BMW X1 vs Volvo EC40
Verdict
At RM250,800 for the BMW X1 and RM248,888 for the Volvo EC40, this is effectively a fuel choice, not a price fight. The X1’s 2.0 litre turbo petrol engine gives 201 hp, 300 Nm, a 7.6-second 0-100 km/h time and a larger 476-litre boot, so it suits buyers who still want petrol convenience and luggage space. The EC40 counters with a 235 hp motor, 420 Nm, 7.3 seconds to 100 km/h, 488 km EV range and much stronger driver-assist kit. The BMW is roomier for cargo; the Volvo is quicker and more electric-forward.
Pick the BMW X1 if you want a petrol SUV with the bigger 476-litre boot, a higher 236 km/h top speed and a space-saver spare tyre.
Pick the Volvo EC40 if you want an electric SUV with 488 km range, 200 kW DC charging, 420 Nm and adaptive cruise with steering assist.
Key differences
- Price: BMW X1 RM250,800; Volvo EC40 RM248,888
- Power and torque: BMW X1 201 hp and 300 Nm; Volvo EC40 235 hp and 420 Nm
- 0-100 km/h: BMW X1 7.6 seconds; Volvo EC40 7.3 seconds
- Top speed: BMW X1 236 km/h; Volvo EC40 180 km/h
- Boot space: BMW X1 476 litres; Volvo EC40 413 litres
- Warranty: BMW X1 2-year manufacturer warranty with 5-year extended warranty listed; Volvo EC40 5-year manufacturer warranty plus 8-year/160,000 km battery…
X1
- Larger 476-litre boot versus 413 litres in the Volvo EC40
- Higher 236 km/h top speed versus 180 km/h
- Space-saver spare tyre included
- Less power and torque: 201 hp and 300 Nm versus 235 hp and 420 Nm
- Slower 0-100 km/h time at 7.6 seconds versus 7.3 seconds
- Passive cruise control only; the Volvo EC40 gets adaptive cruise with steering assist and stop-go
EC40
- Quicker 7.3-second 0-100 km/h time
- 488 km EV range with 11 kW AC and 200 kW DC charging
- 360-degree camera, adaptive cruise and lane steering correction
- Smaller 413-litre boot versus 476 litres in the BMW X1
- Lower 180 km/h top speed versus 236 km/h
- No spare tyre; it gets a tyre repair kit
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM 250,800 | RM 248,888✓ |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | C-Segment | Compact Executive |
| Assembly | CKD | CKD |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC direct injection with twin-scroll turbocharger, variable valve timing | — |
| Capacity | 1,998 cc | — |
| Horsepower | 201 hp | — |
| Torque | 300 Nm | — |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline | — |
| Timing Type | Chain | — |
| Fuel | Petrol | Electric |
| Bore | 82 mm | — |
| Compression Ratio | 11.1 | — |
| Number of Motors | — | 1 |
| Motor Horsepower | — | 235 hp |
| Motor Torque | — | 420 Nm |
| Battery Type | — | Nickel Cobalt Manganese (NCM) |
| Battery Capacity | — | 70 kWh |
| EV Range | — | 488 km |
| Charger Type (AC) | — | Type 2 |
| Charging Rate (AC) | — | 11 kW |
| Charger Type (DC) | — | CCS |
| Charging Rate (DC) | — | 200 kW |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Dual-clutch Automatic (Wet) | Single Ratio Automatic |
| Transmission Name | Steptronic Dual-clutch | — |
| Gears | 7 | — |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Getrag | Volvo |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 7.6 seconds | 7.3 seconds✓ |
| Rated Economy | 7.2 L/100 km | — |
| Top Speed | 236 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 | — | 2,185 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 45 litres | — |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 476 litres✓ | 413 litres |
| Front Tyre | 245/45R19 | 235/50R19 |
| Rear Tyre | 245/45R19 | 255/45R19 |
| Spare Tyre | Space Saver | N/A, Tyre Repair Kit |
| Factory Tyres | Continental EcoContact 6 Q | Continental EcoContact 6 VOL |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Chassis | Unibody | Unibody |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-Link |
| Front Wheels | 19" V-spoke style 867 Bicolour Light Alloy Wheels | 19" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 19" V-spoke style 867 Bicolour Light Alloy Wheels | 19" Alloy |
| Front Brakes | Disc | Ventilated Discs |
| Rear Brakes | Disc | Solid Discs |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Chassis Notes | — | Sports Chassis |
| Crash Safety Ratings | ||
| EuroNCAP | 5 stars | 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 for Rear Doors | Electronic for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available on front passenger seat and two outer rear passenger seats | Available for 2 Outer Rear Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Warning Only | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | For All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | Adaptive LED Projector | LED Projector with Auto High Beam |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | — | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Power Adjustable Front Seats | 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 | Rear AC Vents | Rear Vents |
| Sunroof | — | Fixed Glass Roof |
| Power Sockets | 2x USB-C front, 2x USB-C rear | 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 | 10.7" BMW Operating System 8 with Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto | 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 Entry | 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 | Parking Assistant | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Power Door | No | 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 |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM 439 | 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.
X1 vs EC40 FAQ
Is the BMW X1 or Volvo EC40 better?
The Volvo EC40 is the stronger tech and performance pick, with 235 hp, 420 Nm, 488 km EV range and adaptive cruise. The BMW X1 is better if boot space, petrol refuelling and a higher top speed matter more.
What is the price difference?
The BMW X1 costs RM250,800, while the Volvo EC40 costs RM248,888. The BMW is RM1,912 more expensive.
Which has the bigger boot?
The BMW X1 has the bigger boot at 476 litres. The Volvo EC40 has 413 litres, so the BMW gives you 63 litres more luggage space.