I actually after having one for awhile, really like Volvo's, they have excellent sound systems (MUCH better then BMW's, and wonderful seats (again tied with my X5) I think Volvo has more safety innovations as well, I have always questioned BMW's HPS tube as I have always felt a curtain provided better protection in a side impact crash then a TUBE, I also have always questioned BMW's door mounted side airbags vs traditional seat mounted side airbags, finally I never really felt the E46 3 series was terribly safe in side impact crashes, it just didn't feel all that safe to me, the X5, no doubts but the 3 my mom has, eeeh, not sure, I would say with Volvo's safety and sound systems with BMW's top tier interior materials and driving dynamics, that would be one perfect car!

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The Present:
2014 Audi Q5 TDI Prestige
The Past:
2013 Lexus GS350
2013 VW Golf TDI
2007 BMW X5 4.8i LOADED & Loved
2009 VW Jetta
2008 VW Touareg VR6
2005 BMW X5 3.0i
2005 BMW Z4 3.0i
2004 BMW X5 3.0i
2003 BMW 325i
2000 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer 4x4