Car Buyer's Guide

Volvo EC40 vs Volvo XC40

Volvo EC40

Volvo EC40

Volvo XC40

Volvo XC40

B5 Ultimate

Verdict

At RM248,888, the EC40 costs RM10,000 less than the XC40 and its RM220 annual road tax is RM208 lower. Its 70 kWh battery is rated for 488 km and accepts 11 kW AC or 200 kW DC charging, so it suits buyers with dependable charging. The XC40 counters with a quicker 6.4-second 0-100 km/h time against 7.3 seconds, plus a 460-litre boot versus 413 litres. Both are CKD, AWD five-seat SUVs with five-star Euro NCAP ratings, but the EC40 adds a 360-degree camera and fixed glass roof.

EC40

Pick the Volvo EC40 if you can charge regularly and want 488 km of EV range, RM220 road tax and a lower purchase price.

XC40

Pick the Volvo XC40 if the quicker 6.4-second sprint, 460-litre boot and space-saver spare matter more than EV driving.

Key differences

  • Price: Volvo EC40 RM248,888; Volvo XC40 RM268,888.
  • Annual road tax: Volvo EC40 RM220; Volvo XC40 RM428.
  • Power and acceleration: Volvo EC40 235 hp, 420 Nm and 0-100 km/h in 7.3 seconds; Volvo XC40 263 hp, 390 Nm and 6.4 seconds.
  • Energy use: Volvo EC40 has a 70 kWh battery and 488 km EV range; Volvo XC40 has a 49-litre tank and rated economy of 7.7 L/100 km.
  • Boot space: Volvo EC40 413 litres; Volvo XC40 460 litres.
  • Height and weight: Volvo EC40 1,582 mm and 2,185 kg; Volvo XC40 1,658 mm and 1,875 kg.

EC40

  • RM10,000 lower price and RM208 lower annual road tax
  • 70 kWh battery with 488 km rated range and 200 kW DC charging
  • 360-degree camera, fixed glass roof and LED projector headlamps
  • 0-100 km/h takes 7.3 seconds, 0.9 seconds behind the XC40
  • 413-litre boot is 47 litres smaller
  • Tyre repair kit instead of the XC40's space-saver spare

XC40

  • Quicker 6.4-second 0-100 km/h time
  • 460-litre boot and space-saver spare tyre
  • Driver's memory function, paddle shifts and Tiptronic control
  • Costs RM10,000 more, with RM428 annual road tax versus RM220
  • No fixed glass roof or 360-degree camera
  • LED reflector headlamps instead of the EC40's LED projectors
Price & overview
PriceRM248,888RM268,888
Body typeSUVSUV
SegmentCompact ExecutiveC-Segment
AssemblyCKDCKD
Ownership
Road tax / yearRM220RM428
Powertrain
Engine Tech400V architecture16-valve DOHC with Direct Fuel Injection, Turbocharger and Variable Valve Timing
Capacity1,969 cc
Horsepower263 hp
Torque390 Nm
FuelElectricPetrol Hybrid/REV
Bore82 mm
Compression Ratio10.5
Number of Motors1
Motor Horsepower235 hp
Motor Torque420 Nm
Battery Capacity70 kWh
EV Range488 km
Charging Rate (AC)11 kW
Charging Rate (DC)200 kW
Drivetrain
TransmissionSingle Ratio AutomaticConventional Automatic
Transmission NameGeartronic Automatic Transmission
Gears8
Transmission ManufacturerVolvo
DrivelineAll Wheel DriveAll Wheel Drive
Performance & Efficiency
0-100 km/h7.3 seconds6.4 seconds
Rated Economy7.7 L/100 km
Top Speed180 km/h180 km/h
Co250 g/km
Dimensions
Length4,440 mm4,425 mm
Width1,873 mm1,863 mm
Height1,582 mm1,658 mm
Wheelbase2,702 mm2,702 mm
Weight2,185 kg1,875 kg
Fuel Tank49 litres
Doors55
Seats55
Boot Space413 litres460 litres
Front Tyre235/50R19235/50R19
Rear Tyre255/45R19235/50R19
Spare TyreN/A, Tyre Repair KitSpace Saver
Factory TyresContinental EcoContact 6 VOLMichelin e-Primacy
Chassis
AssemblyMalaysia (CKD)Malaysia (CKD)
Front SuspensionMacPherson StrutMacPherson Strut
Rear SuspensionMulti-LinkMulti-Link
Front Wheels19" Alloy19" 5-Y Spoke Matt Graphite Diamond Cut Alloy Wheels
Rear Wheels19" Alloy19" 5-Y Spoke Matt Graphite Diamond Cut Alloy Wheels
SteeringRack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering)Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering)
Chassis NotesSports ChassisSport Chassis
Crash Safety Ratings
EuroNCAP5 stars5 stars
ANCAP5 stars
Safety
AirbagsDriver and Passenger, Front Side, Driver's Knee, Front and Rear CurtainDriver and Passenger, Front Side, Driver's Knee, Front and Rear Curtain
ABS/EBD
Stability Control
Alarm
Immobilizer
Airbag Disable Function
Child Safety LockElectronic for Rear DoorsPower safety lock for rear door
Seat Belts5 Three-point5 Three-point
Blind Spot Info System
ISOFIXAvailable for 2 Outer Rear SeatsAvailable on two outer rear passenger seats
Autonomous Braking SystemYesYes, City Safety with Full Auto Brake, Pedestrian, Cyclist and Large Animal Detection
Lane-keeping AssistSteering CorrectionSteering Correction
Collision Warning
Seatbelt ReminderFor All SeatsFor All Seats
Lighting
HeadlampsLED Projector with Auto High BeamLED Reflectors
TaillampsLED CombinationLED Combination
LED Daytime Running Lights
Front Foglamps
Rear Foglamps
Wing Mirror Turn Indicators
Cabin
Front SeatsPower Adjustable Front SeatsPower Adjustable Front Seats with Driver's Memory Function
Rear Seats60:40 Split Fold60:40 Split-folding
Front Air-conDual-zone Automatic Climate ControlDual-zone Automatic Climate Control System
Rear Air-conRear VentsRear Vents
SunroofFixed Glass Roof
Power Sockets1x 12V in front, 2x USB-C front, 2x USB-C rear2 Front
Interior LightingMap Lights & Ambient LightingMap Lights and Ambient Lights
Cup Holders2 Front, 2 Rear2 Front, 2 Rear
Audio9" Portrait Android Automotive OS Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto9" Portrait Android Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Convenience
Power WindowsFour Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-PinchFour Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch
Engine StartKeyless (Depress Brake to Start)Keyless Push button
LocksKeyless EntryKeyless Operation
Auto Start/Stop
Auto Headlamps
Auto Wipers
Cruise ControlAdaptive Cruise Control with Steering Assist and Stop and GoActive Cruise Control
Tiptronic
Paddle Shift
Steering Audio Control
Steering Tilt
Steering Telescopic
Boot OperationRemote Control ActivationRemote Control Activation
Parking Sensor Front6 Sensors6 Sensors
Parking Sensor Rear6 Sensors6 Sensors
Reverse CameraYes, with 360-degree CameraYes
Auto ParkingYesYes
Folding Wing Mirrors
Bluetooth
Navigation
Power DoorNo
Hill Start Assist
Instrument ClusterFull LCD MonitorFull LCD Monitor
Parking BrakeElectronicElectronic
Warranty
Warranty Mileage ManufacturerUnlimitedUnlimited
Warranty Manufacturer5 years5 years
Warranty Notes8-year/160,000 km Battery Warranty8-year/160,000 km hybrid 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.

EC40 vs XC40 FAQ

Is the Volvo EC40 or Volvo XC40 better?

The EC40 is the better buy for regular home or workplace charging: it costs less, has 488 km of rated EV range and lower road tax. Choose the XC40 if its quicker 6.4-second sprint and 460-litre boot are priorities.

What is the price difference?

The Volvo EC40 is RM248,888 and the Volvo XC40 is RM268,888, so the EC40 is RM10,000 cheaper.

Which is more practical for luggage?

The XC40 is more practical for luggage, with a 460-litre boot versus the EC40's 413 litres. It also carries a space-saver spare tyre, while the EC40 uses a tyre repair kit.

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