Volvo XC90 vs BMW X5

Command the road with confidence and sophistication—that’s exactly what happens when you slip behind the wheel of the Volvo XC90 or the BMW X5. Their sleek, refined profiles mirror your polished aesthetic, while every carefully crafted contour adds a touch of boldness, echoing the defining moments of your career.

A chrome front grille with a woven pattern leads the way as the Volvo XC90 cruises onto the scene. Its slimmer-than-before LED headlights and soft, elegant curves turn the XC90 into a fluid work of modern art, while the front air intake system teases at its rugged capability.

Conversely, the BMW X5 is drama incarnate. Its bold contours, striking lighting, and aggressive elements are designed to turn heads wherever you go—but is this the kind of statement you want to make? This industrial tone of the BMW X5 is conveyed with its color options, including shades of Manhattan Green, Brooklyn Grey, and Skyscraper Grey.

While the Volvo XC90 offers fewer color options, its shades better reflect your eco-conscious mindset and love for the outdoors. Silver Dawn shimmers like the first rays of sunshine, Bright Dusk mirrors the golden success of another day’s achievements, and Denim Blue is reminiscent of summers spent in your garden and countless outdoor adventures with your family.

Luxury can either be seen or experienced. Inside the BMW X5, it’s a concept built around modern touches like available glass controls, a dark Anthracite headliner, and warm depth created by genuine wood accent trim. The Volvo XC90, however, turns luxury into a sensory experience.

The Scandinavian philosophy of Lagom, or ‘just the right amount,’ is at the forefront of the Volvo XC90’s design process. It’s evident with elements like:

• Blond headliner that keeps the cabin feeling light and refreshed.
• Nordico upholstery that uses recycled PET bottles and PVC to create a sustainable textile.
• Checkered aluminum décor that adds depth to the cabin’s minimalist design.
• Genuine Swedish crystal gear shift that adds a touch of luxury.
• Tailored dashboard with color-coordinated seams that add discreet elegance.

The BMW X5 defines luxury through abundant choices, offering a wide range of upholstery colors, accent trims, and bold cabin elements that create a striking interior. In contrast, the XC90 embraces a more restrained approach, letting its premium materials and simplified design speak for themselves, striking a balance between elegance and sophistication.

Where will the day take you? If that can sometimes feel like an impossible question since your full calendar leads you through various environments, you’ll love the adaptable performance capabilities of the Volvo XC90 and the BMW X5.

Potent powertrains lie under their respective hoods and deliver excitement with every pedal press. With up to 295 horsepower (HP), the XC90 balances thrills with comfort. The result is perfectly achieved harmony between power and handling to enhance every commute. The BMW X5 takes a different approach to performance. It prioritizes race-like capabilities over everyday needs, as seen with its standard 375 HP.

The balanced approach Volvo takes to performance has its advantages, including:

• More efficient driving: The XC90 helps you travel farther distances with its EPA-estimated 23 city/30 highway MPG rating.^*
• Smoother driving experience: Built on the revolutionary Comfort Chassis system, the XC90 features higher ground clearance and a long wheelbase that minimizes the feeling of road imperfections, such as potholes and speed bumps.
• Enhanced handling: An All-wheel Drive (AWD) drivetrain comes standard with the XC90, enhancing traction on rain-slick streets and the dirt road that leads to your family’s favorite vacation spot.

While the BMW X5 tests performance limits, the Volvo XC90 emphasizes the importance of all driving aspects: fuel efficiency, comfort, and confidence.

As the Volvo XC90 and the BMW X5 deliver thrills, their cabins are magnificent. Whether cruising down the highway or navigating winding mountain roads, you can do so comfortably. Heated front seats and optional heated rear seats keep everyone warm on chilly nights and soothe back and shoulder muscles to help jump-start the recovery process after a demanding hike.

Optional ventilated front seats add a new layer to your comfort, helping you quickly cool down after hours spent in the sun. While this feature is offered with select XC90 trim levels, it’s only offered in a vehicle package upgrade with the X5. Only the XC90 has a wellness-inspired design that includes these thoughtful standard and available features:

• Air purifier: Features the world’s-first air quality system that prevents 95% of hazardous PM 2.5 particles from entering the cabin, allowing you to breathe cleaner, healthier air.
• Comfort Seats: Ergonomically designed and fully adjustable to your preferences, these seats help minimize driving fatigue.
• Powered side bolsters and cushion extension: Maximizes comfort by supporting your body’s curves.

Both SUVs offer VIP amenities; however, the Volvo XC90 offers luxury features that keep up with life’s twists and turns.

Mornings can be a whirlwind of activity. The Volvo XC90 and the BMW X5 are designed to streamline your commute, offering thoughtful features that bring ease and calm to even the busiest starts. For example, backing out of the busy school parking lot is easy with either SUV since each features a standard Cross Traffic Alert system.

With the enhanced confidence found in your SUV, you can turn up the volume and set the mood for the day with your favorite songs. Available audio systems provide enhanced music clarity, but which offers the immersive experience you crave?

Google built-in, exclusive to the XC90, streamlines your commute with features like best-in-class navigation and Google Assistant. Use voice commands to find the perfect lunch spot for a meeting with a high-value client, send an update to your team, and more. Can you already see how Google built-in will enhance productivity?

Picture loading up your family for a trip and being confident you’ll reach your destination safely. The Volvo XC90 and the BMW X5 are designed for long-term comfort and confidence.

A standard wireless phone charger helps keep your device operating at 100 percent throughout your trip and keeps the cabin clear of cluttered charging cords. Each SUV also has an optional Head-Up Display that projects essential driving data onto a portion of the windshield. This way, you’re always informed and never have to take your eyes off the wheel.

While each SUV has road trip-ready features, one of these models offers more capabilities that will help you arrive feeling rejuvenated.

The XC90's extra room and standard amenities are invaluable when you have miles of commuting ahead. The only question that remains is which family trip you’ll plan first.