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Volvo XC40 vs Polestar 5 – Performance, range & efficiency compared

Everyday use, family trips or long-distance drives – here’s where the differences show.
Discover whether Volvo XC40 or Polestar 5 fits your lifestyle better.

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

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

Volvo XC40 has a convincingly advantage in terms of price – it starts at 36800 £, while the Polestar 5 costs 101700 £. That’s a price difference of around 64895 £.

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 5 has a decisively edge – offering 884 HP compared to 197 HP. That’s roughly 687 HP more horsepower.

In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the Polestar 5 is significantly quicker – completing the sprint in 3.20 s, while the Volvo XC40 takes 7.60 s. That’s about 4.40 s faster.

In terms of top speed, the Polestar 5 performs distinct 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: Polestar 5 pulls convincingly stronger with 1015 Nm compared to 300 Nm. That’s about 715 Nm difference.

Space and Everyday Use: Whether family car or daily driver – which one offers more room, flexibility and comfort?

Seats: Volvo XC40 offers to a small extent more seating capacity – 5 vs 4.

In curb weight, Volvo XC40 is clearly lighter – 1688 kg compared to 2462 kg. The difference is around 774 kg.

In terms of boot space, the Volvo XC40 offers slightly more room – 452 L compared to 365 L. That’s a difference of about 87 L.

Who wins the race?

The Polestar 5 proves to be is largely superior and therefore becomes our DriveDuel Champion!
Polestar 5 is the better all-rounder in this comparison.

from about £101,700

Polestar 5

  • Engine Type : Electric
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 748 - 884 HP
  • Consumption kWh/100km : 17.6 - 20.9 kWh
  • Electric Range : 565 - 670 km
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Volvo XC40

5 (1)
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The Volvo XC40 is a standout model in the compact SUV segment, offering a delightful blend of Scandinavian design and practicality. Its interior is both stylish and functional, featuring premium materials and innovative storage solutions that make every journey comfortable. The car's performance is smooth and responsive, with advanced safety features ensuring peace of mind for drivers and passengers alike.

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223202_XC40_Inscription_-_exterior @ media.volvocars.com
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Polestar 5

The Polestar 5 represents the Swedish automaker's bold vision for the future of electric vehicles, marrying cutting-edge design with sustainable automotive innovation. With its sleek silhouette and minimalist aesthetics, the vehicle stands out in a crowd, delivering a nod to Scandinavian design principles. Beyond its striking appearance, the Polestar 5 is engineered to offer exceptional performance and efficiency, making it a compelling choice for environmentally conscious drivers seeking luxury and innovation.

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Similar Comparisons

Ford Kuga
Volvo XC40
VS
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 Kuga; if you prefer a calmer, premium feel and a car that looks after you like a very fashionable safety blanket, choose the XC40.
Nissan Qashqai
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The Nissan Qashqai is the sensible, hard-working compact SUV that delivers excellent everyday comfort, clever interior space and strong value for money — perfect if you want a reliable family car without the premium price tag. The Volvo XC40, by contrast, is a sharper, more upscale choice with a plush cabin, class-leading safety tech and Scandinavian style, so pay extra if you want flair, refinement and that "I’m-driving-something-special" feeling.
Volvo XC40
Polestar 5
XC40

Costs and Consumption
Price
36800 - 47200 £
Price
101700 - 121400 £
Consumption L/100km
6.50 L
Consumption L/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
17.6 - 20.9 kWh
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
565 - 670 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
106 kWh
co2
147 - 148 g/km
co2
0 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
54 L
Fuel tank capacity
-

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
SUV
Body Type
Coupe
Seats
5
Seats
4
Doors
5
Doors
5
Curb weight
1688 kg
Curb weight
2462 - 2465 kg
Trunk capacity
452 L
Trunk capacity
365 L
Length
4425 mm
Length
5087 mm
Width
1863 mm
Width
2015 mm
Height
1652 mm
Height
1419 - 1425 mm
Max trunk capacity
1328 L
Max trunk capacity
-
Payload
532 kg
Payload
-

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
All-Wheel Drive
Power HP
163 - 197 HP
Power HP
748 - 884 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
7.6 - 8.6 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
3.2 - 3.9 s
Max Speed
180 km/h
Max Speed
250 km/h
Torque
265 - 300 Nm
Torque
812 - 1015 Nm
Number of Cylinders
4
Number of Cylinders
-
Power kW
120 - 145 kW
Power kW
550 - 650 kW
Engine capacity
1969 cm3
Engine capacity
-

General
Model Year
2024
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
E
CO2 Efficiency Class
A
Brand
Volvo
Brand
Polestar

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What drive types are available for the Volvo XC40?

The Volvo XC40 is available as Front-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.