Verdict
At RM250,800, the BMW X1 is RM83,088 cheaper than the RM333,888 Volvo XC60 and it is the tighter package: 4,500 mm long with a 476-litre boot against the Volvo’s 4,708 mm and 483 litres. The XC60 spends that extra money on muscle and kit, with 246 hp/350 Nm, AWD and a 6.9-second 0-100 km/h time versus the BMW’s 201 hp/300 Nm, FWD and 7.6 seconds. For Malaysia, the Volvo feels like the richer family SUV; the BMW is the sharper-value urban one.
X1
Pick the BMW X1 if you want to save RM83,088, keep a smaller 4,500 mm body and still get 476 litres of boot space.
XC60
Pick the Volvo XC60 if you want AWD, 246 hp/350 Nm, a 6.9-second sprint and the longer 5-year manufacturer warranty.
Key differences
- Price: BMW X1 RM250,800; Volvo XC60 RM333,888
- Output and drive: BMW X1 201 hp/300 Nm FWD; Volvo XC60 246 hp/350 Nm AWD plus 13 hp/30 Nm electric motor assist
- Performance: BMW X1 0-100 km/h in 7.6 seconds and 236 km/h; Volvo XC60 6.9 seconds and 180 km/h
- Size: BMW X1 4,500/1,845/1,642 mm with 2,692 mm wheelbase; Volvo XC60 4,708/1,902/1,655 mm with 2,865 mm wheelbase
- Practicality: BMW X1 476-litre boot and 45-litre tank; Volvo XC60 483-litre boot and 71-litre tank
- Driver assistance: BMW X1 passive cruise and lane warning only; Volvo XC60 active cruise with steering assist and lane steering correction
X1
- RM83,088 cheaper to buy.
- Compact 4,500 mm length, yet boot space is only 7 litres down on the Volvo.
- Higher 236 km/h top speed versus the Volvo’s 180 km/h.
- Weaker and slower: 201 hp/300 Nm and 7.6 seconds versus 246 hp/350 Nm and 6.9 seconds.
- Front-wheel drive only; the Volvo gets all-wheel drive.
- Shorter standard manufacturer warranty: 2 years versus 5 years.
XC60
- Stronger drivetrain: 246 hp/350 Nm, AWD and 0-100 km/h in 6.9 seconds.
- Bigger 2,865 mm wheelbase and 71-litre fuel tank.
- Adds a panoramic glass roof, Bowers & Wilkins audio and 360-degree camera.
- Costs RM83,088 more.
- Bulkier body: 4,708 mm long and 1,902 mm wide versus 4,500 mm and 1,845 mm.
- Lacks the BMW’s Parking Assistant and paddle shift.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM 250,800✓ | RM 333,888 |
| 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 | 16-valve DOHC with Direct Fuel Injection, Turbocharger, Variable Valve Timing with MHEV Assistance |
| Capacity | 1,998 cc | 1,969 cc |
| Horsepower | 201 hp | 246 hp✓ |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 350 Nm✓ |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline | Inline |
| Timing Type | Chain | Chain |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol Hybrid/REV |
| Bore | 82 mm | 82 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 11.1 | 10.8 |
| Number of Motors | — | 1 |
| Motor Horsepower | — | 13 hp |
| Motor Torque | — | 30 Nm |
| Battery Type | — | Lithium-ion |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Dual-clutch Automatic (Wet) | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | Steptronic Dual-clutch | 8-Speed Geartronic |
| Gears | 7 | 8 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Getrag | — |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 7.6 seconds | 6.9 seconds✓ |
| Rated Economy | 7.2 L/100 km | — |
| Top Speed | 236 km/h✓ | 180 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,500 mm | 4,708 mm |
| Width | 1,845 mm | 1,902 mm |
| Height | 1,642 mm | 1,655 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,692 mm | 2,865 mm |
| Weight | — | 2,450 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 45 litres | 71 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 476 litres | 483 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 245/45R19 | — |
| Rear Tyre | 245/45R19 | — |
| Spare Tyre | Space Saver | — |
| Factory Tyres | Continental EcoContact 6 Q | — |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Chassis | Unibody | Unibody |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | Double Wishbones |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 19" V-spoke style 867 Bicolour Light Alloy Wheels | 19" 5-double-spoke Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 19" V-spoke style 867 Bicolour Light Alloy Wheels | 19" 5-double-spoke Alloys |
| Front Brakes | Disc | Ventilated Discs |
| Rear Brakes | Disc | Ventilated Discs |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Crash Safety Ratings | ||
| EuroNCAP | 5 stars | — |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Front, front-side, rear | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | — | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | — | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for Rear Doors | Electric 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 on 2 Outer Rear Seats, with Integrated Boosters |
| 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 | Full LED |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Power Adjustable Front Seats | Power Adjustable Front Seats with Memory Function |
| Rear Seats | 40:20:40 Split-folding | 40:20:40 Split Folding with integrated 2-stage booster child seat cushions for the outer seats |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Rear AC Vents | Rear Vents |
| Sunroof | — | Panoramic Glass Roof |
| Power Sockets | 2x USB-C front, 2x USB-C rear | 1 Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 2 USB-C Front, 2 USB-C Rear |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights & Ambient Lighting | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Sun Shade | — | Powered Sunshade for Panoramic Glass Roof |
| Audio | 10.7" BMW Operating System 8 with Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto | 11.2" Central Display with Android Automotive OS, Apple CarPlay & Android Auto Connectivity, Bowers & Wilkins High Fidelity Audio System |
| 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 Knob Twist |
| Locks | Keyless Entry | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Start/Stop | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control | Active Cruise Control with Steering Assist |
| Paddle Shift | ✓ | — |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Remote Control Activation | Powered Boot, Contactless Opening |
| Parking Sensor Front | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | Yes, with 360 Surround View Camera |
| Auto Parking | Parking Assistant | — |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | — |
| Ownership | ||
| 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 vs XC60 FAQ
Is the BMW X1 or Volvo XC60 better?
The Volvo XC60 is better if performance, AWD and equipment matter: 246 hp, 350 Nm and 0-100 km/h in 6.9 seconds. The BMW X1 is the better buy on price, size and similar boot space.
What is the price difference?
The Volvo XC60 costs RM83,088 more: RM333,888 against RM250,800 for the BMW X1.
Which is quicker, the BMW X1 or Volvo XC60?
The Volvo XC60 is quicker to 100 km/h, taking 6.9 seconds versus 7.6 seconds for the BMW X1. The BMW has the higher top speed at 236 km/h versus 180 km/h.