Verdict
At RM250,800, the BMW iX1 costs RM1,912 more than the RM248,888 Volvo EC40, yet the Volvo brings much stronger numbers: 235 hp and 420 Nm, all-wheel drive, a 7.3-second 0-100 km/h time and 200 kW DC charging. Its 488 km range also edges the BMW’s 475 km. The iX1 answers with a 490-litre boot, 77 litres more than the EC40, plus a head-up display and 16-speaker Harman Kardon audio. For most Malaysian buyers, the EC40’s five-year warranty and performance make the stronger case; choose the BMW if luggage space matters most.
Pick the BMW iX1 if you need the larger 490-litre boot and want a head-up display plus 16-speaker Harman Kardon audio.
Pick the Volvo EC40 if you want all-wheel drive, faster 200 kW DC charging and a five-year manufacturer warranty for less money.
Key differences
- Price: BMW iX1 RM250,800; Volvo EC40 RM248,888.
- Performance: BMW iX1 204 hp, 250 Nm and 0-100 km/h in 8.6 seconds; Volvo EC40 235 hp, 420 Nm and 7.3 seconds.
- Driveline: BMW iX1 front-wheel drive; Volvo EC40 all-wheel drive.
- Battery and range: BMW iX1 66.5 kWh and 475 km; Volvo EC40 70 kWh and 488 km.
- DC charging: BMW iX1 130 kW; Volvo EC40 200 kW.
- Boot space: BMW iX1 490 litres; Volvo EC40 413 litres.
iX1
- 490-litre boot, 77 litres larger.
- Head-up display and 16-speaker, 464W Harman Kardon system.
- 100 kg lighter at 2,085 kg.
- Slower 130 kW DC charging than the EC40’s 200 kW.
- Front-wheel drive versus the EC40’s all-wheel drive.
- Two-year manufacturer warranty versus five years.
EC40
- 235 hp, 420 Nm and 7.3-second 0-100 km/h pace.
- 200 kW DC charging and 488 km range.
- Five-year unlimited-mileage manufacturer warranty.
- 413-litre boot is 77 litres smaller than the iX1’s.
- No head-up display.
- 2,185 kg kerb weight is 100 kg heavier.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM250,800 | 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 | 204 hp | 235 hp✓ |
| Motor Torque | 250 Nm | 420 Nm✓ |
| Battery Capacity | 66.5 kWh | 70 kWh✓ |
| EV Range | 475 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 | 170 km/h | 180 km/h✓ |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,500 mm | 4,440 mm |
| Width | 1,845 mm | 1,873 mm |
| Height | 1,642 mm | 1,582 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,692 mm | 2,702 mm |
| Weight | 2,085 kg | 2,185 kg |
| Doors | 4 | 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 | Pirelli P Zero | Continental EcoContact 6 VOL |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Germany (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 | Adaptive M Suspension | Sports Chassis |
| Crash Safety Ratings | ||
| EuroNCAP | — | 5 stars |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 6 (Front, front-side, rear) | 7 (Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Driver's Knee, Front and Rear Curtain) |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | — | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual rear doors | Electronic for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | 2 on outer rear seats | Available for 2 Outer Rear Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Front Collision Warning | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | Yes | For All Seats |
| Safety Notes | Driving Assistant Plus | — |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | Adaptive LED | LED Projector with Auto High Beam |
| Taillamps | LED | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Electric Seat Adjustment with Memory for Driver | Power Adjustable Front Seats |
| Rear Seats | 60/40 split | 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 Glass Roof |
| Power Sockets | Front 12V, Qi Wireless charging tray | 1x 12V in front, 2x USB-C front, 2x USB-C rear |
| Interior Lighting | Ambient Lighting | Map Lights & Ambient Lighting |
| Cup Holders | Dual front | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Sun Shade | Yes | — |
| Audio | BMW Live Cockpit Professional with 10.25" Touchscreen, iDrive Controller, Voice Control, Apple CarPlay and 16-speaker, 464W Harman Kardon Sound System | 9" Portrait Android Automotive OS Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up & Down with Anti-pinch | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless (Depress Brake to Start) |
| Locks | Yes | Keyless Entry |
| Auto Start/Stop | ✓ | — |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Active Cruise Control with Stop&Go function | Adaptive Cruise Control with Steering Assist and Stop and Go |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Electric | Remote Control Activation |
| Parking Sensor Front | 6 | 6 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 6 | 6 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes with 360 view | Yes, with 360-degree Camera |
| Auto Parking | Parking Assistant Plus | 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 | Add RM13,430 for 5 year warranty and service package, 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 & EC40 for sale
iX1 vs EC40 FAQ
Is the BMW iX1 or Volvo EC40 better?
The Volvo EC40 is the better buy on these figures: it is RM1,912 cheaper, has all-wheel drive, 235 hp, 200 kW DC charging and a five-year warranty. Choose the BMW iX1 mainly for its 490-litre boot, head-up display and Harman Kardon audio.
What is the price difference?
The BMW iX1 costs RM250,800 and the Volvo EC40 costs RM248,888, so the BMW is RM1,912 more expensive.
Which one charges faster on DC power?
The Volvo EC40 charges faster, with a 200 kW DC maximum against the BMW iX1’s 130 kW. Both cars have 11 kW AC charging.
