BMW 1 Series vs Volvo V40
BMW 1 Series
BMW’s compact premium hatchback.
VS
Volvo V40
Volvo’s premium compact hatchback.
First car
Second car
Pick this one if…
BMW 1 Series
Pick the 1 Series for sharp BMW handling in a roomy, modern premium hatch.
Best engine: The 118i (petrol) or 118d (diesel).
Read the full guide
Pick this one if…
Volvo V40
Pick the V40 for a stylish, safe premium hatchback that shines in presentation and everyday comfort — with the D4 diesel as the best choice.
Best engine: The D4 diesel — or the T3 petrol for an affordable entry point.
Read the full guide
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
|
| Width |
1,80 m
|
1,80 m
|
| Height |
1,43 m
|
1,42 m
|
| Seats |
5
|
5
|
Powertrain & tech
| BMW 1 Series | Volvo V40 | |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | UKL2/FAAR (transverse, front-wheel drive) | P1 (shared with the Ford Focus) |
| Drive | Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive | Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive |
| Engine family | B38/B48 petrol · B37/B47 diesel | 1.5 T2/T3 · 2.0 T4/T5 petrol · 1.6/2.0 D2/D3/D4 diesel |
| Fuel | Petrol · Diesel | Petrol · Diesel |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic · 7-speed DCT · 6-speed manual | 6-speed manual · 6/8-speed automatic |
| Euro standard | Euro 6d-TEMP (early) · Euro 6d (later) | Euro 5 (early) · Euro 6 (later) |
| LEZ access | Euro 6 diesel allowed in the LEZ (Brussels/Antwerp/Ghent) | Euro 6 petrol/diesel allowed in the LEZ |
Reliability & watch-outs
Known issues
BMW 1 Series
- EGR clogging on diesels
- Early timing-chain tensioners (B38/B48)
- DCT software (early cars)
- Suspension wear
Volvo V40
- Check oil use on early petrols
- Diesels need interval servicing (DPF/EGR, belt)
- Electronics can glitch
Pros
BMW 1 Series
- Roomy interior & big boot
- Premium finish & modern tech (OS 7)
- Modular B-series engines
Volvo V40
- Mature premium feel in the C-segment
- Strong safety kit for its class
- Economical, smooth D4 diesel
Cons
BMW 1 Series
- Lost the previous generation’s rear-wheel drive
- Pricier than comparable hatchbacks
Volvo V40
- Boot space is a weak point (335 litres)
- Limited rear legroom
- Chassis more comfort- than sport-focused
Driving experience
BMW 1 Series
—
Volvo V40
As a model line, the V40 is a comfortable, mature hatchback. The steering is light and the chassis filters out imperfections neatly, making it calm on motorway and in town. It feels solid and stable without becoming truly sharp. The petrols are smooth and the D4 diesel pairs pulling power with low consumption. Expect no sports car, but a safe, predictable and relaxed drive that suits the daily commute.
Compare specific generations
Belgian taxes & LEZ
Region
Fuel
Euro norm
First registration
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