Volvo XC90 vs BMW X5: Which Luxury SUV Offers Bang For Your Buck?

Volvo recently refreshed its flagship SUV, the XC90, with a revised design and interior, giving it a new persona and amplifying its desirability in its segment. Amongst its key rivals is the BMW X5, which is well-regarded amongst buyers for its luxury and dynamic driving character. In this read, we compare both models to help you decide which premium SUV you should go for based on your preferences.

Dimensions

In terms of size, the XC90 is longer and taller than the X5, with a wheelbase that’s only 9 mm longer. However, the X5 is a wider SUV than the XC90, which enhances its aggressive styling and road presence.

Features

Equipment	Volvo XC90	BMW X5
LED headlamps With DRLs	Yes	Yes
Wheel-size	20-inch alloy wheels	21-inch alloy wheels
Infotainment	11.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system	14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system
Digital Driver’s Display	Yes, 12.3-inch	Yes, 12.3-inch
Android Auto And Apple CarPlay	Yes	Yes
Heads-up display	Yes	Yes
Powered front seats	Yes, with memory and massage function	Yes, with memory function
Seat Ventilation	Yes, along with heated function	Yes
Sunroof	Yes, panoramic	Panoramic glass roof
Automatic climate control	Yes, four-zone	Yes, four-zone
Wireless phone charging	Yes	No
Sound system	19 Bowers and Wilkins speakers	16-speaker Harman Kardon sound system
Ambient lighting	Yes	Yes
NFC-based digital card key	No, remote key function only	Yes, integrated into smartphone
Connected car tech	Yes	Yes
Airbags	7	8
ADAS Features	Yes	Yes
Tyre Pressure Monitoring System	Yes	Yes
360-degree Camera	Yes	Yes
Electronic parking brake with auto hold function	Yes	Yes

Feature-wise, both SUVs are evenly matched, offering conveniences like powered ventilated seats, connected car tech, and multi-zone automatic climate control. However, the XC90 provides a bit more luxury than the X5 with a superior audio system, massaging seats, and enhanced safety through ADAS. On the other hand, the X5 stands out with larger alloy wheels, a bigger infotainment system, and a digital key that integrates with your smartphone.

Powertrain Specifications

Parameter	Volvo XC90	BMW X5
Engine Capacity	2-litre turbo-petrol engine with mild-hybrid tech	3-litre turbo-petrol engine with mild-hybrid tech	3-litre diesel engine with mild-hybrid tech
Power	250 PS	381 PS	286 PS
Torque	360 Nm	520 Nm	650 Nm
Transmission	8-speed automatic	8-speed automatic	8-speed automatic
Drivetrain	All-wheel	All-wheel	All-wheel

The BMW X5 not only offers more engine options than the XC90 but also more powerful ones. When comparing their turbo-petrol powertrains, the X5’s petrol unit delivers over 130 PS and 160 Nm more, thanks to its larger capacity. Additionally, with the X5 you also get a diesel engine choice that generates 36 PS more than the XC90's 2-litre turbo-petrol while producing 290 Nm of additional torque. Both SUVs come paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel-drive system.

Price and Rivals

When it comes to pricing, the X5 undercuts the XC90 by around Rs 5 lakh. However, you will need to spend Rs 9 lakh more for the top-spec X5 compared to the XC90, which is available in a single variant. Apart from rivalling each other, both SUVs take on the likes of the Mercedes-Benz GLE and the Audi Q7.

Verdict

With its well-rounded package and multiple powertrain options, the BMW X5 emerges as the better pick between the two. However, if you prefer a larger, more family-oriented SUV and, most importantly, with a 7-seat layout, the XC90 is a better choice, especially since the India-spec X5 does not offer a three-row seat configuration.

So, which one will you pick? Let us know in the comments.