BMW 1 Series F40 vs Volvo V40 MK1
BMW 1 Series
F40 · 2019 – 2024
The third-generation 1 Series (F40), BMW’s first front-wheel-drive model.
Volvo V40
MK1 · 2012 – 2019
The V40 (MK1), Volvo’s compact hatchback on the P1 platform.
BMW 1 Series
Pick the 1 Series for sharp BMW handling in a roomy, modern premium hatch.
Volvo V40
Pick the MK1 for a stylish, safe premium hatchback with a strong D4 diesel.
Performance
B38 118i · Petrol vs D4 2.0 190 · Diesel
| BMW 1 Series | Volvo V40 | |
|---|---|---|
| Power |
140 hp
|
190 hp
Winner
|
| Torque |
220 Nm
|
400 Nm
Winner
|
| 0–100 km/h |
8,5 s
|
7,6 s
Winner
|
| Top speed |
213 km/h
|
220 km/h
Winner
|
| Power-to-weight |
106,1 hp/t
|
126,7 hp/t
Winner
|
| CO₂ emissions (WLTP) |
124 g/km
|
118 g/km
Winner
|
| Consumption (WLTP) |
5,5 L/100km
|
4,5 L/100km
Winner
|
Dimensions & space
| BMW 1 Series | Volvo V40 | |
|---|---|---|
| Boot |
380 L
Winner
|
335 L
|
| Boot (seats folded) |
1.200 L
Winner
|
1.032 L
|
| Wheelbase |
2,67 m
Winner
|
2,65 m
|
| Length |
4,32 m
|
4,37 m
|
| Ground clearance |
15,2 cm
|
13,3 cm
|
| Turning circle |
11,4 m
|
10,8 m
Winner
|
| Towing capacity (braked) |
1.300 kg
|
1.600 kg
Winner
|
Powertrain & tech
| BMW 1 Series | Volvo V40 | |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | UKL2/FAAR (transverse) | P1 (shared with the Ford Focus) |
| Drive | Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive | Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive |
| Engine family | B38 1.5 · B48 2.0 · B47 2.0 diesel · 48V mild-hybrid | 1.5 T2/T3 · 2.0 T4/T5 petrol · 1.6/2.0 D2/D3/D4 diesel |
| Transmission | 7-speed DCT | 8-speed automatic |
| Fuel | Petrol | Diesel |
| Euro standard | Euro 6d-TEMP | Euro 6 |
| LEZ access | Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation) | ⚠️ Banned from Antwerp & Ghent from January 1, 2026 |
Reliability & watch-outs
Known issues
- 48V mild-hybrid system
- Engine mounts can wear early
- Cooling system needs checking
- Early petrols: oil consumption
- Diesels: DPF/EGR and timing belt
- Electrical gremlins
Pros
- More cabin space than its predecessor
- Premium interior
- Efficient engines
- Stylish design and quality interior
- High safety
- Strong D4 diesel
Cons
- Front-wheel drive (less playful than before)
- Firm ride on M Sport
- Smaller boot than rivals (335 litres)
- Tight rear bench
- Not focused on sharp dynamics
Driving experience
BMW 1 Series
Agile, sharp and impressively poised for a front-driver. Steering is quick, accurate and well-weighted, body control taut, and the 1 Series turns in keenly with little of the understeer you might expect. sDrive keeps it light and lively; xDrive on the M135i adds tenacious all-weather grip. The B38 triple is willing if a little coarse, the B48 four is smooth and eager, and the B47 diesels pull strongly and stay refined. The 7-speed dual-clutch is quick and slick. Overall a genuinely engaging hatch that feels more BMW than its platform suggests.
Volvo V40
Composed and secure for a premium hatchback of its era, with light steering that suits motorway and urban driving. The ride is comfortable on standard wheels, and body roll is present yet managed. Diesels deliver strong low-end torque for motorway use. It prioritises comfort and safety over sharp dynamics, with good visibility.
Belgian taxes & LEZ
