X4 vs XC60
Choosing between BMW and Volvo often comes down to a specific pair of products. In the compact luxury suv class, that pair is the X4 and the XC60. The gap between the X4 and the XC60 is narrow enough that price, looks or habit could reasonably tip it.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Tie
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
Design & Size
Engine & Performance
Too close to call
The differences on engine & performance are small enough to ignore in daily use. The engine & performance verdict: no winner, and no reason to worry either way.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
If space & practicality matters most to you, this section won’t make the decision for you: they’re level. Net result on space & practicality: level.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
Call the off-road & towing round a draw. This section won’t settle the choice, so weigh the other areas more heavily.
Safety & Tech
On safety & tech, the useful details are the names in the table: what each one uses, not a figure we can rank.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | X4 | XC60 |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas (48V mild hybrid) |
| Engine | 2.0L turbo I4 | 2.0L turbo I4 |
| Total system output | 248 hp | 247 hp |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft | N/A (not specified) |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD (xDrive) | AWD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | X4 | XC60 |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 24 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel economy (city) | 21 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 27 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | X4 | XC60 |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | X4 | XC60 |
|---|---|---|
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | X4 | XC60 |
|---|---|---|
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the X4 or the XC60?
The X4 and the XC60 split the comparison (the things a spec sheet can’t capture for the X4, the things a spec sheet can’t capture for the XC60), so pick the strength you’ll use.
Executive Summary
Two companies, two answers to the same question. That’s how I see the X4 from BMW and the XC60 from Volvo.
In my head, the X4 is the the things a spec sheet can’t capture pick and the XC60 is the the things a spec sheet can’t capture pick.
My pick: whichever matches your priority, since the things a spec sheet can’t capture means the X4 and the things a spec sheet can’t capture means the XC60.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.