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BMW 1 Series vs Volvo EX40 comparison

Compare performance (300 HP vs 442 HP), boot space and price (29,400 £ vs 45,200 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – BMW 1 Series or Volvo EX40?

BMW 1 Series vs Volvo EX40: Key differences

BMW 1 Series

5 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • considerably cheaper
  • noticeably lighter
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Volvo EX40

4.5 (3 Reviews)
rate
  • markedly more power
  • marginally quicker 0–100 km/h
  • barely more trunk space
details

All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.

By Achim Sedelmaier

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

1 Series

Costs and Efficiency:

Looking at overall running costs, both models reveal some interesting differences in everyday economy.

BMW 1 Series is considerably cheaper – starting at 29,400 £ , while the Volvo EX40 costs 45,200 £ . That’s a price difference of around 15,891 £.

EX40

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration say a lot about how a car feels on the road. This is where you see which model delivers more driving dynamics.

When it comes to engine power, the Volvo EX40 offers markedly more power – delivering 442 HP compared to 300 HP. That’s roughly 142 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Volvo EX40 is marginally quicker – completing the sprint in 4.6 s, while the BMW 1 Series takes 4.9 s. That’s about 0.3 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Volvo EX40 delivers considerably more torque with 670 Nm compared to 400 Nm. That’s about 270 Nm more.

1 Series

Space and Everyday Use:

Whether family car or daily driver – which one offers more room, flexibility and comfort?

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, BMW 1 Series is noticeably lighter – 1,465 kg compared to 2,040 kg. The difference is around 575 kg.

Looking at boot space, the Volvo EX40 offers barely more boot space – 410 L compared to 380 L. That’s a difference of about 30 L.

When it comes to payload, the BMW 1 Series carries only slightly more – 510 kg compared to 480 kg. That’s a difference of about 30 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Volvo EX40 holds a decisive overall lead in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

from £45,200
EX40

Volvo EX40

  • Engine Type Electric
  • Transmission Automatic
  • Drive Type Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 238 - 442 HP
  • Consumption kWh/100km 16.6 - 17.6 kWh/100km
  • Electric Range 477 - 576 km
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Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis

BMW 1 Series

The BMW 1 Series is a compact premium hatchback that injects a proper sense of driving fun into everyday life, with sharp handling and a cabin that punches above its class. It’s a great pick for buyers who want sporty manners without losing practicality, and yes, you’ll still get that unmistakable BMW grin behind the wheel.

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Reviews BMW 1 Series

5 (1 Reviews)
rate

No reviews yet. Share your experience and help others decide.

Volvo EX40

The Volvo EX40 is a compact electric SUV that blends Scandinavian minimalism with a comfortable, high-quality interior suited to daily driving and longer trips. It prioritizes safety and intuitive technology, delivering a calm, refined experience that feels mature and easy to live with.

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Reviews Volvo EX40

4.5 (3 Reviews)
rate
Marco
24 Jun 2026, 10:14:05

I find them to be two models that aren't comparable,
the Model Y is much longer and wider.
I would choose the Model Y if it were within 4.50 meters in length.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Family car
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
Bent
16 May 2026, 19:14:01

Stable car and generally good build quality — but I hate the Google and infotainment systems, which both seem designed to irritate the user as much as possible.
I'm looking at a Toyota B4ZX AWD when the lease on my EX40 expires. I need to be able to tow 1,500 kg, but without going broke.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Family car
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money

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Volvo EX40

Costs and Consumption
Price
29,400 - 51,900 £
Price
45,200 - 56,000 £
Consumption L/100km
4.3 - 7.6 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
16.6 - 17.6 kWh/100km
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
477 - 576 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
112 - 173 g/km
co2
0 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
Hatchback
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,465 - 1,625 kg
Curb weight
2,040 - 2,170 kg
Trunk capacity
300 - 380 L
Trunk capacity
410 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,800 mm
Width
1,863 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
475 - 510 kg
Payload
430 - 480 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Diesel, Petrol MHEV, Diesel MHEV, Petrol
Engine Type
Electric
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
122 - 300 HP
Power HP
238 - 442 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.9 - 9.8 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.6 - 7.3 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
230 - 400 Nm
Torque
420 - 670 Nm
Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
Number of Cylinders
-
Power kW
90 - 221 kW
Power kW
175 - 325 kW
Engine capacity
1,499 - 1,998 cm3
Engine capacity
-

General
Model Year
2024
Model Year
2,024 - 2,026
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, C, F
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
Brand
BMW
Brand
Volvo
What drive types are available for the BMW 1 Series?

The BMW 1 Series is offered with Front-Wheel Drive or All-Wheel Drive.

DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. The displayed prices are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted to the respective country’s VAT. Country-specific registration taxes are not included. This information is not legally binding.