Verdict
For a Malaysian buyer, the Tesla Model Y is the sharper practical buy at RM198,000: its 295 hp motor cuts the 0-100 km/h run to 5.9 seconds, and the 854-litre boot is more than double the Volvo EC40’s 413 litres. The EC40 justifies part of its RM50,888 premium with all-wheel drive, a larger 70 kWh battery, 488 km range and 200 kW DC charging. But the Tesla is 349 kg lighter, has a 189 mm longer wheelbase and a four-year warranty rather than five years.
Pick the Tesla Model Y if you want the lower purchase price, much larger 854-litre boot and quicker 5.9-second acceleration.
Pick the Volvo EC40 if all-wheel drive, 488 km range, 200 kW DC charging and a five-year unlimited-mileage warranty matter more than outright space and pace.
Key differences
- Price: Tesla Model Y RM198,000; Volvo EC40 RM248,888.
- Performance: Tesla Model Y 295 hp and 0-100 km/h in 5.9 seconds; Volvo EC40 235 hp and 7.3 seconds.
- Battery and range: Tesla Model Y 60 kWh and 466 km; Volvo EC40 70 kWh and 488 km.
- DC charging: Tesla Model Y 175 kW; Volvo EC40 200 kW.
- Driveline: Tesla Model Y rear-wheel drive; Volvo EC40 all-wheel drive.
- Boot space: Tesla Model Y 854 litres; Volvo EC40 413 litres.
Model Y
- RM50,888 cheaper
- Quicker 5.9-second 0-100 km/h time
- 854-litre boot and 2,891 mm wheelbase
- Rear-wheel drive versus the EC40's all-wheel drive
- 466 km range and 175 kW DC charging trail the EC40
- Four-year/80,000 km vehicle warranty versus five years with unlimited mileage
EC40
- All-wheel drive
- 70 kWh battery, 488 km range and 200 kW DC charging
- Five-year unlimited-mileage vehicle warranty
- RM50,888 more expensive
- Slower 7.3-second 0-100 km/h time
- 413-litre boot is 441 litres smaller
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM198,000✓ | RM248,888 |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | Compact Executive | Compact Executive |
| Assembly | CBU | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM305 | RM220✓ |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 400V architecture | 400V architecture |
| Fuel | Electric | Electric |
| Number of Motors | 1 | 1 |
| Motor Horsepower | 295 hp✓ | 235 hp |
| Motor Torque | 420 Nm | 420 Nm |
| Battery Capacity | 60 kWh | 70 kWh✓ |
| EV Range | 466 km | 488 km✓ |
| Charging Rate (AC) | 11 kW | 11 kW |
| Charging Rate (DC) | 175 kW | 200 kW✓ |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Single Ratio Automatic | Single Ratio Automatic |
| Transmission Manufacturer | — | Volvo |
| Driveline | Rear Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 5.9 seconds✓ | 7.3 seconds |
| Top Speed | 201 km/h✓ | 180 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,790 mm | 4,440 mm |
| Width | 2,129 mm | 1,873 mm |
| Height | 1,624 mm | 1,582 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,891 mm | 2,702 mm |
| Weight | 1,921 kg | 2,185 kg |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 854 litres✓ | 413 litres |
| Front Tyre | 255/45R19 | 235/50R19 |
| Rear Tyre | 255/45R19 | 255/45R19 |
| Spare Tyre | — | N/A, Tyre Repair Kit |
| Factory Tyres | Hankook Ventus S1 Evo 3 EV | Continental EcoContact 6 VOL |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | China (CBU) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | Double Wishbones | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-Link |
| Front Wheels | 19" Crossflow Alloys | 19" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 19" Crossflow Alloys | 19" Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Chassis Notes | — | Sports Chassis |
| Crash Safety Ratings | ||
| EuroNCAP | — | 5 stars |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Front Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain, Driver's Knee | 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 Two Outer Rear Passenger Seats | Available for 2 Outer Rear Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | For All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | Adaptive LED Projectors with Auto High Beam | LED Projector with Auto High Beam |
| Taillamps | Full LED with LED Lighter | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | — | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Power Adjustable Front Seats, Heated & Ventilated | Power Adjustable Front Seats |
| Rear Seats | 40:20:40 Split-Folding, Heated | 60:40 Split Fold |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control with HEPA Air Filter | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Rear Vents with Rear Screen | Rear Vents |
| Sunroof | Panoramic Glass Roof | Fixed Glass Roof |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 4 Front USB-C | 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 | 15.4" Touchscreen with Navigation, Bluetooth and 9 Speakers | 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 (Depress Brake to Start) | Keyless (Depress Brake to Start) |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Entry |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control with Steering Assist and Stop and Go |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Steering Adjustment | ✓ | — |
| Boot Operation | Powered Boot | Remote Control Activation |
| Parking Sensor Front | — | 6 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | — | 6 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | Yes, with 360-degree Camera |
| Auto Parking | — | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Power Door | — | No |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | — | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 80,000 km | Unlimited✓ |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 4 years | 5 years✓ |
| Warranty Notes | 8-year/160,000 km Battery and Drive Unit Warranty, No fixed service schedule (condition-based maintenance) | 8-year/160,000 km Battery Warranty |
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.
Used Model Y & EC40 for sale
Model Y vs EC40 FAQ
Is the Tesla Model Y or Volvo EC40 better?
The Tesla Model Y is the better choice for price, acceleration and luggage capacity. Choose the Volvo EC40 instead if all-wheel drive, the longer 488 km range, faster 200 kW DC charging and longer vehicle warranty are priorities.
What is the price difference?
The Volvo EC40 costs RM50,888 more than the Tesla Model Y.
Which has the better EV range and charging capability?
The Volvo EC40 leads on both figures, with a 70 kWh battery, 488 km range and 200 kW DC charging. The Tesla Model Y has a 60 kWh battery, 466 km range and 175 kW DC charging; both accept 11 kW AC charging.