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BMW iX1 vs Volvo EX40 - Differences and prices compared

Compare performance (313 HP vs 442 HP), boot space and price (42300 £ vs 42800 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – BMW iX1 or Volvo EX40?

iX1

Street charisma and design DNA

The BMW and the Volvo arrive with very different personalities: one wears sporty, angular cues that promise motion even when parked, while the other prefers a restrained, Scandinavian elegance that ages quietly and confidently. The BMW's presence leans toward athletic poise and a touch of urban suburb swagger, whereas the Volvo projects calm assurance and a premium, no-nonsense aesthetic. Both feel thoughtfully composed, but they speak to different tastes — one for drivers chasing sporty style, the other for owners who prefer timeless understatement.

EX40

Behind the wheel: playful versus poised

Get moving and the contrast becomes clearer: the BMW rewards steering input with a lively, engaging demeanor that puts the driver closer to the experience, making everyday routes feel a touch more fun. The Volvo, by comparison, trades a bit of that theatricality for composure and linear thrust, delivering a reassuring, planted feel that suits long stints on the motorway. Neither is harsh; one simply delights the enthusiast while the other soothes the sensible driver who wants effortless momentum.

iX1

Cabin life: driver-focused sportiness or Nordic calm?

Step inside and you notice divergent philosophies — the BMW prioritizes a driver-centric layout with tactile controls and an interior that feels deliberately sporty and premium. The Volvo leans into airy, minimalist design with calming materials and seats that invite relaxation, especially for rear passengers and longer journeys. Both cabins are well-made, but they aim for different emotional responses: engagement versus serenity.

EX40

Everyday tech: intuitive simplicity or sculpted control?

The Volvo’s infotainment and connectivity feel refreshingly straightforward, built around seamless smartphone integration and a clean, modern interface that most buyers will appreciate for daily use. The BMW counters with a layered system that rewards hands-on control and keeps key functions within reach, appealing to those who like to stay connected without losing the tactile feedback. In short, Volvo favors intuitive simplicity while BMW emphasizes sculpted control, and your preference will come down to whether you like screens or knobs.

iX1

Practicalities that matter: packing, parenting and peace of mind

When it comes to day-to-day chores — hauling shopping, wrangling child seats or coping with wet sports gear — both cars handle the basics sensibly, but they prioritize different strengths. The BMW tends to be a touch more flexible for urban routines and tight parking, while the Volvo offers a reassuring blend of safety-minded features and long-distance composure that eases ownership stress. Either way, each car is a pragmatic choice; it’s a question of which practical priorities you value most.

EX40

Which driver will love which car?

If you’re a commuter who enjoys a more involved steering feel and a cockpit that highlights the driver, the BMW will likely put a smile on your face; if you’re a family-focused buyer or a regular long-distance traveler who prizes calm, comfortable refinement and uncomplicated tech, the Volvo will feel like a natural fit. Both are honest, grown-up alternatives in the compact electric segment, each with its own charm and compromises — keep reading, because the DriveDuel Champion will be revealed afterwards.

BMW iX1

4.7 (3 Reviews)
rate

Volvo EX40

5 (1 Reviews)
rate

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

iX1

Costs and Efficiency:

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

BMW iX1 has a minimal advantage in terms of price – it starts at 42300 £ , while the Volvo EX40 costs 42800 £ . That’s a price difference of around 506 £.

In terms of energy consumption, the advantage goes to the BMW iX1: with 14.30 kWh per 100 km, it’s slightly more efficient than the Volvo EX40 with 16.60 kWh. That’s a difference of about 2.30 kWh.

As for electric range, the Volvo EX40 performs to a small extent better – achieving up to 576 km, about 62 km more than the BMW iX1.

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 has a evident edge – offering 442 HP compared to 313 HP. That’s roughly 129 HP more horsepower.

In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the Volvo EX40 is evident quicker – completing the sprint in 4.60 s, while the BMW iX1 takes 5.60 s. That’s about 1 s faster.

There’s also a difference in torque: Volvo EX40 pulls distinct stronger with 670 Nm compared to 494 Nm. That’s about 176 Nm difference.

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 iX1 is slight lighter – 1940 kg compared to 2040 kg. The difference is around 100 kg.

In terms of boot space, the BMW iX1 offers to a small extent more room – 490 L compared to 410 L. That’s a difference of about 80 L.

When it comes to payload, BMW iX1 hardly perceptible takes the win – 495 kg compared to 480 kg. That’s a difference of about 15 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Volvo EX40 is far ahead overall 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.

BMW iX1
Volvo EX40

Costs and Consumption

View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance

View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body

View detailed analysis
from about £42,800
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
  • Electric Range : 480 - 576 km

BMW iX1

4.7 (3 Reviews)
rate

The BMW iX1 wraps BMW's electric ambition into a compact SUV package that feels unexpectedly premium, with sharp handling and a crisp, modern cabin that keeps the driver in charge. It's ideal for buyers who want a stylish, quiet daily driver with useful practicality and tech-savvy touches — plus enough character to make the commute feel less like a chore and more like a short joyride.

details

Volvo EX40

5 (1 Reviews)
rate

The Volvo EX40 wraps Scandinavian calm and clever practicality into a compact electric package that feels both premium and refreshingly uncomplicated. It's the grown-up answer to flashier rivals — a safe, comfy, and city-friendly EV with thoughtful tech that makes everyday driving quietly satisfying.

details
BMW iX1
Volvo EX40

Costs and Consumption

Price
42300 - 55200 £
Price
42800 - 58200 £
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
14.3 - 15.7 kWh
Consumption kWh/100km
16.6 - 17.6 kWh
Electric Range
466 - 514 km
Electric Range
480 - 576 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
67 - 79 kWh
co2
0 g/km
co2
0 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
SUV
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
-
Doors
5
Curb weight
1940 - 2085 kg
Curb weight
2040 - 2170 kg
Trunk capacity
490 L
Trunk capacity
410 L
Length
-
Length
4440 mm
Width
1845 mm
Width
1863 mm
Height
-
Height
1647 mm
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
1400 L
Payload
495 kg
Payload
430 - 480 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Electric
Engine Type
Electric
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
204 - 313 HP
Power HP
238 - 442 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
5.6 - 8.6 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.6 - 7.3 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
180 km/h
Torque
250 - 494 Nm
Torque
420 - 670 Nm
Number of Cylinders
-
Number of Cylinders
-
Power kW
150 - 230 kW
Power kW
175 - 325 kW
Engine capacity
-
Engine capacity
-

General

Model Year
2026
Model Year
2024
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
Brand
BMW
Brand
Volvo
Is the BMW iX1 offered with different drivetrains?

The BMW iX1 is available as Front-Wheel Drive or All-Wheel Drive.

The prices shown are estimates based on German list prices, adjusted for local VAT. Local registration taxes (e.g. NoVA, BPM or CO2 malus) are not included. This information is not legally binding.