Test drive BMW X3 vs Volvo XC60

It seems that when creating the BMW X3, the Bavarian engineers even slept in racing overalls. Volvo XC60 is not like that: smooth, measured, but at the same time ready to "shoot" at any second

The beefy G3 BMW X01 isn't much different from its predecessor, but that's only at first glance. New headlights and lamps with organic LEDs add a polish to its appearance and still allow it to be unmistakably recognizable as a new generation car. And if it also happens to be next to the X3 of the previous generation, it becomes immediately clear how much the body has increased in size: the new X3 is even larger than the first X5.

The Volvo XC60 changed its image so radically after the generation change that even the passengers of the neighboring trolleybus would not confuse it with the old car. Although, of course, at a cursory glance, the "sixty" can be mistaken for the XC90 - the Volvo models have become too similar to each other because of the branded headlights "Thor's hammer". But is it bad when your car can be confused with a more expensive one?

Volvo is slightly smaller in size than BMW, this practically does not affect the space in the cabin and its convenience. Affects more likely a feature of the layout of the power unit. Unlike the "Bavarian", the engine is not installed longitudinally, but across. But the wheelbase is no less, so the total length of the passenger compartment is almost the same, and there is enough space in the second row.

The interior of the BMW X3 is also stylistically not far from the previous generation car. It immediately reads the Bavarian breed with verified ergonomics and a typical tarpaulin texture plastic finish. But our version does not look modest: here plastic is a soft cream color and armchairs covered with leather of a similar color. There is, of course, such a finish and a downside: the materials are very easily soiled and require at least extreme accuracy from the owner.

The main innovation in the X3's interior is the upgraded iDrive multimedia system with a large touch screen. However, using the "touchscreen" is not very convenient, because it is located too far from the driver's seat and you have to reach for it. Therefore, you often wield the usual washer on the tide of the center console.

Salon Volvo - the exact opposite of the "Bavarian". The front panel is decorated in a Scandinavian style, restrained, but very stylish. The XC60 also feels more modern and advanced. Primarily because of the huge display of the multimedia system with a vertical orientation.

The keys and buttons on the front panel are minimum. There is only a small unit of the audio system and a rotating drum that changes the driving modes. The controls for the rest of the salon equipment are hidden in the multimedia menu.

It is convenient to use all the functionality, with the exception of climate control. Still, I want to have "hot keys" at hand, and not go into the jungle of the menu and look for the desired item to change the airflow or temperature. Otherwise, the architecture of the menu is logical, and the touchscreen itself reacts to touches vividly and without delays.

Both cars on our test are diesel. Unlike the "Bavarian", which has a three-liter inline "six" under the hood, the Volvo has a four-cylinder 2,0-liter engine. Despite the modest volume, the XC60 engine is not much inferior in output to BMW - its maximum power reaches 235 hp. from. against 249 for X3. But the difference in torque is still noticeable: 480 Nm versus 620 Nm.

Actually, these very 140 Nm and affect the dynamics. In acceleration to "hundreds" of BMWs faster than Volvo by almost 1,5 seconds, although in fact, with urban acceleration up to 60-80 km / h XC60 does not feel slower than X3 at all. Lack of traction appears only on the track, when you need to accelerate sharply on the move. Where BMW "shoots" into the horizon, Volvo picks up speed slowly and sedately, but not at all strained.

At the wheel of a BMW, it seems that Bavarian engineers don't take off their racing overalls even when they go to bed. The sharp and precise steering wheel, from which you enjoy when maneuvering in the city, presents unpleasant surprises on highways: the X3 is very sensitive to the track and constantly goes astray, you have to steer all the time. Therefore, for example, driving a BMW on the Moscow Ring Road turns from a pleasant journey into a serious work that requires constant attention.

The Volvo, on the other hand, is incredibly stable at high speeds, but its steering wheel is not so sharply calibrated: the effort is less and the reaction rate is slower. But such settings for an electric amplifier are difficult to attribute to disadvantages. The XC60 steers reliably and neutrally, and the softness and slight smearing of the steering wheel in the near-zero zone rather relaxes the driver rather than annoying.

However, such a steering wheel causes a slight dissonance with the chassis settings of the Swedish crossover. Despite the presence of pneumatic elements, Volvo is still harsh on the go. And if large irregularities XC60 dampers work out quietly and resiliently, then on “small ripples” the car noticeably shakes, and even in the most comfortable driving mode. The huge R-Design rims may not be the best for ride, but even with them, you expect more from the chassis of a family SUV.

But BMW performs very well in this discipline: the Bavarians have found a very precise balance between handling and comfort, although the X3 has a spring suspension. The car silently and calmly swallows seams, cracks and even low tram tracks. Moreover, if composure and rigidity are required, then it is enough to transfer the adaptive shock absorbers to the sport mode. BMW mechatronics traditionally radically change the character of the car with the press of just a couple of buttons.

Comparing these crossovers is a rare case when it is extremely difficult to identify a clear leader: the cars have a fundamentally different philosophy. And if for some reason you choose between them, then the design will almost certainly decide everything.

A type	Crossover	Crossover
Dimensions (length / width / height), mm	4708/1891/1676	4688/1999/1658
Wheelbase, mm	2864	2865
Ground clearance, mm	204	216
Curb weight, kg	1820	2081
engine's type	Diesel, R6, turbo	Diesel, R4, turbo
Working volume, cubic meters cm	2993	1969
Power, hp with. at rpm	249/4000	235/4000
Max. cool. moment, Nm at rpm	620 / 2000-2500	480 / 1750-2250
Transmission, drive	AKP8	AKP8
Maksim. speed, km / h	240	220
Acceleration to 100 km / h, from	5,8	7,2
Fuel consumption, l	6	5,5
Cargo space, l	550	505
Price from, $.	40 387	40 620