2027 Volvo EX60 vs. 2027 BMW iX3: Next-Gen EVs Compared

• What these are: These two fully electric crossovers are truly next-gen products from their respective brands.
• Why the matter: EVs aren't going anywhere, and these two hit the heart of the market in terms of both size, range and price.
• Edmunds says: While not a full comparison, this breakdown proves these two classic automakers are closer in competition than ever before.

The EX60 P10 uses a 91-kWh (usable capacity) battery and delivers a Volvo-estimated max of 322 miles on a single charge, depending on wheel size. Volvo also says the EX60 has a peak charge rate of 370 kW. The iX3 delivers up to 434 miles, again, with the right wheel size bolted on. BMW also says the iX3 can charge at up to 400 kW, though you'll have a tricky time finding a charger strong enough to reach the peak speeds on either of these EVs. 

The gap between these two when it comes to range is sizable, but it's worth keeping in mind that BMW stuffs a lot more battery underneath the body of the iX3. A little back-of-the-napkin math reveals the EX60 should net 3.5 miles of travel per kWh used, and the iX3 will get you 3.8 miles. Though the extra range will make a difference in the real world, these two are right on top of each other when it comes to delivering efficiency. 

Interior arrangements 

These two aren't just close in terms of efficiency; their dimensions are also surprisingly close. In overall length, the Volvo and BMW are 189.1 inches and 188.3 inches, respectively. The Volvo has a longer wheelbase (the distance between the center of the front and rear axle) at 116.9 inches to the Bimmer's 114.1 inches. That should net the Volvo a little more in the way of legroom for passengers both front and back. In terms of overall height, they differ by less than half an inch. 

After having spent time in both of these cars, there's very little to separate the two in terms of feel when it comes to space. The BMW is a touch wider and gives better shoulder room to the front passenger, but visibility out of the Volvo is a touch better because it has more glass. They both feel on par when it comes to build quality, but the Volvo's material choices might take the win here — everything you touch in the Volvo feels truly high-quality, whereas the BMW will show you some downmarket plastics if you look for them. 

Both use large landscape displays bolted to the center of the dashboard. The BMW uses software built in-house by BMW itself, whereas Volvo uses Google automotive software that's been reskinned by the brand. Both systems are super snappy and responsive, and the screens are easy to get the hang of in a snap. The Volvo's interface is a touch more user-friendly, though, mostly because fewer things are buried deep down in menus. 

The biggest difference is BMW's Panoramic iDrive, which displays key info (speed, range, state of charge, etc.) onto a black strip at the base of the dashboard — it's actually a projection, not another screen. The Volvo uses a small display ahead of the driver, nestled up into the dashboard, that can display maps, driver assistance info and more. Both offer plenty from a tech perspective, and neither overloads you with a deluge of screen for the sake of it the way the new Mercedes GLC EV does. 

Pricing for these two is pretty even, but only at the start. The EX60 P10 Plus starts at $62,145, and the P10 Ultra comes pretty much fully loaded at $68,745. The iX3 is priced from $62,850, a dead ringer for the EX60, right? The problem is that a lot of optional equipment, including a passable Harman Kardon sound system (when the Volvo gives you a 21-speaker Bose system as standard and 28 speakers from Bowers & Wilkins if you upgrade further), will quickly skyrocket the price. Load up the iX3 to match the Volvo, and the price comes in closer to $74,000.

We'll wait to pass final judgment on these two until we get them in for testing and put them head-to-head, but it's clear these two offerings are bringing Volvo and BMW into closer contention than ever.