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BMW X2 vs Volvo XC40

BMW X2

BMW X2

BMW’s style-focused compact crossover.

VS
Volvo XC40

Volvo XC40

Volvo’s compact premium SUV.

First car
Second car
Pick this one if…

BMW X2

Pick the X2 for a stylish, agile compact crossover that drives sportier than an average SUV.

Best engine: The sDrive20i/xDrive20i (B48, 192 hp).
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

sDrive20i · Petrol vs B4 2.0 197 · Petrol

BMW X2 Volvo XC40
Power
192 hp
197 hp Winner
Torque
280 Nm
300 Nm Winner
0–100 km/h
7,4 s Winner
8,4 s
Top speed
227 km/h Winner
180 km/h
Power-to-weight
118,9 hp/t
121,6 hp/t Winner
CO₂ emissions (WLTP)
146 g/km Winner
156 g/km
Consumption (WLTP)
6,4 L/100km Winner
6,8 L/100km

Dimensions & space

BMW X2 Volvo XC40
Boot
470 L Winner
460 L
Boot (seats folded)
1.355 L Winner
1.336 L
Wheelbase
2,67 m
2,70 m Winner
Length
4,36 m
4,44 m
Width
1,82 m
1,86 m
Height
1,51 m
1,65 m
Seats
5
5

Powertrain & tech

BMW X2 Volvo XC40
Platform UKL2 (shared with X1 F48 and MINI Countryman) CMA (shared with the Polestar 2)
Drive Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive
Engine family B38 1.5 · B48 2.0 petrol · B37/B47 diesel 1.5 T3 · 2.0 T4/T5 petrol · 2.0 B4/B5 mild-hybrid · 2.0 D4 diesel · T5 Recharge PHEV · Recharge EV
Fuel Petrol · Diesel Petrol · Diesel · Plug-in hybrid · Electric
Transmission 7-speed DCT · 8-speed automatic 6-speed manual · 7/8-speed automatic
Euro standard Euro 6 Euro 6d
LEZ access Euro 6 petrol/diesel allowed in the LEZ (Brussels/Antwerp/Ghent) Euro 6 petrol/diesel, the T5 Recharge and Recharge EV allowed in the LEZ

Reliability & watch-outs

Known issues

BMW X2
  • Oil-filter housing gasket leaks (B48 petrol)
  • EGR cooler fire-risk recall (B47 diesel)
  • Plastic coolant lines and expansion tank
Volvo XC40
  • Infotainment needs regular software updates
  • 12V battery can drain when parked long
  • Check suspension and brakes at higher mileage

Pros

BMW X2
  • Agile, sporty handling — more hot hatch than family SUV
  • Coupe-like, stylish design
  • Refined B48 petrol engines
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 X2
  • Less practical than the X1: smaller boot and tighter rear headroom
  • Firm ride, especially on M Sport suspension
Volvo XC40
  • No sporty sharpness in the handling
  • Rear space stays average for the class
  • Firm suspension on the larger rims

Driving experience

BMW X2

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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.

Compare specific generations

Belgian taxes & LEZ

Region
Fuel
Euro norm
First registration
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For sale at dealers