Twin test: BMW 330e M Sport vs Volvo S60 T8 R-Design Plus
As company-car tax for plug-in hybrids drops, we put two of the sector's main contenders head to head
There are few cars with a default status as deeply ingrained as the BMW 3 Series, and few more worthy of it. It’s been the benchmark for modest-sized premium saloons since such a thing existed, but does it deserve that same high regard when it comes to the plug-in hybrid 330e variant?
On paper it certainly seems so, given an official electric range of up to 37 miles, CO2 emissions of 37g/km and – with even this M Sport model sneaking under the £40,000 barrier – a fairly extraordinary saving over the more potent Volvo S60 T8.
The Volvo plays its own numbers game, though, and it starts with a power output of 381bhp – or 395bhp with the Polestar software upgrade of our test car. Efficient the BMW might be, but the Volvo also offers 36 miles of electric running and sneaks under 50g/km of CO2 despite its serious, sports-car-slaying 0-62mph time of 4.4 seconds. That performance comes at a very high cost, though, so can the Volvo justify a premium of £10,000 over the BMW? Let’s find out..
BMW 330e M Sport
Pros: Efficient, great to drive, superb infotainment
Cons: Missing some key kit, not as fast as the Volvo, comparably short battery warranty
Volvo S60 T8 R-Design
Pros: Strong performance, spacious interior, stylish design
Cons: No cable storage, pretty expensive, middling infotainment system
Read on for our in-depth comparison and full verdict on these two cars...
