BMW X3 vs Volvo EC40
Verdict
At RM320,800 versus RM248,888, the BMW X3 asks RM71,912 more, and the money mainly buys size: it is 315 mm longer, has a 163 mm longer wheelbase and gives you a much bigger 570-litre boot. The Volvo EC40 is the quicker daily car on paper, with 235 hp and 0-100 km/h in 7.3 seconds, plus a 70.0 kWh battery and 488 km EV range. For a Malaysian buyer, the Volvo also gets lower annual road tax and a longer warranty.
Pick the BMW X3 if you want the larger SUV, the bigger boot and the higher 215 km/h top speed.
Pick the Volvo EC40 if you want the lower price, quicker 0-100 km/h time, EV range and longer warranty.
Key differences
- Price: BMW X3 RM320,800; Volvo EC40 RM248,888
- Power: BMW X3 188 hp; Volvo EC40 235 hp
- 0-100 km/h: BMW X3 8.5 s; Volvo EC40 7.3 s
- Boot space: BMW X3 570 L; Volvo EC40 413 L
- Warranty: BMW X3 2 years; Volvo EC40 5 years
- Road tax per year: BMW X3 RM439; Volvo EC40 RM220
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM 320,800 | RM 248,888✓ |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | Compact Executive | Compact Executive |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Assembly | CKD | CKD |
| Powertrain | ||
| Fuel | Petrol Hybrid/REV | Electric |
| Engine | 1,998 cc | Single motor |
| Power | 188 hp | 235 hp✓ |
| Torque | 310 Nm | — |
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Single Ratio Automatic |
| Driven wheels | All Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance | ||
| 0–100 km/h | 8.5 s | 7.3 s✓ |
| Top speed | 215 km/h✓ | 180 km/h |
| Efficiency | ||
| Battery | — | 70.0 kWh |
| EV range | — | 488 km |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,755 mm | 4,440 mm |
| Width | 1,920 mm | 1,873 mm |
| Height | 1,660 mm | 1,582 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,865 mm | 2,702 mm |
| Boot space | 570 L✓ | 413 L |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 6 | 7✓ |
| Auto emergency braking | Yes | Yes |
| Ownership | ||
| Warranty | 2 | 5✓ |
| 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.
X3
- Bigger 570-litre boot
- Longer 2,865 mm wheelbase
- Higher 215 km/h top speed
- Costs RM71,912 more
- Slower 8.5-second 0-100 km/h time
- Shorter 2-year warranty
EC40
- Quicker 7.3-second 0-100 km/h time
- 488 km EV range
- Longer 5-year warranty
- Smaller 413-litre boot
- Lower 180 km/h top speed
- Shorter 2,702 mm wheelbase
X3 vs EC40 FAQ
Is the BMW X3 or Volvo EC40 better?
The Volvo EC40 is the stronger buy on price, acceleration, warranty and road tax. The BMW X3 is better if boot space and overall size matter more.
What is the price difference?
The BMW X3 costs RM71,912 more than the Volvo EC40, before looking at running costs such as road tax.
Which has more boot space?
The BMW X3 has the larger boot at 570 litres, compared with 413 litres in the Volvo EC40.