Compare the Volvo XC90 to the BMW X5
See how this versatile SUV beats its rivals on the New Hampshire roads.
Stylish, spacious, and truly something special, the new Volvo XC90 is the lineup's most luxurious SUV that allows families from Portsmouth to get comfortable. At Volvo Cars of Exeter, we compare the Volvo XC90 to the luxury SUV competition, starting with the BMW X5, the original Sports Activity Vehicle®. See how the Scandinavian premium SUV surges past its German rival when grabbing the keys to a new Volvo XC90 in Exeter, NH.
Design
Both SUVs ride on standard 19-inch wheels, but the Volvo XC90's silver alloy wheels have a six-spoke turbine design, compared to a generic V-spoke design on the X5. Volvo's SUV gives Portsmouth drivers the chance to enjoy premium wheels with 20-inch 10-spoke black diamond cut alloy wheels.
Satin Aluminum roof rails come with the BMW X5, while the Volvo XC90 shines with bright integrated roof rails. Designed as a mid-size SAV, the BMW X5 has an aerodynamic exterior, starting with its active kidney grille and high-gloss black Aero Blades. The Volvo XC90 adds a more luxurious touch, thanks to a chrome frame and black insert for the front grille.
Performance
Fuel Economy
By adding new B5 and B6 mild-hybrid powertrains, the Volvo XC90 is now a significantly more fuel-efficient option than the BMW X5, which is rated for 21/26 (city/highway) miles per gallon. The Volvo XC90 earns up to 22 miles per gallon on the city streets of Exeter, NH, along with 38 miles per gallon on New England highways like I-95 between Portsmouth and York, ME.
The BMW X5 xDrive45e plug-in hybrid only offers 31 miles of range and a 52 MPGe rating, while the Volvo's plug-in hybrid, the Volvo XC90 Recharge, provides Portsmouth drivers with 36 miles of pure electric power and a 66 MPGe rating.
Engines
A 335-horsepower 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder BMW TwinPower Turbo powers base BMW X5 models and delivers 330 pound-feet of torque. Twin-turbocharged V8 engines are available, but only for the M performance models. BMW's plug-in hybrid doesn't reach 400 horsepower, while the Volvo XC90's plug-in hybrid is more powerful, producing 455 combined horsepower, along with 523 pound-feet of torque.
The base B5 powertrain in the Volvo XC90 produces 247 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, while B6 powertrains use the same mild hybrid system and 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine to generate 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque.
Maneuverability and Capability
Thanks to a tighter turning radius of a whole foot, the Volvo XC90 is an easier SUV for Exeter, NH drivers to maneuver on the streets of Portsmouth. The BMW X5 can tow 7,200 pounds, while the Volvo XC90 has a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, providing Portsmouth families with plenty of capability to haul trailers on future trips.
Interior Features and Cargo Space
Passenger Space, Cargo Capacity & Amenities
Despite offering room for seven, the BMW X5's third-row seating is only optional. The Volvo XC90 comes with three rows of seats and fits six to seven passengers. Volvo's SUV is the roomier option for Dover, NH families, who can work with 86 cubic feet of cargo space. BMW's SUV only offers a max cargo volume of 72 cubic feet. There's more legroom for third-row passengers in the Volvo XC90, which offers 31.9 inches to relax on rides from Exeter, NH to Portsmouth. The X5 offers 29.2 inches.
The Volvo XC90's ventilated Napa leather seats are more luxurious than the BMW X5's SensaTec upholstery. High-gloss wood trim and glass controls come with the X5, while the XC90 sports Iron Ore aluminum décor and aluminum Volvo tread plates. A panoramic moonroof comes with the X5, but the Volvo XC90's panoramic roof provides Portsmouth families with access to a power sunshade.
BMW's SUV doesn't offer the same cabin comforts across all three rows as the Volvo XC90, which maximizes relaxation for passengers in York, ME families with a CleanZone air purifier, a humidity sensor, afterrun parking climate, third-row air conditioning, and quad-zone automatic climate control.
Technology
Each SUV includes standard Apple CarPlay®/Android Auto™ integration so Exeter, NH drivers have easy access to their smartphone. The Volvo XC90's standard 12.3-inch instrument panel measures the same size as the X5's Dynamic Digital Instrument Cluster included with the BMW Live Cockpit Professional.
While the X5 provides an iDrive 7 Operating System and BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, it can't match the Volvo XC90's new Google built-in technology integrating Google Maps and Google Assistant as standard features. The Volvo XC90 also gives York, ME motorists a better listening experience with a Harman Kardon® Premium sound system or a high-end 19-speaker Bower & Wilkins sound system. The X5's HiFi Sound System only has 10 speakers.
Safety Features
Complementing Adaptive Cruise Control is Pilot Assist, a Volvo XC90 safety feature not offered by its rival. A Head-Up Display - not offered by the BMW X5 - lets Dover, NH drivers see information projected onto the windshield of their Volvo XC90. Thanks to BLISâ„¢ and Cross-Traffic Alert in the Volvo XC90, drivers from Dover, NH have more awareness, while the X5 provides Active Blind Spot Detection. You'll have an easy time parking this new Volvo SUV in Portsmouth. The Volvo XC90's Front and Rear Park Assist is similar to Park Distance Control in the X5.
Test Drive a New Volvo XC90 at Volvo Cars of Exeter
Roomier and more fuel-efficient, the Volvo XC90 is the clear choice for Portsmouth luxury SUV shoppers. The new Volvo XC90 even has a lower starting price to help York, ME customers save money. A trio of new trims - Core, Plus, and Ultimate - for the Volvo XC90 are available at our Exeter, NH Volvo dealer near Portsmouth. Contact Volvo Cars of Exeter today to schedule your Volvo XC90 test drive in Exeter, NH.
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