2024 BMW X5 vs 2023 Volvo XC90

Stylistically, the 2023 Volvo XC90 marked a significant departure from Volvo's past designs, which were often likened to rolling bricks. The XC90 presented a purposeful yet understated appearance, with a stout and solid front end that avoided being overly flashy. The grille was assertive without being too large, and the "Thor’s Hammer" headlights added a modern touch absent in older Volvo models. The XC90's rectilinear dimensions and shape were still present, but it no longer resembled a toaster.

Our test vehicle, an AWD Ultimate trim, featured 21-inch wheels with low-profile Pirelli Scorpion all-season tires, adding a bit of drama to the otherwise stoic XC90. The Platinum Gray paint had brown undertones, giving it richness and depth, though Volvo's color palette remained conservative. Inside, the XC90's design was elegant, with two-tone leather on the steering wheel, metal Bowers and Wilkins speaker covers, an Orrefors crystal shift knob, and luxurious Nappa leather upholstery. The minimalist interior featured wood deco inlays and few physical controls, creating a clean and beautiful look.

The 2024 BMW X5, last redesigned in 2019, maintained a well-aged styling, though the M Sport treatment was less appealing, making it look more like a station wagon with a black mask. Our test vehicle, an xDrive50e M Sport, featured optional 21-inch wheels and Brooklyn Grey paint, with an MSRP of $88,075. The 2024 model received a light styling refresh and added the BMW Curved Display instrumentation and infotainment screen, modernizing the interior while reducing physical switchgear. Despite these updates, the X5 retained old-school BMW quality in materials and construction.

For 2023, Volvo replaced its older turbocharged engines in the XC90 with new B5 and B6 engines, incorporating mild-hybrid technology. The B5 engine, with a turbocharger and 48-volt mild-hybrid system, produced 247 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Our test car had the B6 powertrain, which combined a supercharger, turbo, and mild-hybrid tech to deliver 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. The mild-hybrid system improved fuel efficiency and smoothness, though the benefits were minimal. The XC90's driving experience was enjoyable but reserved, with quick acceleration, a responsive eight-speed automatic transmission, and excellent brakes. The XC90 handled well in a New Hampshire snowstorm, though dedicated winter tires would have provided more confidence.

The 2024 BMW X5 xDrive50e PHEV featured a new, more powerful electric motor and a 19.2 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, offering 38 miles of electric-only driving and 22 mpg in combined driving. The xDrive50e produced 483 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, accelerating to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds. The PHEV performed well in hybrid mode, achieving better efficiency than expected. Equipped with an adaptive damping air suspension, the X5 handled its weight well, providing a comfortable ride despite the large 21-inch wheels. The X5 excelled in a spirited drive on Mulholland Highway, delivering excellent acceleration, grip, and steering response. The brakes performed well, and the PHEV even gained battery charge during the drive.

The 2023 Volvo XC90's front seats were peaceful and pleasant, but the Scandinavian minimalism led to some space and storage frustrations. There was limited cubby space for smaller items, and the USB port for phone charging was inconveniently located. The second row was comfortable but challenging to adjust, and accessing the third row was difficult with the standard bench seat. The XC90 offered 12.5 cubic feet of cargo space with the third row in place, 41.8 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 65.5 cubic feet with all rear seats folded, falling short of competitors like the Audi Q7 and Acura MDX.

The 2024 BMW X5 xDrive50e provided room for five people in two rows, with a 33.1 cubic-foot cargo area that expanded to 71.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The split liftgate design offered a convenient seating area but required stretching to reach deep cargo. The X5's standard Sensafin artificial leather upholstery was convincing, and the Climate Comfort Package added 20-way power-adjustable front seats, four-zone climate control, and heated rear seats. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed supportive cushions and a panoramic sunroof. The X5 no longer offered a third-row seat, requiring buyers to consider the BMW X7 for that feature.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 featured a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment display running Google OS, with Google Maps, Spotify, NPR, and Google Assistant as standard features. The natural-language recognition was excellent, but many key functions were buried within the touchscreen interface, leading to frustration. The minimalist design lacked physical buttons, making it challenging to adjust settings like the heated steering wheel or driver’s seat position. While these issues might fade with daily use, they were notable during our test.

The 2024 BMW X5 introduced the BMW Curved Display, combining a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel with a 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system running iDrive 8.5. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L, connected services, and over-the-air updates. The Intelligent Personal Assistant, however, struggled with voice recognition, often providing incorrect directions. Despite this, the head-up display and augmented video function for navigation were useful. The Harman Kardon sound system was excellent, and the interface was intuitive, though the reduction in physical controls was less favorable.

The 2023 Volvo XC90 was renowned for its safety, carrying a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and Pilot Assist technology, which maintained distance and lane position from a standstill to highway speeds.

The 2024 BMW X5 added Highway Assistant, a hands-free driving assistance system, which worked well in dense or light traffic but could be frustrating in moderate traffic. The adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance performed well, though the system occasionally engaged the brakes without cause. The IIHS gave the X5 high ratings, but lower headlight ratings prevented it from earning a safety award. The NHTSA rated the X5 four stars overall.