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Volvo XC40 vs BMW 1 Series comparison

Compare performance (197 HP vs 300 HP), boot space and price (41,900 £ vs 29,400 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Volvo XC40 or BMW 1 Series?

Volvo XC40 vs BMW 1 Series: Key differences

Volvo XC40

5 (7 Reviews)
rate
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BMW 1 Series

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

XC40

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 is clearly cheaper – starting at 29,400 £ , while the Volvo XC40 costs 41,900 £ . That’s a price difference of around 12,548 £.

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

1 Series

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 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 noticeably more torque with 400 Nm compared to 300 Nm. That’s about 100 Nm more.

XC40

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 slightly lighter – 1,465 kg compared to 1,688 kg. The difference is around 223 kg.

When it comes to payload, the Volvo XC40 carries only slightly 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 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.

from £29,400
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
Volvo XC40
BMW 1 Series

Costs and Consumption

View detailed analysis

Engine and Performance

View detailed analysis

Dimensions and Body

View detailed analysis

Volvo XC40

The Volvo XC40 blends Scandinavian design with practical versatility, offering a compact luxury crossover that feels composed and easy to live with. It’s refined and focused on safety with a high-quality interior, making it a smart choice for daily city driving and weekend escapes.

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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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Volvo XC40
BMW 1 Series

Costs and Consumption

Price
41,900 - 46,100 £
Price
29,400 - 51,900 £
Consumption L/100km
6.5 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
4.3 - 7.6 L/100km
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
148 g/km
co2
112 - 173 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body

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

Engine and Performance

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

General

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