Verdict
The Volvo EC40 costs RM248,888, RM3,912 less than the RM252,800 BMW iX1 L, yet brings 235 hp, 420 Nm, all-wheel drive and a 488 km range. Its 200 kW DC charging ceiling also beats the BMW’s 130 kW. The iX1 L counters with a substantially roomier 490-litre boot, 77 litres more than the EC40, plus a 2,802 mm wheelbase and head-up display. For Malaysian buyers covering long intercity distances, the Volvo’s range and charging advantage are hard to ignore; families carrying bulkier loads have a clear reason to choose the BMW.
Pick the BMW iX1 L if you need the larger 490-litre boot, longer 2,802 mm wheelbase and a head-up display.
Pick the Volvo EC40 if you want more power, all-wheel drive, 488 km range and 200 kW DC charging for less money.
Key differences
- Price: BMW iX1 L RM252,800; Volvo EC40 RM248,888.
- Motor output: BMW iX1 L 201 hp and 250 Nm; Volvo EC40 235 hp and 420 Nm.
- Range and battery: BMW iX1 L 433 km from 66.5 kWh; Volvo EC40 488 km from 70 kWh.
- DC charging: BMW iX1 L 130 kW; Volvo EC40 200 kW.
- Driveline and 0-100 km/h: BMW iX1 L front-wheel drive, 8.6 seconds; Volvo EC40 all-wheel drive, 7.3 seconds.
- Boot space: BMW iX1 L 490 litres; Volvo EC40 413 litres.
iX1 L
- 490-litre boot is 77 litres larger.
- 2,802 mm wheelbase is 100 mm longer.
- Head-up display and 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system.
- 433 km range trails the EC40's 488 km.
- 130 kW DC charging is 70 kW below the EC40.
- 201 hp, 250 Nm and front-wheel drive lose out to 235 hp, 420 Nm and all-wheel drive.
EC40
- 488 km range from a 70 kWh battery.
- 200 kW DC charging capability.
- 235 hp, 420 Nm and all-wheel drive; 0-100 km/h takes 7.3 seconds.
- 413-litre boot is 77 litres smaller.
- 2,702 mm wheelbase is 100 mm shorter.
- No head-up display or sunroof shade.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM252,800 | RM248,888✓ |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | C-Segment | Compact Executive |
| Assembly | CBU | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM160✓ | RM220 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 5th-generation BMW eDrive, 400V architecture | 400V architecture |
| Fuel | Electric | Electric |
| Number of Motors | 1 | 1 |
| Motor Horsepower | 201 hp | 235 hp✓ |
| Motor Torque | 250 Nm | 420 Nm✓ |
| Battery Capacity | 66.5 kWh | 70 kWh✓ |
| EV Range | 433 km | 488 km✓ |
| Charging Rate (AC) | 11 kW | 11 kW |
| Charging Rate (DC) | 130 kW | 200 kW✓ |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Single Ratio Automatic | Single Ratio Automatic |
| Transmission Manufacturer | — | Volvo |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 8.6 seconds | 7.3 seconds✓ |
| Top Speed | 175 km/h | 180 km/h✓ |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,616 mm | 4,440 mm |
| Width | 1,845 mm | 1,873 mm |
| Height | 1,642 mm | 1,582 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,802 mm | 2,702 mm |
| Weight | — | 2,185 kg |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 490 litres✓ | 413 litres |
| Front Tyre | 245/45R19 | 235/50R19 |
| Rear Tyre | 245/45R19 | 255/45R19 |
| Spare Tyre | — | N/A, Tyre Repair Kit |
| Factory Tyres | Hankook Ventus s1 Evo 3 | Continental EcoContact 6 VOL |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | China (CBU) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Struts | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-Link |
| Front Wheels | 19" M Doublespoke 871 Bicolour | 19" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 19" M Doublespoke 871 Bicolour | 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 | 6 (Front Driver and Passenger, Front Side and Front & Rear Curtain Airbags) | 7 (Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Driver's Knee, Front and Rear Curtain) |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | — |
| Child Safety Lock | Electric 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 | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | — | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Power Adjustable Front Seats | Power Adjustable Front Seats |
| Rear Seats | 40:20:40 Split-folding | 60:40 Split Fold |
| Front Air-con | Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Rear AC Vents | Rear Vents |
| Sunroof | Fixed Panoramic Glass Roof | Fixed Glass Roof |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 2 USB Front, 2 USB Rear | 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 |
| Sun Shade | Sunroof Shade | — |
| Audio | 10.7" BMW Operating System 9 with Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, 12-speaker Harman Kardon Sound System | 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 Push Button | Keyless (Depress Brake to Start) |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Entry |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go | Adaptive Cruise Control with Steering Assist and Stop and Go |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Powered Boot | Remote Control Activation |
| Parking Sensor Front | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, 360-degree View Monitor | Yes, with 360-degree Camera |
| Auto Parking | — | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Head-up Display | ✓ | — |
| 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 | 3 years | — |
| Warranty Notes | 8-year/160,000 km Battery Warranty | 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 iX1 L & EC40 for sale
iX1 L vs EC40 FAQ
Is the BMW iX1 L or Volvo EC40 better?
The Volvo EC40 is the stronger all-round EV on these specifications: it is RM3,912 cheaper, quicker to 100 km/h, has all-wheel drive, 55 km more range and 200 kW DC charging. Choose the BMW iX1 L for its larger boot and longer wheelbase.
What is the price difference?
The Volvo EC40 costs RM248,888 and the BMW iX1 L costs RM252,800, so the Volvo is RM3,912 cheaper. Annual road tax is RM220 for the Volvo and RM160 for the BMW.
Which one is better for longer EV journeys?
The Volvo EC40 is better suited to longer journeys. Its 488 km stated range is 55 km beyond the BMW iX1 L’s 433 km, and its 200 kW DC charging rate is 70 kW higher than the BMW’s 130 kW.
