Verdict
The BMW 3 Series costs RM267,800 against the Volvo EC40’s RM248,888, so the RM18,912 gap buys a 480-litre boot, 2,851-mm wheelbase, head-up display and 18-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio. But the EC40 has the stronger headline outputs: its single motor makes 235 hp and 420 Nm versus 184 hp and 300 Nm, while AWD helps it reach 100 km/h in 7.3 seconds, 0.1 seconds ahead. Its 70-kWh battery gives 488 km of range, but the BMW carries 67 litres more luggage and reaches 235 km/h rather than 180 km/h.
Pick the BMW 3 Series if you want the larger 480-litre boot, longer 2,851-mm wheelbase and a petrol sedan with a 235-km/h top speed.
Pick the Volvo EC40 if you want a 488-km electric range, 235 hp and 420 Nm from its motor, AWD and a lower purchase price.
Key differences
- Price: BMW 3 Series RM267,800; Volvo EC40 RM248,888.
- Power and torque: BMW 184 hp and 300 Nm; Volvo 235 hp and 420 Nm.
- Driveline: BMW rear-wheel drive; Volvo all-wheel drive.
- Range or fuel storage: BMW 59-litre petrol tank; Volvo 70-kWh battery with 488 km EV range.
- Boot space: BMW 480 litres; Volvo 413 litres.
- Weight and top speed: BMW 1,590 kg and 235 km/h; Volvo 2,185 kg and 180 km/h.
3 Series
- 480-litre boot and 2,851-mm wheelbase
- Head-up display and 18-speaker Bowers & Wilkins system
- 235-km/h top speed
- RM379 annual road tax versus RM220
- 184 hp and 300 Nm versus 235 hp and 420 Nm
- Two-year manufacturer warranty versus five years
EC40
- 488-km range from a 70-kWh battery
- 235 hp, 420 Nm and all-wheel drive
- Adaptive cruise control with steering assist and stop-and-go
- 413-litre boot versus 480 litres
- 2,185 kg versus 1,590 kg
- 180-km/h top speed versus 235 km/h
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM267,800 | RM248,888✓ |
| Body type | Sedan | SUV |
| Segment | Compact Executive | Compact Executive |
| Assembly | CKD | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM379 | RM220✓ |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC direct injection with twin-scroll turbocharger, variable valve timing | 400V architecture |
| Capacity | 1,998 cc | — |
| Horsepower | 184 hp | — |
| Torque | 300 Nm | — |
| Fuel | Petrol | Electric |
| Bore | 82 mm | — |
| Compression Ratio | 11 | — |
| Number of Motors | — | 1 |
| Motor Horsepower | — | 235 hp |
| Motor Torque | — | 420 Nm |
| Battery Capacity | — | 70 kWh |
| EV Range | — | 488 km |
| Charging Rate (AC) | — | 11 kW |
| Charging Rate (DC) | — | 200 kW |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Single Ratio Automatic |
| Transmission Name | Steptronic Sport | — |
| Gears | 8 | — |
| Transmission Manufacturer | ZF | Volvo |
| Driveline | Rear Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 7.4 seconds | 7.3 seconds✓ |
| Top Speed | 235 km/h✓ | 180 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,709 mm | 4,440 mm |
| Width | 1,827 mm | 1,873 mm |
| Height | 1,435 mm | 1,582 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,851 mm | 2,702 mm |
| Weight | 1,590 kg | 2,185 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 59 litres | — |
| Doors | 4 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 480 litres✓ | 413 litres |
| Front Tyre | 225/45R18 | 235/50R19 |
| Rear Tyre | 225/45R18 | 255/45R19 |
| Spare Tyre | — | N/A, Tyre Repair Kit |
| Factory Tyres | Hankook Ventus s1 Evo 3 | Continental EcoContact 6 VOL |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | Double Wishbones | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-Link |
| Front Wheels | 18" V-spoke Style 780 Bicolour Alloys | 19" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 18" V-spoke Style 780 Bicolour Alloys | 19" Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Chassis Notes | — | Sports Chassis |
| Crash Safety Ratings | ||
| EuroNCAP | — | 5 stars |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Driver's Knee, Front and Rear Curtain |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for Rear Doors | Electronic for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available on 2 Outer Rear Seats | Available for 2 Outer Rear Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes, with Pedestrian Detection (5 km/h to 80 km/h) | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | For All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projectors with High beam Assistant | LED Projector with Auto High Beam |
| Taillamps | Full LED | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | — | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Power Adjustable Front Seats with Driver's Memory Function | Power Adjustable Front Seats |
| Rear Seats | 40:20:40 Split-Folding | 60:40 Split Fold |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control | Rear Vents |
| Sunroof | — | Fixed Glass Roof |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 Centre Armrest, 1 Rear, 1 Boot | 1x 12V in front, 2x USB-C front, 2x USB-C rear |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights & Ambient Lighting | Map Lights & Ambient Lighting |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Audio | 14.9" BMW Curved Display Live Cockpit Professional, 18-speaker Bowers & Wilkins Sound System | 9" Portrait Android Automotive OS Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti Pinch | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless (Depress Brake to Start) |
| Locks | Keyless Operation with Proximity Lock/Unlock | Keyless Entry |
| Auto Start/Stop | ✓ | — |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control with Steering Assist and Stop and Go |
| Paddle Shift | ✓ | — |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Remote Control Activation | Remote Control Activation |
| Parking Sensor Front | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | Yes, with 360-degree Camera |
| Auto Parking | Yes, for Parallel and Perpendicular Parking, with Reversing Assist | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Head-up Display | ✓ | — |
| Power Door | — | No |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Warranty Mileage Extended | Unlimited | — |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 2 years | 5 years✓ |
| Warranty Extended | 5 years | — |
| Warranty Notes | — | 8-year/160,000 km Battery Warranty |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Used 3 Series & EC40 for sale
3 Series vs EC40 FAQ
Is the BMW 3 Series or Volvo EC40 better?
The Volvo EC40 is the stronger choice for electric driving, with 488 km of range, AWD and 420 Nm. Choose the BMW 3 Series for its 480-litre boot, longer wheelbase, head-up display and higher 235-km/h top speed.
What is the price difference?
The Volvo EC40 is RM18,912 cheaper than the BMW 3 Series.
Which is quicker, the BMW 3 Series or Volvo EC40?
The Volvo EC40 reaches 100 km/h in 7.3 seconds, 0.1 seconds ahead of the BMW 3 Series at 7.4 seconds. The BMW has the higher top speed, at 235 km/h against 180 km/h.