BMW X1 vs Volvo XC40
Verdict
Both are CKD C-segment SUVs with five seats, but the RM18,088 gap changes the brief. The BMW X1 is the calmer buy: 7.2 L/100 km, a 476-litre boot and a 236 km/h top speed suit drivers who want useful space and lower stated fuel use. The Volvo XC40 is quicker and grippier on paper, with 263 hp, 390 Nm, all-wheel drive and 0-100 km/h in 6.4 seconds, plus a five-year warranty and seven airbags.
Pick the BMW X1 if you want the lower-priced SUV with the bigger boot, lower stated fuel consumption and higher top speed.
Pick the Volvo XC40 if you want stronger acceleration, all-wheel drive, more torque and a longer warranty period.
Key differences
- Price: BMW X1 RM250,800; Volvo XC40 RM268,888
- Output: BMW X1 201 hp and 300 Nm; Volvo XC40 263 hp and 390 Nm
- Driven wheels: BMW X1 front-wheel drive; Volvo XC40 all-wheel drive
- 0-100 km/h: BMW X1 7.6 seconds; Volvo XC40 6.4 seconds
- Boot space: BMW X1 476 litres; Volvo XC40 460 litres
- Warranty: BMW X1 2 years; Volvo XC40 5 years
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM 250,800✓ | RM 268,888 |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | C-Segment | C-Segment |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Assembly | CKD | CKD |
| Powertrain | ||
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol Hybrid/REV |
| Engine | 1,998 cc | 1,969 cc |
| Power | 201 hp | 263 hp✓ |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 390 Nm✓ |
| Transmission | Dual-clutch Automatic (Wet) | Conventional Automatic |
| Driven wheels | Front Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance | ||
| 0–100 km/h | 7.6 s | 6.4 s✓ |
| Top speed | 236 km/h✓ | 180 km/h |
| Efficiency | ||
| Fuel economy | 7.2 L/100km✓ | 7.7 L/100km |
| CO₂ | — | 50 g/km |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,500 mm | 4,425 mm |
| Width | 1,845 mm | 1,863 mm |
| Height | 1,642 mm | 1,658 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,692 mm | 2,702 mm |
| Boot space | 476 L✓ | 460 L |
| Fuel tank | 45 L | 49 L |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 6 | 7✓ |
| Auto emergency braking | Yes | Yes |
| Ownership | ||
| Warranty | 2 | 5✓ |
| Road tax / year | RM 439 | RM 428✓ |
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
- Lower stated fuel use at 7.2 L/100 km
- Larger 476-litre boot
- Higher 236 km/h top speed
- Slower 7.6-second 0-100 km/h time
- Front-wheel drive only
- Shorter 2-year warranty
XC40
- Stronger 263 hp and 390 Nm outputs
- All-wheel drive with a 6.4-second 0-100 km/h time
- Longer 5-year warranty and 7 airbags
- Costs RM18,088 more
- Smaller 460-litre boot
- Higher stated fuel use at 7.7 L/100 km
X1 vs XC40 FAQ
Is the BMW X1 or Volvo XC40 better?
The Volvo XC40 is better for performance and warranty cover, with 263 hp, all-wheel drive and five years of warranty. The BMW X1 is better for boot space, stated fuel use and purchase price.
What is the price difference?
The Volvo XC40 costs RM18,088 more than the BMW X1. That extra money buys more power, all-wheel drive, a quicker 0-100 km/h time, one extra airbag and a longer warranty period.
Which has the bigger boot?
The BMW X1 has the bigger boot at 476 litres. The Volvo XC40 offers 460 litres, so the BMW gives you 16 litres more luggage room.