Volvo XC40 vs the Competition

Volvo XC40 vs. BMW X1

• The Volvo XC40 and BMW are closely matched in terms of standard performance. Each has a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, with the Volvo XC40 producing 247 horsepower and the BMW X1 producing 241 horsepower.


• Both SUVs are impressively spacious compared to other subcompact crossover competitors. However, the Volvo XC40 offers more cargo-carrying practicality, with 57.5 cubic feet compared to the X1's 46.9 cubic feet.


• The Volvo XC40 and BMW X1 are both nicely equipped, offering standard features like large touchscreens, integrated navigation, digital instrument panels, leatherette upholstery, and dual-zone automatic climate control. Plus, they have advanced safety technologies like collision mitigation, blind-spot/rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, and parking sensors. However, the Volvo XC40 also comes standard with heated seats, lane-keeping assist, rear automatic braking, oncoming lane mitigation, road sign detection, and driver attention warning. The BMW X1 reserves some of these features for optional packages, while the rest are unavailable.


• The Volvo XC40 offers a few amenities that are notably absent in the BMW X1 lineup. Examples include ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, power-folding headrests, and a 15-speaker Bowers & Wilkins high-end audio system.


• The pure-electric Volvo XC40 Recharge has a dual-motor, all-wheel-driving powertrain with 402 horsepower, 494 pound-feet of torque, and an EPA-estimated 254 miles of range. The 2024 model year introduces a new single-motor, rear-wheel-driving option (284 horsepower/310 pound-feet of torque) with an 82-kWh battery and an EPA-rated 293 miles of range. The BMW X1 doesn't have a fully electric variant.