Verdict
At RM252,800, the BMW X1 costs RM16,088 less than the RM268,888 Volvo XC40. The Volvo answers with 263 hp, 390 Nm and all-wheel drive, cutting the 0-100 km/h time to 6.4 seconds against the BMW’s 7.6 seconds. But the X1 is rated at 7.2 L/100 km versus 7.7 L/100 km, has a 476-litre boot and a 236 km/h top speed. For Malaysian buyers who value low running consumption and luggage room, the BMW is the rational buy; the Volvo justifies its premium with stronger performance, active cruise control and a five-year factory warranty.
Pick the BMW X1 if you want the lower RM252,800 entry price, 7.2 L/100 km rated economy and the larger 476-litre boot.
Pick the Volvo XC40 if you want 263 hp, 390 Nm, all-wheel drive, steering-correcting lane assistance and a five-year factory warranty.
Key differences
- Price: BMW X1 RM252,800; Volvo XC40 RM268,888.
- Power and torque: BMW X1 201 hp and 300 Nm; Volvo XC40 263 hp and 390 Nm.
- Driveline and 0-100 km/h: BMW X1 front-wheel drive and 7.6 seconds; Volvo XC40 all-wheel drive and 6.4 seconds.
- Rated fuel economy: BMW X1 7.2 L/100 km; Volvo XC40 7.7 L/100 km.
- Boot space: BMW X1 476 litres; Volvo XC40 460 litres.
- Factory warranty: BMW X1 two years; Volvo XC40 five years.
X1
- RM16,088 cheaper to buy.
- Lower 7.2 L/100 km rated consumption.
- Larger 476-litre boot and 40:20:40 rear-seat split.
- 201 hp and 300 Nm trail the XC40's 263 hp and 390 Nm.
- Front-wheel drive and 7.6-second 0-100 km/h time lose out to all-wheel drive and 6.4 seconds.
- Two-year factory warranty is three years shorter than the Volvo's.
XC40
- 263 hp, 390 Nm and all-wheel drive.
- Active cruise control and lane-keeping steering correction.
- Five-year unlimited-mileage factory warranty, plus an eight-year/160,000 km hybrid battery warranty.
- RM16,088 more expensive than the BMW X1.
- Rated consumption is 7.7 L/100 km versus the X1's 7.2 L/100 km.
- 460-litre boot is 16 litres smaller than the X1's.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM252,800✓ | RM268,888 |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | C-Segment | C-Segment |
| Assembly | CKD | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM439 | RM428✓ |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC direct injection with twin-scroll turbocharger, variable valve timing | 16-valve DOHC with Direct Fuel Injection, Turbocharger and Variable Valve Timing |
| Capacity | 1,998 cc | 1,969 cc |
| Horsepower | 201 hp | 263 hp✓ |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 390 Nm✓ |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol Hybrid/REV |
| Bore | 82 mm | 82 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 11.1 | 10.5 |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Dual-clutch Automatic (Wet) | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | Steptronic Dual-clutch | Geartronic Automatic Transmission |
| Gears | 7 | 8 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Getrag | — |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 7.6 seconds | 6.4 seconds✓ |
| Rated Economy | 7.2 L/100 km✓ | 7.7 L/100 km |
| Top Speed | 236 km/h✓ | 180 km/h |
| Co2 | — | 50 g/km |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,500 mm | 4,425 mm |
| Width | 1,845 mm | 1,863 mm |
| Height | 1,642 mm | 1,658 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,692 mm | 2,702 mm |
| Weight | — | 1,875 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 45 litres | 49 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 476 litres✓ | 460 litres |
| Front Tyre | 245/45R19 | 235/50R19 |
| Rear Tyre | 245/45R19 | 235/50R19 |
| Spare Tyre | Space Saver | Space Saver |
| Factory Tyres | Continental EcoContact 6 Q | Michelin e-Primacy |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-Link |
| Front Wheels | 19" V-spoke style 867 Bicolour Light Alloy Wheels | 19" 5-Y Spoke Matt Graphite Diamond Cut Alloy Wheels |
| Rear Wheels | 19" V-spoke style 867 Bicolour Light Alloy Wheels | 19" 5-Y Spoke Matt Graphite Diamond Cut Alloy Wheels |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Chassis Notes | — | Sport Chassis |
| Crash Safety Ratings | ||
| EuroNCAP | 5 stars | 5 stars |
| ANCAP | — | 5 stars |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Front, front-side, rear | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Driver's Knee, Front and Rear Curtain |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | — | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | — | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for Rear Doors | Power safety lock for rear door |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available on front passenger seat and two outer rear passenger seats | Available on two outer rear passenger seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | Yes, City Safety with Full Auto Brake, Pedestrian, Cyclist and Large Animal Detection |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Warning Only | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | For All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | Adaptive LED Projector | LED Reflectors |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | 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 with Driver's Memory Function |
| Rear Seats | 40:20:40 Split-folding | 60:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control System |
| Rear Air-con | Rear AC Vents | Rear Vents |
| Power Sockets | 2x USB-C front, 2x USB-C rear | 2 Front |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights & Ambient Lighting | Map Lights and Ambient Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Audio | 10.7" BMW Operating System 8 with Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto | 9" Portrait Android Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and 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 Push button |
| Locks | Keyless Entry | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Start/Stop | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control | Active Cruise Control |
| Tiptronic | — | ✓ |
| Paddle Shift | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Remote Control Activation | Remote Control Activation |
| Parking Sensor Front | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | Yes |
| Auto Parking | Parking Assistant | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | 5 years | — |
| Warranty Notes | — | 8-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.
Used X1 & XC40 for sale
X1 vs XC40 FAQ
Is the BMW X1 or Volvo XC40 better?
The Volvo XC40 is better for outright pace, all-wheel-drive traction and longer standard warranty cover. The BMW X1 is the better value choice if lower purchase cost, 7.2 L/100 km rated economy and a 476-litre boot matter more.
What is the price difference?
The Volvo XC40 costs RM16,088 more than the BMW X1: RM268,888 versus RM252,800.
Which has the better safety assistance package?
Both have five-star Euro NCAP ratings, autonomous braking and blind-spot monitoring. The XC40 adds steering correction for lane keeping and active cruise control, while the X1 has lane-departure warning only and passive cruise control.
