BMW iX3 vs Volvo EX60: Which Electric SUV Should You Buy in 2026?
BMW iX3 vs Volvo EX60 — which is the better electric SUV for 2026?
Two premium electric SUVs. Two brand-new models. Two huge batteries. 800-volt charging. Around 500 miles of potential range.
On paper, the BMW iX3 and Volvo EX60 are incredibly closely matched.
But there are some pretty big differences once you start looking beyond the numbers.
We got our hands on the new BMW iX3 for a UK road test and also had a close look around the new Volvo EX60 at a UK media event.
There is one important point before we start: we drove the BMW iX3, but the Volvo EX60 available to us was a pre-production static car, so we haven't yet been able to give the Volvo a proper UK driving review.
That means this isn't a definitive head-to-head road test — but it does give us a really interesting first look at two of the most important new premium electric SUVs of 2026.
So, BMW iX3 or Volvo EX60?
Let's take a closer look.
BMW iX3 vs Volvo EX60: The quick comparison
BMW iX3 50 xDriveVolvo EX60 P10 AWDStarting priceFrom £58,755From £59,860Power469hp510hpDriveAWDAWDBattery108.7kWh95kWhWLTP rangeUp to 500 milesUp to 410.1 miles0-62mph4.9 seconds4.6 secondsDC chargingUp to 400kWUp to 400kW10-80% charging21 minutesAround 16 minutesBoot520 litresAround 523 litres*Frunk58 litres—Seats55
*Boot figures can vary depending on specification and measurement method.
The BMW's official figures give it up to 500 miles of WLTP range, while the Volvo EX60 P10 AWD is officially listed at up to 410.1 miles. Volvo's range-topping P12 AWD increases that to 503.3 miles.
BMW iX3 review: First impressions
Let's start with the BMW.
This is the first model from BMW's new generation of electric cars, and it brings some pretty major changes to the brand.
The car we tested was the BMW iX3 50 xDrive M Sport Pro, producing 469hp.
And straight away, there is something you notice about this car:
It feels like a BMW.
The steering wheel feels fantastic, the driving position is excellent and visibility is very good.
But the biggest talking point inside has to be the new BMW Panoramic Vision display.
BMW Panoramic Vision
This is one of those features that photographs simply don't do justice.
Instead of having a conventional instrument display directly behind the steering wheel, BMW projects information across a display running along the base of the windscreen.
It gives the dashboard a completely different appearance.
And when you're sitting in the driver's seat, it feels surprisingly natural.
You can see information such as navigation, speed and driving data without having to look down.
Our tester was initially unsure whether they'd miss a conventional display.
They didn't.
In fact, the Panoramic Vision system quickly became one of the favourite features of the car.
BMW also allows you to customise the information displayed across it.
The new iX3 also has a large central 17.9-inch infotainment display, with BMW's latest Panoramic iDrive interface.
BMW iX3 driving: This is where BMW gets interesting
This is the part of the comparison where we have much more experience, because we actually drove the BMW.
And our first impression?
It's quick.
Very quick.
The BMW iX3 50 xDrive produces 469hp and 645Nm, with a claimed 0-62mph time of 4.9 seconds.
Put your foot down and the response is immediate.
But outright acceleration isn't actually what impressed us most.
It's the way the BMW handles.
The BMW iX3 feels like a BMW
There is a level of connection through the steering and chassis that we don't always get from modern electric SUVs.
As you increase the speed, the steering weights up.
The body stays remarkably composed.
And even when we deliberately took the iX3 over some particularly nasty bumps at the SMMT test area, the suspension dealt with them surprisingly well.
Rather than crashing through the cabin, the bumps were absorbed with relatively gentle thuds.
For an SUV weighing more than two tonnes, that's impressive.
We also noticed very little body roll when pushing through corners.
And this is where the BMW starts to make sense.
It's not just a fast electric SUV.
It actually feels engineered around the person driving it.
BMW Heart of Joy: What's it actually about?
BMW has introduced something called Heart of Joy with the new iX3.
The name sounds slightly strange, but the idea is interesting.
Instead of having separate control units managing different elements of the car, BMW has brought key driving functions together into a central high-performance computer.
That includes areas such as:
Electric motor control
Stability control
ABS
Regenerative braking
Driving dynamics
BMW says the Heart of Joy computer processes information significantly faster than previous systems.
And from our drive, it certainly seemed to contribute to the way the iX3 responds.
The regenerative braking can work across both axles, and BMW's Soft Stop system is designed to make coming to a halt smoother.
It's one of those technologies that you don't necessarily notice when it's working properly.
But that's arguably the point.
BMW iX3 range: Can it really do 500 miles?
This is one of the biggest claims surrounding the new iX3.
BMW says the iX3 range extends to up to 500 miles WLTP, depending on specification. The current UK range for the iX3 spans approximately 331-500 miles depending on model and equipment.
But there's a big difference between WLTP and real-world driving.
During our test, we looked at the car's longer-term efficiency.
After around 2,500 miles, the car had averaged enough efficiency for us to calculate a real-world range of approximately 302 miles.
That's obviously a long way below the headline 500-mile figure.
But it's also important to remember that this is one vehicle's accumulated usage and isn't a controlled range test.
It does, however, illustrate why we wouldn't buy an EV purely because of its WLTP number.
If you're regularly getting around 300 miles from a charge, that's still a very usable range for many drivers.
BMW iX3 charging
Charging is another area where the new BMW is seriously impressive.
The iX3 50 xDrive supports up to 400kW DC charging.
BMW quotes approximately 21 minutes for a 10-80% charge under suitable conditions. It can also add up to around 231 miles of WLTP range in 10 minutes at a sufficiently powerful charger.
At home, however, things are considerably slower.
BMW quotes around 11 hours using 11kW AC charging, or approximately 5.5 hours with 22kW AC equipment where supported.
For a typical UK home with a 7kW wallbox, you should expect longer again.
But realistically, you're unlikely to empty a 108.7kWh battery every night.
For most owners, plugging in overnight should be perfectly adequate.
BMW iX3 interior: Tech overload?
The BMW's interior is futuristic.
But thankfully, it doesn't feel like BMW has completely forgotten how to build a driver's car.
The steering wheel is excellent.
The seats in the M Sport Pro are supportive.
There's plenty of adjustment.
And the controls that are available are generally well positioned.
We particularly liked the tactile feel of the buttons and the way the steering wheel fits your hands.
BMW has also introduced what it calls Shy Tech.
The idea is simple:
Buttons only illuminate when their functions are available.
It's a small feature, but it helps keep the cabin looking clean.
BMW iX3 infotainment: Brilliant or complicated?
This is where we had mixed feelings.
BMW's infotainment system gives you a huge amount of functionality.
There are driving modes, customisation options, M-related data, a driving recorder and numerous settings.
But there are so many options that you could probably spend a good afternoon working out where everything lives.
We even joked during the video that you need a degree to navigate BMW's infotainment system.
Thankfully, some useful shortcuts make everyday functions much easier.
For example, you can quickly access things like:
Speed-limit warning
Lane-keeping assistance
Driving modes
Trip information
So although the system is powerful, you don't necessarily have to dive through menus every time you drive.
BMW iX3 boot space
The BMW iX3 offers 520 litres of luggage space, expanding to up to 1,750 litres with the rear seats folded. There's also a 58-litre front storage compartment.
During our walkaround, the boot looked genuinely practical.
The rear seats are split 40:20:40, which is particularly useful if you're carrying something long without wanting to sacrifice all of your rear seating.
And the frunk is a nice bonus.
At 58 litres, there's enough room for charging cables and other bits you don't necessarily want rattling around in the main luggage compartment.
BMW iX3 rear seats
The rear of the BMW surprised us.
There's plenty of legroom, reasonable headroom and a flat floor.
The seats themselves felt comfortable, while the large windows helped make the rear cabin feel open.
You also get rear ventilation and USB-C connectivity.
For a premium family SUV, it's a strong package.
Now let's look at the Volvo EX60
This is where we need to be careful.
We didn't drive the Volvo EX60.
The car available to us was a pre-production example at a media event.
Volvo itself says the EX60 figures currently shown are preliminary and subject to certification, so the final specification should always be checked before ordering.
But we were able to spend a decent amount of time exploring it.
And our first impression?
This feels very Volvo.
It's light.
It's minimalist.
It's Scandinavian.
And compared with the BMW, it feels more restrained.
Volvo EX60 price UK
The Volvo EX60 currently starts from £56,860 in the UK for the P6 Electric.
The current range includes:
Volvo EX60 P6
From £56,860
83kWh battery
Rear-wheel drive
374hp
Up to 379.7 miles range
0-62mph in 5.9 seconds
Volvo EX60 P10 AWD
From £59,860
95kWh battery
All-wheel drive
510hp
Up to 410.1 miles range
0-62mph in 4.6 seconds
Volvo EX60 P12 AWD
From £64,860
117kWh battery
All-wheel drive
680hp
Up to 503.3 miles range
0-62mph in 3.9 seconds
These are the current figures listed by Volvo UK.
Volvo EX60 range: 503 miles
The range-topping P12 is the number that grabs the headlines.
503.3 miles.
That's an enormous claimed range for an electric SUV.
It comes from a huge 117kWh battery.
But here's the obvious question:
Do you actually need it?
That's something we discussed during the video.
If you charge at home most of the time and rarely drive hundreds of miles in one journey, you may not need a 500-mile electric SUV.
The cheaper P6 offers up to 379.7 miles of WLTP range, while the P10 AWD manages up to 410.1 miles.
For many drivers, that could already be more than enough.
Volvo EX60 charging
The EX60 is also based around 800-volt technology.
Volvo says the P6 can charge at up to 350kW, while the P10 and P12 support up to 400kW DC charging.
The claimed 10-80% charging times are:
P6: around 16 minutes
P10: around 16 minutes
P12: around 19 minutes
Again, these figures depend on having an appropriately powerful charger and suitable conditions.
The big-battery P12 also takes longer to charge from empty at home simply because there's so much more battery to fill.
Volvo quotes around 12 hours for a 0-100% three-phase 16A charge for the P12.
Volvo EX60 interior
This is where the two cars take very different approaches.
The BMW feels technological.
The Volvo feels calm.
There's a large central touchscreen, simple controls and a mixture of materials designed to create that Scandinavian atmosphere.
Our pre-production car also had some interesting materials, including fabric-style sections and wood.
We liked the overall ambience.
It's bright, airy and minimalist.
But the BMW's panoramic display is more dramatic.
In fact, when we compared the two interiors, our verdict was that the BMW's Panoramic Vision system was the more impressive piece of technology.
That's not necessarily a criticism of Volvo.
It's simply a difference in philosophy.
Volvo EX60 practicality
This is where the Volvo started to impress us.
There appeared to be more useful storage throughout the cabin than in the BMW.
There were clever little storage solutions, cupholders and additional spaces that make the EX60 feel designed around everyday family life.
The rear seats were also comfortable.
There's good legroom, climate controls for rear passengers and ISOFIX points.
The cabin has that typical Volvo feeling of being designed around comfort rather than outright visual drama.
Volvo EX60 boot space
Volvo quotes a boot capacity of around 523 litres for the EX60, compared with 520 litres for the BMW iX3.
On paper, that's basically a draw.
But when we actually looked inside the Volvo, the storage underneath the boot floor impressed us.
There was a large additional area beneath the main floor, along with side storage and a 40:20:40 split-fold rear seat arrangement.
That makes the EX60 a very practical family SUV.
And when you're comparing two cars that are this close, these little details matter.
Volvo EX60 exterior design
This is where our opinions were much clearer.
We preferred the look of the Volvo.
The EX60 has a smoother, more understated design than the BMW.
The headlights have that distinctive Volvo signature, while the overall shape looks sophisticated without being too flashy.
The BMW iX3, by comparison, is much more divisive.
You will either love the new BMW design language or hate it.
During our video, we gave the BMW's exterior different scores — one of us gave it a 7/10, while the other gave it an 8/10.
The Volvo, meanwhile, felt like the safer design for a wider audience.
It's modern without being quite as controversial.
BMW iX3 vs Volvo EX60: Which has the better design?
This is completely subjective, but our preference was the Volvo.
The BMW is more dramatic.
The Volvo is more understated.
The BMW is likely to attract more attention.
The Volvo is probably easier to imagine appealing to a wider range of family buyers.
And that's an important distinction.
BMW has taken a risk with the new iX3.
Volvo has evolved its existing design language rather than completely reinventing it.
BMW iX3 vs Volvo EX60: Range
If maximum range is your priority, the answer depends on which versions you're comparing.
The BMW iX3 50 xDrive can achieve up to 500 miles WLTP.
The Volvo P12 can achieve up to 503.3 miles.
So at the top of the range, they're almost identical on paper.
But the cheaper Volvo P6 still offers nearly 380 miles.
And the BMW iX3 50 has the advantage of a large 108.7kWh battery and a claimed 456-500-mile range depending on configuration.
Our real-world BMW experience also showed why WLTP figures need context.
The car's accumulated efficiency suggested approximately 302 miles of real-world range based on its 2,500-mile history.
That's not a scientific range test, but it's a useful reminder that 500 miles WLTP doesn't mean 500 miles on every motorway journey.
BMW iX3 vs Volvo EX60: Charging
Both cars are serious contenders here.
The BMW iX3 50:
400kW maximum DC charging
10-80% in around 21 minutes
The Volvo P10:
400kW maximum DC charging
10-80% in around 16 minutes
The Volvo therefore has the faster quoted charging time in P10 form.
But both are operating in the same ultra-rapid charging territory.
The bigger question is whether you can actually find a charger capable of delivering those speeds.
BMW iX3 vs Volvo EX60: Performance
Again, there's very little between them.
BMW iX3 50 xDrive
469hp
645Nm
0-62mph: 4.9 seconds
Volvo EX60 P10 AWD
510hp
710Nm
0-62mph: 4.6 seconds
Volvo EX60 P12 AWD
680hp
790Nm
0-62mph: 3.9 seconds
The Volvo therefore has the headline performance advantage in P10 and P12 form.
But we haven't driven the EX60 yet.
So we cannot honestly tell you whether the Volvo actually feels better to drive.
That's something we'll need to wait for a proper road test to establish.
BMW iX3 vs Volvo EX60: Which is more practical?
On paper, they're extremely close.
The BMW has:
520-litre boot
58-litre frunk
40:20:40 rear seats
The Volvo has:
Around 523-litre boot
Useful underfloor storage
40:20:40 rear seats
The Volvo's clever storage impressed us during the static inspection.
The BMW's frunk is another useful advantage.
So there isn't a dramatic difference here.
Both look capable of doing the family SUV job.
BMW iX3 vs Volvo EX60: The biggest difference
Perhaps the biggest difference isn't a specification at all.
It's character.
The BMW feels like a driver's electric SUV.
The Volvo feels like a comfortable, minimalist Scandinavian family SUV.
The BMW puts its technology right in front of you.
The Volvo tries to make technology blend into the cabin.
The BMW has a more dramatic exterior.
The Volvo is more understated.
And the BMW is the only one we've actually driven so far.
What we liked about the BMW iX3
👍 Excellent driving dynamics
The steering, suspension and body control impressed us.
👍 Panoramic Vision
One of the most interesting new dashboard technologies we've experienced.
👍 Huge claimed range
Up to 500 miles WLTP is a serious figure.
👍 Very fast charging
Up to 400kW DC and around 21 minutes from 10-80%.
👍 Good practicality
520-litre boot plus 58-litre frunk.
👍 Comfortable seats
The M Sport Pro seats offered good support and bolstering.
What we didn't like about the BMW iX3
👎 The new design won't suit everyone
The front end is particularly divisive.
👎 Infotainment can be complicated
There are loads of functions, but finding them isn't always straightforward.
👎 Regen adjustment is buried
There's no simple set of paddles for changing regeneration.
👎 Limited storage
The cabin doesn't feel as storage-focused as some rivals.
👎 Real-world range isn't 500 miles
Our accumulated test figure was closer to 302 miles based on the car's observed efficiency.
What we liked about the Volvo EX60
👍 Excellent range potential
The P12's claimed 503.3 miles is huge.
👍 Comfortable, minimalist interior
The cabin feels very Scandinavian.
👍 Lots of clever storage
There are plenty of practical touches.
👍 Strong charging performance
Up to 400kW DC charging on the P10 and P12.
👍 Understated styling
We preferred the EX60's design to the BMW's.
👍 Huge performance potential
The P12 produces 680hp and does 0-62mph in 3.9 seconds.
What we need to find out about the Volvo EX60
This is important.
We haven't driven it yet.
So there are several questions that remain unanswered.
How does the suspension cope with British potholes?
How does the steering feel?
How much body roll is there?
What's the real-world motorway range?
How efficient is the P10?
How intuitive is the infotainment system when you're actually driving?
And perhaps most importantly:
Does it have the same driving engagement as the BMW iX3?
Those are questions that can only really be answered after a proper road test.
BMW iX3 vs Volvo EX60: Which one should you buy?
This is where we are not going to give you a simple "buy this one" answer yet.
The BMW has been driven and has impressed us with its driving dynamics, technology and comfort.
The Volvo impressed us with its design, practicality, minimalist interior and enormous range potential.
But the EX60 still needs a proper road test.
So our current view is more about what each car offers.
If you want driving involvement
The BMW iX3 has shown strong credentials in our test, with excellent steering, body control and a genuinely engaging chassis.
If you want Scandinavian minimalism
The Volvo EX60 has the calmer, more understated interior and exterior approach.
If you want maximum range
The Volvo P12 currently has the highest headline figure at 503.3 miles, narrowly ahead of the BMW's 500-mile maximum claim.
If you want maximum performance
The Volvo P12 produces 680hp and claims 0-62mph in 3.9 seconds, compared with 469hp and 4.9 seconds for the BMW iX3 50 xDrive.
If you want the lower entry price
The Volvo EX60 starts from £56,860, while BMW currently lists the new iX3 from £58,755.
BMW iX3 vs Volvo EX60 verdict
This was a really interesting comparison because, on paper, these cars are remarkably close.
Both are premium electric SUVs.
Both have 800-volt charging.
Both can cover huge distances.
Both have clever technology.
Both offer plenty of family practicality.
But they approach the job differently.
The BMW iX3 feels like the car for someone who still wants the traditional BMW driving experience — just without the petrol or diesel engine.
The steering is excellent, the chassis feels composed and the Heart of Joy technology makes the car feel extremely responsive.
The Volvo EX60 feels more relaxed and minimalist.
We preferred its exterior design and liked the way Volvo has approached the interior and storage.
But there's one big asterisk:
We haven't driven the Volvo yet.
So although our video discussion suggested the BMW was the more complete all-round package at this stage, that isn't a final verdict on the two cars.
Once we get the EX60 onto British roads, we'll be able to properly answer the question.
And that could make this comparison even more interesting.
BMW iX3 vs Volvo EX60: Our current verdict
BMW iX3: More driver-focused, impressive technology, excellent chassis and strong real-world impressions.
Volvo EX60: More minimalist, more understated styling, clever practicality and huge range potential.
The winner of the road test?
We'll have to wait until we've actually driven the Volvo.
And that's exactly why we're looking forward to getting our hands on one.
BMW iX3 vs Volvo EX60: Quick FAQs
How much is the BMW iX3 in the UK?
The new BMW iX3 currently starts from £58,755 in the UK, with the range extending upward depending on model and specification.
How much is the Volvo EX60 in the UK?
The Volvo EX60 currently starts from £56,860 for the P6 Electric. The P10 AWD starts from £59,860 and the P12 AWD from £64,860.
What is the BMW iX3's range?
The BMW iX3 range extends up to 500 miles WLTP, depending on model and specification.
What is the Volvo EX60's range?
The Volvo EX60 P6 is listed at up to 379.7 miles, the P10 at up to 410.1 miles and the P12 at up to 503.3 miles. Volvo notes that these figures are preliminary and subject to certification.
Which charges faster, the BMW iX3 or Volvo EX60?
Both support extremely rapid DC charging. The BMW iX3 50 can charge from 10-80% in around 21 minutes, while Volvo quotes around 16 minutes for the EX60 P10.
Is the BMW iX3 good to drive?
Based on our UK road test, yes, the iX3 impressed us with its steering, suspension, body control and responsiveness. It felt more engaging than many electric SUVs we've driven recently.
Has Car Chat TV driven the Volvo EX60?
Not yet at the time of this comparison. We inspected a pre-production EX60 at a media event, but it wasn't available for our road test. We're therefore not presenting our static impressions as a driving verdict.
Final thoughts
The BMW iX3 vs Volvo EX60 is shaping up to be one of the most interesting premium electric SUV comparisons of 2026.
The BMW brings a huge range, rapid charging, impressive technology and the kind of driving dynamics you'd expect from the brand.
The Volvo counters with a minimalist cabin, sophisticated styling, clever practicality and a range-topping model capable of more than 500 miles on paper.
And the prices are remarkably close.
So which would you choose?
BMW iX3 or Volvo EX60?
Let us know in the comments — and keep an eye out for our full Volvo EX60 road test once we finally get the keys.
And if you want to see exactly what the new BMW iX3 is like on British roads, watch the full Car Chat TV video above.
