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Volvo XC40 vs Polestar 4 comparison

Compare performance (197 HP vs 544 HP), boot space and price (41,900 £ vs 53,100 £ ) at a glance. Find out which car is the better choice for you – Volvo XC40 or Polestar 4?

Volvo XC40 vs Polestar 4: Key differences

Volvo XC40

5 (6 Reviews)
rate
  • markedly cheaper
  • noticeably lighter
details

Polestar 4

4.8 (11 Reviews)
rate
  • clearly more power
  • considerably quicker 0–100 km/h
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

XC40

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.

Volvo XC40 is markedly cheaper – starting at 41,900 £ , while the Polestar 4 costs 53,100 £ . That’s a price difference of around 11,152 £.

4

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 Polestar 4 offers clearly more power – delivering 544 HP compared to 197 HP. That’s roughly 347 HP more horsepower.

When accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h, the Polestar 4 is considerably quicker – completing the sprint in 3.8 s, while the Volvo XC40 takes 7.6 s. That’s about 3.8 s quicker.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Polestar 4 delivers clearly more torque with 686 Nm compared to 300 Nm. That’s about 386 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, Volvo XC40 is noticeably lighter – 1,688 kg compared to 2,230 kg. The difference is around 542 kg.

When it comes to payload, the Volvo XC40 carries slightly more – 532 kg compared to 455 kg. That’s a difference of about 77 kg.

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Polestar 4 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.

from £53,100
4

Polestar 4

  • Engine Type Electric
  • Transmission Automatic
  • Drive Type Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP 272 - 544 HP
  • Consumption kWh/100km 17.8 - 19 kWh/100km
  • Electric Range 590 - 620 km
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Frequently compared as well

Polestar 4
Volvo EX60
VS
Polestar 4 and Volvo EX60 go head-to-head in a clash of Scandinavian design, tech and electric muscle — one is a sporty provocateur, the other a polished family flagship. Time to find out which brings the sharper drive, smarter cabin and better real-world value for buyers who want style with …
Polestar 4
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Polestar 4 and Polestar 5 are sibling EVs with shared design DNA but different missions: the Polestar 4 is a compact coupe‑SUV aimed at style and everyday practicality, while the Polestar 5 is a larger four‑door gran turismo focused on performance, range and long‑distance comfort. This comparison …
Volvo XC40
Polestar 4

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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Reviews Volvo XC40

5 (6 Reviews)
rate
Trentini Paolo
7 May 2026, 13:45:44

Delivered a few days ago — a radical change after 5 VW Golfs, most recently a T‑Roc.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): City / Short distance
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
S. M.
20 Apr 2026, 09:07:56

Excellent

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Family car
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money

Polestar 4

The Polestar 4 wears a coupe-like profile and a Scandinavian-minimal interior that feels premium and unexpectedly roomy, with composed handling that makes urban driving and country roads a pleasure. For buyers who want an electric car that turns heads without shouting, the Polestar 4 is a stylish, clever choice that balances practicality with personality.

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7458E184-FE1C-49CD-8688-8D9AD87DD167
3ACA6B65-1C98-412F-9D32-588E078B6285
3634B075-6672-406F-B1C3-46F68F4A8DD7

Reviews Polestar 4

4.8 (11 Reviews)
rate
Alain Lescadres
2 Jun 2026, 01:50:33

Fantastic car in all ways

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Family car
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
Dave
21 May 2026, 08:55:02

Very nice comfort and interior feel. Big wide car with great seating front and rear.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Family car
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money
Carlos
21 Jan 2026, 19:23:48

The Polestar 4 has a very attractive design that doesn’t go unnoticed.
The interior is elegant, comfortable and finished with good materials.
Easy to drive, great grip on the tarmac and strong acceleration.
For the price, there are things to improve to be competitive with other brands of equal quality and technology; it needs meaningful upgrades — e.g., better driving ADAS, true autonomous parking and the ability to move the car remotely if you can’t get inside. Improving charging times is essential, and not having a rear window while relying on a camera in the interior mirror shouldn’t be a cause for concern. Otherwise, a spectacular car with a gorgeous design.

How do you mainly use this car? (optional): Commuter (short/medium distance)
Efficiency / Consumption & Range
Comfort & Interior
Driving Fun / Performance
Technology & Infotainment
Safety
Practicality / Trunk & Everyday Use
Value for Money

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The Volvo EX40 and Volvo XC40 put two sides of Volvo’s compact-SUV line-up head-to-head: the EX40 is a dedicated electric model focused on efficiency, range and modern tech, while the XC40 is a versatile compact SUV available with petrol, hybrid and electric options that delivers a more traditional …
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Skoda Karoq
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The Skoda Karoq is the sensible, spacious family SUV that puts practicality and value first — roomy boot, low running costs and a no-nonsense interior that feels built to last. The Volvo XC40, by contrast, serves up Scandi style, sharper tech and a more premium cabin (plus safety kit you can brag …
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The Ford Kuga is the zippier, more practical pick — roomy, better value and a bit more fun to drive — while the Volvo XC40 trades that scrappiness for a quieter, upmarket cabin, class-leading safety tech and unmistakable Scandinavian polish. If you want driving engagement and bang for your buck go …
Volvo XC40
Polestar 4

Costs and Consumption
Price
41,900 - 46,100 £
Price
53,100 - 59,900 £
Consumption L/100km
6.5 L/100km
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
17.8 - 19 kWh/100km
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
590 - 620 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
co2
148 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
-
Curb weight
1,688 kg
Curb weight
2,230 - 2,355 kg
Trunk capacity
-
Trunk capacity
526 L
Length
-
Length
-
Width
1,863 mm
Width
2,008 mm
Height
-
Height
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
532 kg
Payload
455 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV
Engine Type
Electric
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic
Transmission Detail
Reduction Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
163 - 197 HP
Power HP
272 - 544 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7.6 - 8.6 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
3.8 - 7.1 s
Max Speed
-
Max Speed
-
Torque
265 - 300 Nm
Torque
343 - 686 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
-
Power kW
120 - 145 kW
Power kW
200 - 400 kW
Engine capacity
1,969 cm3
Engine capacity
-

General
Model Year
2026
Model Year
2026
CO2 Efficiency Class
E
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
Brand
Volvo
Brand
Polestar
What drive types are available for the Volvo XC40?

The Volvo XC40 is available as Front-Wheel Drive.

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.