electronically sense and adapt to changing road surface conditions to provide optimum vehicle handling characteristics. This type of suspension is Not Available in the X5 xDrive35i.
Chassis
The XC60 AWD, with its higher minimum ground clearance, 9.1 in. vs. 8.3 in., is more capable than the X5 of traversing rough terrain without problems.
The XC60 AWD is shorter than the X5, making it easier to handle and maneuver as detailed below:
| | | Length | |
| XC60 AWD | | 182.2 in. | |
| X5 Base | | 191.0 in. | |
| X5 xDrive35d | | 191.1 in. | |
| X5 xDrive35i | | 191.1 in. | |
| X5 xDrive35i Premium | | 191.1 in. | |
| X5 xDrive35i Sport Activity | | 191.1 in. | |
| X5 xDrive50i | | 191.1 in. | |
The XC60 AWD is narrower than the X5, making it easier to maneuver and park, especially in tight spaces, as detailed below:
| | | Width | |
| XC60 AWD | | 74.4 in. | |
| X5 Base | | 78.5 in. | |
| X5 xDrive35d | | 76.1 in. | |
| X5 xDrive35i | | 76.1 in. | |
| X5 xDrive35i Premium | | 76.1 in. | |
| X5 xDrive35i Sport Activity | | 76.1 in. | |
| X5 xDrive50i | | 76.1 in. | |
Wheels and Tires
The lower profile tires (aspect ratio) that come standard on the XC60 AWD may provide better handling capability than those on the X5. Details below:
| | | Tire Aspect Ratio | |
| XC60 AWD T6 R-Design | | 45 | |
| XC60 AWD T6 R-Design Platinum | | 45 | |
| XC60 AWD T6 R-Design Premier Plus | | 45 | |
| X5 xDrive35d | | 55 | |
| X5 xDrive35i | | 55 | |
| X5 xDrive35i Premium | | 50 | |
| X5 xDrive50i | | 55 | |
Additional Features
Leather seating is a much sought after feature for new car buyers, offering exceptional luxury and style, superior comfort, ease of maintenance and improved resale value. Leather seating is Standard in the XC60 AWD but is Optional in the X5 xDrive35i.
As shown below, a built-in universal remote control system is more commonly found in the XC60 AWD than in the X5. This system is able to learn the codes for other remote controlled devices such as garage door openers, gate openers, etc. then allow you to control them from your vehicle with the touch of one button.
| | | Universal Garage Door Opener | |
| XC60 AWD T6 Platinum | | Standard | |
| XC60 AWD T6 Premier Plus | | Standard | |
| XC60 AWD T6 R-Design Platinum | | Standard | |
| XC60 AWD T6 R-Design Premier Plus | | Standard | |
| X5 xDrive35d | | Optional | |
| X5 xDrive35i | | Not Available | |
| X5 xDrive35i Premium | | Optional | |
| X5 xDrive35i Sport Activity | | Optional | |
| X5 xDrive50i | | Optional | |
The XC60 AWD (T6 Platinum, T6 R-Design Platinum) features a Standard navigational aid system, providing maps, driving directions and location assistance. A navigation system is Optional in the X5 (xDrive35d, xDrive35i, xDrive35i Premium, xDrive35i Sport Activity).
The XC60 AWD has a Standard trip computer which provides helpful information to the driver. A trip computer is Optional in the X5 (xDrive35d, xDrive35i, xDrive35i Premium, xDrive35i Sport Activity).
A compass helps drivers determine their geographic direction. They are more commonly found in the XC60 AWD than the X5, as shown below.
| | | Compass | |
| XC60 AWD T6 Platinum | | Standard | |
| XC60 AWD T6 Premier Plus | | Standard | |
| XC60 AWD T6 R-Design Platinum | | Standard | |
| XC60 AWD T6 R-Design Premier Plus | | Standard | |
| X5 xDrive35d | | Optional | |
| X5 xDrive35i | | Not Available | |
| X5 xDrive35i Premium | | Optional | |
| X5 xDrive35i Sport Activity | | Optional | |
| X5 xDrive50i | | Optional | |
The Optional intelligent cruise control system in the XC60 AWD allows it to keep moving at a set speed, without using the gas pedal, while automatically maintaining a set interval from the vehicle traveling in front. Intelligent cruise control is Not Available in the X5 (Base, xDrive35d, xDrive35i).
With a Standard power sunroof, a touch of a button is all XC60 AWD owners need to let the sun or the stars shine in. In contrast, bringing in the great outdoors will be more difficult in the X5 xDrive35i as a power sunroof is Optional.
The XC60 AWD (T6 Platinum, T6 Premier Plus, T6 R-Design Platinum, T6 R-Design Premier Plus) offers a Standard power trunk lid as a convenience. A power trunk lid is Not Available on the X5 xDrive35i.
The XC60 AWD offers Standard tinted glass which absorbs and deflects some of the sun's radiation helping to reduce interior heat and the fading of interior materials. Tinted glass is Not Available in the X5 xDrive35i.
Heated exterior mirrors are Standard on the XC60 AWD, keeping them clear and giving the driver improved visibility. That feature is Not Available on the X5 (Base, xDrive35i).