BMW iX1 vs Volvo XC40

BMW iX1

BMW’s fully electric compact SUV.

Volvo XC40

Volvo’s compact premium SUV.

First car

Second car

Pick this one if…

BMW iX1

Pick the iX1 for zero-emission driving in a practical compact premium SUV with modern iDrive tech and a punchy xDrive30.

Best engine: The xDrive30 (313 hp, dual motor).

Read the full guide

Pick this one if…

Volvo XC40

Pick the XC40 for a safe, premium compact SUV conceived as a comfortable all-rounder — not as a sporty driver’s car.

Best engine: The B4 mild-hybrid (petrol) — or the Recharge EV for electric.

Read the full guide

Performance

xDrive30 · Electric vs B4 2.0 197 · Petrol

	BMW iX1	Volvo XC40
Power	313 hp Winner	197 hp
Torque	494 Nm Winner	300 Nm
0–100 km/h	5,6 s Winner	8,4 s
Top speed	180 km/h	180 km/h
Power-to-weight	150,1 hp/t Winner	121,6 hp/t
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)	0 g/km Winner	156 g/km
Consumption (WLTP)	—	6,8 L/100km

Dimensions & space

	BMW iX1	Volvo XC40
Boot	490 L Winner	460 L
Boot (seats folded)	1.495 L Winner	1.336 L
Wheelbase	2,69 m	2,70 m Winner
Length	4,50 m	4,44 m
Width	1,85 m	1,86 m
Height	1,62 m	1,65 m
Seats	5	5

Powertrain & tech

	BMW iX1	Volvo XC40
Platform	FAAR (front-drive base, shared with the X1 U11)	CMA (shared with the Polestar 2)
Drive	Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive
Engine family	Single or dual electric motors (fifth-generation eDrive)	1.5 T3 · 2.0 T4/T5 petrol · 2.0 B4/B5 mild-hybrid · 2.0 D4 diesel · T5 Recharge PHEV · Recharge EV
Fuel	Electric	Petrol · Diesel · Plug-in hybrid · Electric
Transmission	Single-speed automatic (fixed ratio)	6-speed manual · 7/8-speed automatic
Euro standard	N/A (electric)	Euro 6d
LEZ access	Zero-emission — unrestricted access in all LEZ zones	Euro 6 petrol/diesel, the T5 Recharge and Recharge EV allowed in the LEZ

Reliability & watch-outs

Known issues

BMW iX1

Software/iDrive (early OS8/OS9 builds)
Integrated brake system (IBS) recall (2022–2024)
12V battery can drain when parked

Volvo XC40

Infotainment needs regular software updates
12V battery can drain when parked long
Check suspension and brakes at higher mileage

Pros

BMW iX1

Zero-emission and brisk in traffic thanks to instant torque
Practical compact SUV with adult rear seats and a 490 L boot
Quiet, refined ride, typically electric

Volvo XC40

Safety and premium finish as core values
Manoeuvrable size with a high, commanding seating position
A powertrain for every need (mild-hybrid, PHEV, EV)

Cons

BMW iX1

Firm ride, especially on larger wheels and M Sport
Battery pack slightly reduces boot versus the X1

Volvo XC40

No sporty sharpness in the handling
Rear space stays average for the class
Firm suspension on the larger rims

Driving experience

BMW iX1

—

Volvo XC40

As a model line, the XC40 is above all a comfortable, city-friendly SUV. The steering is light and accurate, outward visibility is good and the raised seating position inspires confidence in traffic. It feels nimble for an SUV and rides comfortably on smaller wheels, firming up on larger rims. The petrol and mild-hybrid engines offer adequate punch, while the electric Recharge is near-silent. Do not expect sharp sportiness — instead you get a relaxed, safe and predictable drive that suits daily use.