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BMW 1 Series vs Volvo XC40 comparison

Compare performance (300 HP vs 197 HP), boot space and price (28,800 £ vs 41,900 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – BMW 1 Series or Volvo XC40?

BMW 1 Series vs Volvo XC40: Key differences

BMW 1 Series

5 (1 Reviews)
rate
  • clearly cheaper
  • markedly more power
  • clearly more efficient
  • considerably quicker 0–100 km/h
  • a bit lighter
details

Volvo XC40

5 (5 Reviews)
rate
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:

Price and efficiency are often the first things buyers look at. Here it becomes clear which model has the long-term edge – whether at the pump, the plug, or in purchase price.

BMW 1 Series is clearly cheaper – starting at 28,800 £ , while the Volvo XC40 costs 41,900 £ . That’s a price difference of around 13,105 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the BMW 1 Series uses 4.3 L/100km and is clearly more efficient than the Volvo XC40 with 6.5 L/100km. The difference is about 2.2 L/100km.

XC40

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 BMW 1 Series offers markedly more power – delivering 300 HP compared to 197 HP. That’s roughly 103 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the BMW 1 Series is considerably quicker – completing the sprint in 4.9 s, while the Volvo XC40 takes 7.6 s. That’s about 2.7 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the BMW 1 Series delivers visibly more torque with 400 Nm compared to 300 Nm. That’s about 100 Nm more.

1 Series

Space and Everyday Use:

Cabin size, boot volume and payload all play a role in everyday practicality. Here, comfort and flexibility make the difference.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In terms of curb weight, BMW 1 Series is a bit lighter – 1,465 kg compared to 1,688 kg. The difference is around 223 kg.

When it comes to payload, the Volvo XC40 carries barely more – 532 kg compared to 510 kg. That’s a difference of about 22 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The BMW 1 Series 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 £28,800
1 Series

BMW 1 Series

  • Engine Type : Diesel, Petrol MHEV, Diesel MHEV, Petrol
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 122 - 300 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 4.3 - 7.6 L/100km
BMW 1 Series
Volvo XC40

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.

details

Volvo XC40

The Volvo XC40 wraps Scandinavian minimalism into a compact, city-ready SUV with a premium cabin that feels both practical and grown-up. It will suit buyers who prize safety, clever storage and a composed ride, proving that small dimensions don't mean small personality.

details
BMW 1 Series
Volvo XC40

Costs and Consumption

Price
28,800 - 51,900 £
Price
41,900 - 46,100 £
Consumption L/100km
4.3 - 7.6 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
6.5 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
112 - 173 g/km
co2
148 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
49 L
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
Hatchback
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
5
Doors
-
Curb weight
1,465 - 1,625 kg
Curb weight
1,688 kg
Trunk capacity
300 - 380 L
Trunk capacity
-
Length
4,361 mm
Length
-
Width
1,800 mm
Width
1,863 mm
Height
1,459 mm
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
1,135 L
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
475 - 510 kg
Payload
532 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Diesel, Petrol MHEV, Diesel MHEV, Petrol
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
122 - 300 HP
Power HP
163 - 197 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.9 - 9.8 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7.6 - 8.6 s
Max Speed
210 - 226 km/h
Max Speed
-
Torque
230 - 400 Nm
Torque
265 - 300 Nm
Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
Number of Cylinders
4
Power kW
90 - 221 kW
Power kW
120 - 145 kW
Engine capacity
1,499 - 1,998 cm3
Engine capacity
1,969 cm3

General

Model Year
2024
Model Year
2026
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, C, F
CO2 Efficiency Class
E
Brand
BMW
Brand
Volvo
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.