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BMW 1 Series vs Volvo XC40 – Which model is better for everyday use?

Both models have their strengths – but which one suits you more?
Compare performance, efficiency, price and space directly: BMW 1 Series or Volvo XC40?

BMW 1 Series

5 (1 Reviews)
rate

Volvo XC40

5 (2 Reviews)
rate

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

1 Series @ BMW Group Press

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are key factors when choosing a car – and this is often where the real differences emerge.

BMW 1 Series has a evident advantage in terms of price – it starts at 28800 £, while the Volvo XC40 costs 36800 £. That’s a price difference of around 7962 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: BMW 1 Series manages with 4.30 L and is therefore significantly more efficient than the Volvo XC40 with 6.50 L. The difference is about 2.20 L per 100 km.

XC40 @ Volvo Cars

Engine and Performance:

Under the bonnet, it becomes clear which model is tuned for sportiness and which one takes the lead when you hit the accelerator.

When it comes to engine power, the BMW 1 Series has a distinct edge – offering 300 HP compared to 197 HP. That’s roughly 103 HP more horsepower.

In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the BMW 1 Series is convincingly quicker – completing the sprint in 4.90 s, while the Volvo XC40 takes 7.60 s. That’s about 2.70 s faster.

In terms of top speed, the BMW 1 Series performs clearly perceptible better – reaching 250 km/h, while the Volvo XC40 tops out at 180 km/h. The difference is around 70 km/h.

There’s also a difference in torque: BMW 1 Series pulls evident stronger with 400 Nm compared to 300 Nm. That’s about 100 Nm difference.

1 Series @ BMW Group Press

Space and Everyday Use:

Beyond pure performance, interior space and usability matter most in daily life. This is where you see which car is more practical and versatile.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In curb weight, BMW 1 Series is to a small extent lighter – 1465 kg compared to 1688 kg. The difference is around 223 kg.

In terms of boot space, the Volvo XC40 offers slightly more room – 452 L compared to 380 L. That’s a difference of about 72 L.

In maximum load capacity, the Volvo XC40 performs barely noticeable better – up to 1328 L, which is about 128 L more than the BMW 1 Series.

When it comes to payload, Volvo XC40 hardly perceptible takes the win – 532 kg compared to 510 kg. That’s a difference of about 22 kg.

Who wins the race?

The BMW 1 Series proves to be wins the duel decisively and therefore becomes our DriveDuel Champion!
BMW 1 Series is the better all-rounder in this comparison.

BMW 1 Series
Volvo XC40

Costs and Consumption
View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance
View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body
View detailed analysis
from about £28,800
1 Series @ BMW Group Press

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
details

BMW 1 Series

5 (1 Reviews)
rate

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
P90460899_highRes_additional-pictures- @ BMW Group Press
P90460903_highRes_additional-pictures- @ BMW Group Press
P90460910_highRes_additional-pictures- @ BMW Group Press
P90460951_highRes_additional-pictures- @ BMW Group Press
P90460954_highRes_additional-pictures- @ BMW Group Press

Volvo XC40

5 (2 Reviews)
rate

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
223202_XC40_Inscription_-_exterior @ Volvo Cars
223206_XC40_Inscription_-_exterior @ Volvo Cars
223200_XC40_Inscription_-_exterior @ Volvo Cars
265601_XC40_Recharge_Plug-In_Hybrid_R-Design_Leather_Charcoal_in_Charcoal @ Volvo Cars
265600_XC40_AWD_R-Design_expression_in_Crystal_White_Pearl @ Volvo Cars

Reviews BMW 1 Series

5 (1 Reviews)
rate

Reviews Volvo XC40

5 (2 Reviews)
rate

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1 Series @ BMW Group Press
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Costs and Consumption
Price
28800 - 51100 £
Price
36800 - 47200 £
Consumption L/100km
4.3 - 7.6 L
Consumption L/100km
6.50 L
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
112 - 173 g/km
co2
147 - 148 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
49 L
Fuel tank capacity
54 L

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
Hatchback
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
5
Doors
5
Curb weight
1465 - 1625 kg
Curb weight
1688 kg
Trunk capacity
300 - 380 L
Trunk capacity
452 L
Length
4361 mm
Length
4425 mm
Width
1800 mm
Width
1863 mm
Height
1459 mm
Height
1652 mm
Max trunk capacity
1135 - 1200 L
Max trunk capacity
1328 L
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 - 250 km/h
Max Speed
180 km/h
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
1499 - 1998 cm3
Engine capacity
1969 cm3

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

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What drive types are available for the BMW 1 Series?

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

The prices and data displayed are estimates based on German list prices and may vary by country. This information is not legally binding.

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