Volvo XC90 vs BMW X5: Plug-in hybrid SUVs go head-to-head

The Volvo XC90 and BMW X5 and two of the most capable SUVs on sale in the UK, and both are available with plug-in hybrid drivetrains. But in a battle of XC90 Recharge plug-in hybrid versus BMW X5 xDrive 45e plug-in hybrid, which will emerge victorious? In this CarGurus UK review, Rebecca Jackson takes an in-depth look at both of these big SUVs to see if the sporty, five-seat BMW has what it takes to beat the comfort-oriented, seven-seat Volvo.

Read our expert review of the Volvo XC90:

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▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ Contents of this video ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬
0:00 - Introduction
0:46 - Subscribe to CarGurus
0:59 - Why are SUVs so popular?
01:15 - BMW X5 boot space and rear seats
02:28 - Volvo XC90 boot space and rear seats
02:50 - The space difference between the two cars
03:40 - Volvo XC90 interior and technology
04:45 - BMW X5 interior and technology
05:54 - Volvo XC90 driving impressions
08:46 - BMW X5 driving impressions
10:36 - Final thoughts
11:06 – Don’t forget to subscribe

#volvoxc90 #bmwx5 #cargurusuk

[brianjones]

6years..volvo still looks damn classy. ages very well

[olegchernyak]

A month ago I was faced with this choise: XC90 vs X5 and also vs VW Touareg. I took XC 90 and do not regret it a second. As a driver's pleasure the BMW or VW are much, much better, and their multimedia are much prettier too, but as a safe, stable and comfortable family SUV Volvo is king.

[mmbeauty]

In past 15 years I have owned so far two M Benz ML's since new, later two X5's since new E70 and F15 both for over 5 years .Traded in my 2015 X5 30D for XC90 T8 R design, pneumatic suspension, all the options possible and love the car. X5's are more sport car like tuned driving machines , well family SUV's are usually driven with family but Volvo handles very well .Bit of a torque steer like Golf GTi due to having more power at front, just need to get used to. Operating system of BMW is easier to use for sure . I love this Volvovery much, no regrets, so quiet comparing to diesel X5 .In few moths I have barely used any petrol as can do 40 km on battery what is enough for city driving . Bloody quick with my Polestar tuning does 100km/h in 5 sec .... I was afraid will not like the XC 90 after BM and BMW as I am a German car person, the opposite has happened, can not wait to jump into my Volvo and drive it ....and the B&W sound system is just mind blowing, and in price ...

[kaotsuka]

I prefer the XC 90, especially now with plugin hybrid Recharge extended range and 455 HP. Contrary to what the CarGuru believes, I think the BMW is older looking than the current take of the XC90 second generation.

[xander]

I already prefer the xc90, but the coming upgrades will definitely tip the scales.

[whitemoor]

Volvo for me. Even with all of the apparent advantages of the BMW, just couldn't put up with the front styling. Volvo styling much better resolved for me.

[fastbladeproductions]

Having driven both long distance... I bought the XC90.... steering on the BMW needed much more annoying attention to keep it straight... I suggest getting the 19inch rims if you like a softer ride... I have 20" prefer the 19".... but the truck definitely doesn't handle like a truck... more car like... as for versatility .... I prefer the XC90 big time... I ski a lot and the middle fold down seat is really nice to throw the skis in there and still have room for passengers.... my lease is up at the end of this year and I'm excited to see what the new 2023 is gonna look like...

[jwxujerry]

I have owned XC90 T8 for a couple of months now. I also tested the BMW X5.
I picked XC90 because I wanted a 7 seater. BMW's interior, infotainment system, suspension and quiteness are noticeably better. But XC90 infotainment is pretty easy to use. Really, I never felt touch screen is a problem. But BMW infotainment is a notch better, more premium.
In terms of power, BMW certainly has plenty. But XC90 is not bad. None of them is as good as a Model S but these are huge SUVs.
One negative about BMW is the second-row leg room is a bit limited, you can't move it or recline.
Plus, to me XC90 is such a good-looking car.
I wish the electric range is 50 miles, then 80% of my driving will be pure electric.

[binliu]

Got an XC90 almost 6 years ago when the new model came out, and still have it. Going to try X5 this year to diversify the driving experience.

[MrMarcob]

This model xc90 was lauched 5 years ago’ while bmw is a much younger model ! Means that volvo it is still a very good car.

[shopafelic]

Entertaining to watch - but the rear seat comparison didn’t seem very fair given the front seats didn’t seem adjusted for uniformity. The Volvo has much more rear seat leg room in reality from my experience, while the BMW is much more technology-packed.

[BHBeckenbauer]

Impressive result for the Volvo considering its age!

[benjaminsmith]

While I agree that the BMW is somewhat quieter and definitely sharper that doesn't translate to more relaxing. There's a more Zen-like quality to the Volvo and a slightly more aggressiveness about the BMW. While car reviewers love to point that out, some buyers will prefer than kind of Zen-like feeling the Volvo gives. They're just different. Volvo is an "old" design now and I look forward to the next-gen. Volvo just doesn't feel like showing it yet.

[clivesinclair]

X5 charging is slow, very slow. But it has the advantage of mechanical controls for the heating system. The early XC90’s infotainment was very laggy. X5 is a mechanical AWD. The XC90 is eAWD - electric motor drives the rear wheels.

[duckman]

The blue one is by far the best, forget the rest.

[scoobycarl]

Xc90 all day. I have an old xc90 and a new xc40 and there have been no recorded fatalities in the UK when a Volvo XC model has been in an accident.

[arthurnicholson]

I just bought a 2023 volvo xc90 and I'm impressed with what electric range it has. on a full charge, i can move 40+ km which is more than enough for me to work and back. the fuel tank is also impressive, measuring in at over 70 L it can easily last 900+ km. I think if BMW has a similar model within 6 years I will trade the volvo for a bmw and do my own comparison

[kildli]

Ordered X5 45e,

Couldn't stand Volo infotainment screen and BMW was just much more fun to drive.
Can't believe how fun it is to drive X5 for the weight.

[rwg]

On my 3rd new shape XC90, it’s just a lovely place to be, so for me it would be the Volvo all day long

[LafemmebearMusic]

Great video we went with the X5 plug-in hybrid Better non haldex awd system and we live on a farm and the split gate make so much sense for exactly the reason she said in the video. Also I can NOT dress enough the different awd systems, we have a friend with the xc90 and they got stuck on the land, cus the front wheels spun but the back wheels stayed stationary as the it overheated the clutch packs. The bmw on the other hand has a traditional always on awd rear biased system it makes such a big difference. Also many friends have consistently sent their xc90 to the service center since purchasing so that pushed away. Sad too cus we have owned so many older Volvo xc products.