BMW iX1 vs Volvo EC40
Verdict
At RM250,800 for the BMW iX1 and RM248,888 for the Volvo EC40, this is a near dead heat on price, but not on character. The Volvo is quicker, with 235 hp, 0-100 km/h in 7.3 seconds, AWD and 488 km of range. The BMW counters with a bigger 490-litre boot, a taller SUV body and cheaper RM160 annual road tax. For a Malaysian buyer, the EC40 is the stronger all-round EV buy unless luggage space matters more than pace and warranty cover.
Pick the BMW iX1 if you want the larger boot, taller SUV stance and lower annual road tax.
Pick the Volvo EC40 if you want more power, quicker acceleration, AWD, longer range and a longer warranty.
Key differences
- Power: BMW iX1 204 hp; Volvo EC40 235 hp
- Driven wheels: BMW iX1 front-wheel drive; Volvo EC40 all-wheel drive
- 0-100 km/h: BMW iX1 8.6 seconds; Volvo EC40 7.3 seconds
- Battery and range: BMW iX1 66.5 kWh, 475 km; Volvo EC40 70.0 kWh, 488 km
- Boot space: BMW iX1 490 litres; Volvo EC40 413 litres
- Warranty: BMW iX1 2 years; Volvo EC40 5 years
iX1
- Bigger 490-litre boot
- Lower RM160 annual road tax
- Taller 1,642 mm SUV body
- Slower 8.6-second 0-100 km/h time
- Shorter 475 km range
- Only 2-year warranty
EC40
- Stronger 235 hp output
- Quicker 7.3-second 0-100 km/h time
- Longer 5-year warranty
- Smaller 413-litre boot
- Higher RM220 annual road tax
- Lower 1,582 mm body height
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM 250,800 | RM 248,888✓ |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | C-Segment | Compact Executive |
| Assembly | CBU | CKD |
| Powertrain | ||
| Fuel | Electric | Electric |
| Number of Motors | 1 | 1 |
| Motor Horsepower | 204 hp | 235 hp✓ |
| Motor Torque | 250 Nm | 420 Nm✓ |
| Battery Type | Lithium-ion | Nickel Cobalt Manganese (NCM) |
| Battery Capacity | 66.5 kWh | 70 kWh✓ |
| EV Range | 475 km | 488 km✓ |
| Charger Type (AC) | Type 2 | Type 2 |
| Charging Rate (AC) | 11 kW | 11 kW |
| Charger Type (DC) | CCS2 | CCS |
| Charging Rate (DC) | 130 kW✓ | 200 kW |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Single Ratio Automatic | Single Ratio Automatic |
| Transmission Manufacturer | — | Volvo |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 8.6 seconds | 7.3 seconds✓ |
| Top Speed | 170 km/h | 180 km/h✓ |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,500 mm | 4,440 mm |
| Width | 1,845 mm | 1,873 mm |
| Height | 1,642 mm | 1,582 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,692 mm | 2,702 mm |
| Weight | 2,085 kg | 2,185 kg |
| Doors | 4 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 490 litres✓ | 413 litres |
| Front Tyre | 245/45R19 | 235/50R19 |
| Rear Tyre | 245/45R19 | 255/45R19 |
| Spare Tyre | — | N/A, Tyre Repair Kit |
| Factory Tyres | Pirelli P Zero | Continental EcoContact 6 VOL |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Germany (CBU) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Chassis | Unibody | Unibody |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson struts | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-Link |
| Front Wheels | 19" M Doublespoke 871 Bicolour | 19" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 19" M Doublespoke 871 Bicolour | 19" Alloy |
| Front Brakes | Ventilated Discs | Ventilated Discs |
| Rear Brakes | Solid Discs | Solid Discs |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Chassis Notes | Adaptive M Suspension | Sports Chassis |
| Crash Safety Ratings | ||
| EuroNCAP | — | 5 stars |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Front, front-side, rear | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Driver's Knee, Front and Rear Curtain |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | — | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual rear doors | Electronic for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | 2 on outer rear seats | Available for 2 Outer Rear Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Front Collision Warning | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | Yes | For All Seats |
| Safety Notes | Driving Assistant Plus | — |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | Adaptive LED | LED Projector with Auto High Beam |
| Taillamps | LED | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Electric Seat Adjustment with Memory for Driver | Power Adjustable Front Seats |
| Rear Seats | 60/40 split | 60:40 Split Fold |
| Front Air-con | Dual Zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Rear AC Vents | Rear Vents |
| Sunroof | — | Fixed Glass Roof |
| Power Sockets | Front 12V, Qi Wireless charging tray | 1x 12V in front, 2x USB-C front, 2x USB-C rear |
| Interior Lighting | Ambient Lighting | Map Lights & Ambient Lighting |
| Cup Holders | Dual front | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Sun Shade | Yes | — |
| Audio | BMW Live Cockpit Professional with 10.25" Touchscreen, iDrive Controller, Voice Control, Apple CarPlay and 16-speaker, 464W Harman Kardon Sound System | 9" Portrait Android Automotive OS Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up & Down with Anti-pinch | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless (Depress Brake to Start) |
| Locks | Yes | Keyless Entry |
| Auto Start/Stop | ✓ | — |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Active Cruise Control with Stop&Go function | Adaptive Cruise Control with Steering Assist and Stop and Go |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Electric | Remote Control Activation |
| Parking Sensor Front | 6 | 6 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 6 | 6 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes with 360 view | Yes, with 360-degree Camera |
| Auto Parking | Parking Assistant Plus | 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 | Add RM13,430 for 5 year warranty and service package, 8-year/160,000 km Battery Warranty | 8-year/160,000 km Battery Warranty |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM 160✓ | RM 220 |
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.
iX1 vs EC40 FAQ
Is the BMW iX1 or Volvo EC40 better?
The Volvo EC40 is the better all-rounder on paper: it is cheaper by RM1,912, has 235 hp, AWD, a 7.3-second 0-100 km/h time, 488 km range and a 5-year warranty. The BMW iX1 mainly fights back with its bigger boot.
What is the price difference?
The BMW iX1 costs RM1,912 more than the Volvo EC40. Given how close the prices are, the bigger differences are performance, range, warranty and boot space rather than the monthly payment.
Which EV has more luggage space?
The BMW iX1 has the larger boot at 490 litres, compared with 413 litres in the Volvo EC40. If airport runs, baby gear or balik kampung luggage are regular jobs, that 77-litre advantage is the BMW’s clearest win.