2019 BMW X6 vs. 2019 Volvo V90

A passive infrared night vision system optional on the X6 helps the driver to more easily detect people, animals or other objects in front of the vehicle at night. Using an infrared camera to detect heat, the system then displays the image on a monitor in the dashboard. The V90 doesn’t offer a night vision system.

Both the X6 and the V90 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, plastic fuel tanks, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, available all wheel drive, around view monitors and driver alert monitors.

The BMW X6 weighs 416 to 1167 pounds more than the Volvo V90. The NHTSA advises that heavier vehicles are much safer in collisions than their significantly lighter counterparts.

There are over 15 percent more BMW dealers than there are Volvo dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the X6’s warranty.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the X6 first among midsize premium SUVs in their 2018 Initial Quality Study. The V90 isn’t in the top three in its category.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2018 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that BMW vehicles are better in initial quality than Volvo vehicles. J.D. Power ranks BMW 11th in initial quality, above the industry average. With 35 more problems per 100 vehicles, Volvo is ranked 29th, below the industry average.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2018 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that BMW vehicles are more reliable than Volvo vehicles. J.D. Power ranks BMW 8th in reliability, above the industry average. With 35 more problems per 100 vehicles, Volvo is ranked 22nd.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ December 2018 Auto Issue reports that BMW vehicles are more reliable than Volvo vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks BMW 21 places higher in reliability than Volvo.

The X6 s/xDrive35i’s standard 3.0 turbo 6 cyl. produces 52 more horsepower (302 vs. 250) and 37 lbs.-ft. more torque (295 vs. 258) than the V90 T5’s standard 2.0 turbo 4 cyl. The X6 xDrive50i’s standard 4.4 turbo V8 produces 129 more horsepower (445 vs. 316) and 184 lbs.-ft. more torque (479 vs. 295) than the V90 T6’s standard 2.0 DOHC 4 cyl.

As tested in Motor Trend the X6 s/xDrive35i is faster than the V90 T6:

The X6 has 7.9 gallons more fuel capacity than the V90 FWD’s standard fuel tank (22.4 vs. 14.5 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups. The X6 has 6.5 gallons more fuel capacity than the V90 AWD’s standard fuel tank (22.4 vs. 15.9 gallons).

The X6’s launch control uses engine electronics to hold engine RPM’s precisely in order to provide the most stable and rapid acceleration possible, using all of the available traction. The V90 doesn’t offer launch control.

For better stopping power the X6’s brake rotors are larger than those on the V90:

The X6 stops shorter than the V90:

For better traction, the X6’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the V90 (F:275/40R20 & R:315/35R20 vs. 255/40R19).

The X6 xDrive50i’s optional 315/30R21 rear tires provide better handling because they have a lower 30 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the V90’s optional 35 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the X6 xDrive50i offers optional 21-inch wheels. The V90’s largest wheels are only 20-inches.

Changing a flat tire near traffic can be dangerous and inconvenient. The run-flat tires standard on the X6 can be driven up to 50 miles without any air pressure, allowing you to drive to a service station for a repair. The V90 doesn’t offer run-flat tires.

The X6 has standard front and rear gas-charged shocks for better control over choppy roads. The V90’s suspension doesn’t offer gas-charged shocks.

The front and rear suspension of the X6 uses coil springs for better ride, handling and control than the V90, which uses transverse leafs springs in the rear. Coil springs compress more progressively and offer more suspension travel for a smoother ride with less bottoming out.

The X6 offers an available adjustable active suspension system, which counteracts cornering forces actively, limiting body roll and improving handling and stability. Volvo doesn’t offer an active suspension on the V90.

The X6 offers an optional automatic rear load leveling suspension to keep ride height level with a heavy load or when towing. The V90 doesn’t offer a load leveling suspension.

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the X6 is .9 inches wider in the front and 3.5 inches wider in the rear than on the V90.

The X6’s front to rear weight distribution is more even (50.2% to 49.8%) than the V90’s (53.7% to 46.3%). This gives the X6 more stable handling and braking.

For greater off-road capability the X6 has a 2.3 inches greater minimum ground clearance than the V90 (8.3 vs. 6 inches), allowing the X6 to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

The X6 has 3.4 cubic feet more passenger volume than the V90 (101.4 vs. 98).

The X6 has 2.1 inches more front headroom, 3 inches more front shoulder room, .2 inches more rear headroom and 2 inches more rear shoulder room than the V90.

The X6 has a much larger cargo area with its rear seat up than the V90 with its rear seat up (26.6 vs. 25.5 cubic feet). The X6 has a much larger cargo area with its rear seat folded than the V90 with its rear seat folded (59.7 vs. 53.9 cubic feet).

The X6’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the V90’s (6000 vs. 2000 pounds).

The engine in the X6 is mounted longitudinally (North-South), instead of sideways, as in the V90. This makes it easier to service and maintain, because the accessory belts are in front.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that BMW service is better than Volvo. J.D. Power ranks BMW 8th in service department satisfaction (above the industry average). With a 15% lower rating, Volvo is ranked 14th.

The X6’s standard easy entry system raises the steering wheel, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The V90 doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

To shield the driver and front passenger’s vision over a larger portion of the windshield and side windows, the X6 has standard extendable sun visors. The V90 doesn’t offer extendable visors.

The X6 will cost the buyer less in the long run because of its superior resale value. The IntelliChoice estimates that the X6 will retain 42.56% to 47.6% of its original price after five years, while the V90 only retains 38.69% to 39.61%.