Compare performance (398 HP vs 197 HP), boot space and price (51,300 £ vs 36,800 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – BMW X3 or Volvo XC40?
All details on performance, efficiency, range and trunk space can be found in the technical comparison below – including user reviews for both models.
The automotive market is continuously evolving, and two standout contenders in the compact SUV segment are the BMW X3 and the Volvo XC40. Both vehicles offer a unique blend of luxury, performance, and advanced technology, but which one truly stands out? This comparison aims to dissect technical aspects and innovations that define these two SUVs, helping potential buyers make an informed decision.
Starting with the dimensions, the BMW X3 is a larger SUV with a length of 4708 mm, a width of 1891 mm, and a height of 1676 mm. Its aggressive stance and sporty design cues exude a commanding presence on the road. On the other hand, the Volvo XC40 is more compact at 4425 mm in length, 1863 mm in width, and 1652 mm in height, making it a more agile vehicle suitable for urban environments.
While the X3 offers a spacious trunk capacity of up to 570 liters, the XC40 follows with a respectable 452 liters. Both vehicles can comfortably seat five occupants, but the X3 provides a slightly more generous interior space, enhancing passenger comfort during long journeys.
The BMW X3 offers a diverse range of powertrains, including diesel and petrol options, alongside hybrid variants, with power outputs ranging from 184 HP to an exhilarating 510 HP in the high-performance models. With options such as the MHEV and plug-in hybrid, drivers can choose between efficiency and power, depending on their needs. The top-performing X3 accelerates from 0-100 km/h in a mere 3.8 seconds, which is remarkable for an SUV of its size.
Conversely, the Volvo XC40 is equipped with petrol engines providing outputs of 163 HP and 197 HP. While its acceleration time of 7.6 seconds from 0-100 km/h is commendable, it does not match the blistering performance of the top-tier X3 models. With a maximum speed capped at 180 km/h, the XC40 is also less performance-oriented than its BMW counterpart.
Fuel efficiency is a critical consideration for modern car buyers, and here the BMW X3 demonstrates versatility. Depending on the engine chosen, the X3 records consumption figures ranging from an impressive 2.1 L/100km for hybrid versions to around 10.8 L for some petrol models. The XC40, however, aligns closely with these figures, maintaining a fuel consumption of 6.5 L/100km, making it a strong contender in this regard.
When it comes to emissions, the X3 exhibits a mix of CO2 figures, with some models as low as 21 g/km, indicative of its hybrid technology. The XC40 remains slightly higher, with CO2 emissions recorded at 147 g/km. Both vehicles possess trim levels with varying environmental impacts, making it crucial for buyers to evaluate which model aligns with their eco-friendly intentions.
In the tech department, the BMW X3 impresses with its intuitive iDrive system, offering seamless integration with smartphones, navigation services, and real-time traffic updates. The optional gesture control and head-up display provide an effortless user experience, enhancing safety and convenience while driving.
The Volvo XC40 shines with its focus on safety and connectivity. It features a striking infotainment system powered by Google, enabling voice-activated controls, navigation, and a plethora of apps directly integrated into the vehicle. This advanced system makes connectivity and usability extremely user-friendly, appealing especially to tech-savvy drivers.
The BMW X3 and Volvo XC40 cater to different niches within the compact SUV market. The X3 excels in performance, engine variety, and an immersive driving experience, making it ideal for those seeking a luxurious and high-performing SUV. In contrast, the XC40 offers a compact and tech-rich environment focused on safety and urban maneuverability, appealing to modern consumers looking for convenience and a touch of eco-friendliness.
Ultimately, the choice between the BMW X3 and Volvo XC40 will depend on individual preferences and priorities. Are you drawn to unmatched performance and luxury, or do you prefer cutting-edge technology and urban refinement? The decision is yours to make.
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.
Volvo XC40 is clearly cheaper – starting at 36,800 £ , while the BMW X3 costs 51,300 £ . That’s a price difference of around 14,495 £.
Fuel consumption also shows a difference: the BMW X3 uses 2.8 L/100km and is substantially more efficient than the Volvo XC40 with 6.5 L/100km. The difference is about 3.7 L/100km.
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 X3 offers substantially more power – delivering 398 HP compared to 197 HP. That’s roughly 201 HP more horsepower.
When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the BMW X3 is substantially quicker – completing the sprint in 4.6 s, while the Volvo XC40 takes 7.6 s. That’s about 3 s quicker.
Looking at top speed, the BMW X3 is clearly faster – 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: the BMW X3 delivers clearly more torque with 670 Nm compared to 300 Nm. That’s about 370 Nm more.
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, Volvo XC40 is a bit lighter – 1,688 kg compared to 1,930 kg. The difference is around 242 kg.
Looking at boot space, the BMW X3 offers markedly more boot space – 570 L compared to 452 L. That’s a difference of about 118 L.
For maximum load capacity, the BMW X3 offers clearly more capacity – up to 1,700 L, about 372 L more than the Volvo XC40.
When it comes to payload, the BMW X3 carries marginally more – 570 kg compared to 532 kg. That’s a difference of about 38 kg.
The BMW X3 is clearly superior 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.
The BMW X3 mixes Bavarian poise with everyday practicality, delivering a composed ride and a cabin that feels both premium and lived-in. It’s the sort of SUV that lets you enjoy sporty handling without sacrificing family-friendly space, so you get fun and sense in one neat package.
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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.
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Costs and Consumption |
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Price
51,300 - 72,400 £
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Price
36,800 - 47,200 £
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Consumption L/100km
2.8 - 7.7 L/100km
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Consumption L/100km
6.5 L/100km
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Consumption kWh/100km
-
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Consumption kWh/100km
-
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Electric Range
88 km
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Electric Range
-
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Battery Capacity
-
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Battery Capacity
-
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co2
64 - 175 g/km
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co2
147 - 148 g/km
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Fuel tank capacity
60 - 65 L
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Fuel tank capacity
54 L
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Dimensions and Body |
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Body Type
SUV
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Body Type
SUV
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Seats
5
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Seats
5
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Doors
5
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Doors
5
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Curb weight
1,930 - 2,140 kg
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Curb weight
1,688 kg
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Trunk capacity
460 - 570 L
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Trunk capacity
452 L
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Length
4,755 mm
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Length
4,425 mm
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Width
1,920 mm
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Width
1,863 mm
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Height
1,660 mm
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Height
1,652 mm
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Max trunk capacity
1,700 L
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Max trunk capacity
1,328 L
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Payload
570 kg
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Payload
532 kg
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Engine and Performance |
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Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Diesel MHEV, Plugin Hybrid
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Engine Type
Petrol MHEV
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Transmission
Automatic
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Transmission
Automatic
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Transmission Detail
Automatic Gearbox
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Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
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Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive
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Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
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Power HP
197 - 398 HP
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Power HP
163 - 197 HP
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Acceleration 0-100km/h
4.6 - 7.8 s
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Acceleration 0-100km/h
7.6 - 8.6 s
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Max Speed
215 - 250 km/h
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Max Speed
180 km/h
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Torque
330 - 670 Nm
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Torque
265 - 300 Nm
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Number of Cylinders
4 - 6
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Number of Cylinders
4
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Power kW
145 - 293 kW
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Power kW
120 - 145 kW
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Engine capacity
1,995 - 2,998 cm3
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Engine capacity
1,969 cm3
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General |
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Model Year
2,024 - 2,025
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Model Year
2024
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CO2 Efficiency Class
F, E, B
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CO2 Efficiency Class
E
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Brand
BMW
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Brand
Volvo
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Deutschland
France
Nederland
Great Britain
Sverige
Danmark
Suomi
Italia
Polska
España