Here are two of our favourite premium small SUVs.
Unsurprisingly, the BMW X1 and Volvo XC40 have been very popular. They both successfully take the flavour of high-end BMW and Volvo models, and put them into a relatively affordable shape that’s both practical and compact enough to park on the high street. But which should you buy? Let’s find out together!
Shop used BMW X1 cars and used Volvo XC40 cars for sale at Motorpoint
BMW X1 vs Volvo XC40 compared
| BMW X1 | Volvo XC40 |
Pros:
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Cons:
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Styling
Angular, confident styling makes the X1 look like a mini-me of the more expensive X3 and X5 SUVs. BMW offers its rugged xLine trim level and its racier M Sport trim level on the X1, so you can choose the look of the car depending on what you want from your SUV.
The XC40 hasn’t been updated much during the years it’s been on sale, and it still looks fresh and interesting. Its boxy styling feels youthful but you still get the classic Volvo design characteristics of stability and safety. Top-spec XC40s look more luxurious thanks to extra chrome, but an XC40 doesn’t look drastically different whichever trim level you choose.
Interior and technology
The X1 feels very tech-heavy because the screens are so prominent, and the way they’re joined together into one panel feels expensive and futuristic. There are still some physical controls on the steering wheel and centre console, retaining a level of usability that will help you get acclimatised quickly.
BMW’s infotainment home screen is nice to use but, dive deeper into submenus or app lists, and you’ll find it quite fiddly to use. You often have to take your eyes off the road several times before finding the setting or menu you want.
Since 2021, the XC40 has benefitted from having Google software built in to the infotainment system. Familiar apps and having the data available from your Google account within the car makes for a refreshingly straightforward user experience. What’s more, Google Maps not only gives you live traffic updates, but calculates your journey considering whether you need to charge if you’re in a plug-in-hybrid or electric XC40.
The XC40’s interior feels sophisticated, with plenty of nice materials in high-traffic areas. You still get the two screens, it’s just that one is contained within a conventional cowled instrument binnacle that makes the dashboard feel a bit more traditional.
Dimensions and practicality
| BMW X1 | Volvo XC40 | |
| Length | 4,500mm | 4,440mm |
| Height | 1,642mm | 1,652mm |
| Width (exc/inc mirrors) | 1,845/2,104mm | 1,863/2,034mm |
| Boot space (seats up) | 490-540 litres | 452 litres |
BMW’s entry-level SUV isn’t exactly small any more – it’s within a few millimetres of the midsize Hyundai Tucson and Volkswagen Tiguan. While it’s only 6cm longer than the XC40, the X1 puts its size to better use, with greater passenger space and a usefully larger boot. Tall adults have room to stretch out in the X1 but could feel a little hemmed in in the XC40.
Plug-in-hybrid X1s lose 50 litres of boot space versus purely engine-powered versions but still offer more luggage capacity than the XC40 – which has the same figure regardless of which powertrain you pick.
Engines and performance
| Engine | Power and engine size | 0-62mph time (seconds) | MPG/ EV efficiency | Electric range (miles) |
| BMW X1 | ||||
| sDrive20i petrol | 170hp, 1.5 | 8.3 | 47.9 | - |
| xDrive23i petrol | 218hp, 2.0 | 7.1 | 43.5 | - |
| sDrive18d diesel | 150hp, 2.0 | 8.9 | 54.3 | - |
| xDrive23d diesel | 211hp, 2.0 | 7.4 | 57.6 | - |
| xDrive25e PHEV | 245hp, 1.5 + e-motor | 6.8 | 113.0 | 50 |
| xDrive30e PHEV | 326hp, 1.5 + e-motor | 5.6 | 108.6 | 49 |
| iX1 eDrive20 | 204hp e-motor | 8.6 | 4.3mi/kWh | 311 |
| iX1 xDrive30 | 313hp 2x e-motor | 5.6 | 4.0mi/kWh | 288 |
| M35i xDrive petrol | 300hp, 2.0 | 5.4 | 36.2 | - |
| Volvo XC40 | ||||
| B3 petrol | 163hp, 2.0 | 8.6 | 42.8 | - |
| EX40 Single Motor | 238hp e-motor | 7.3 | 3.6mi/kWh | 294 |
| EX40 SM Extended Range | 252hp e-motor | 7.3 | 3.7 mi/kWh | 356 |
| EX40 Twin Motor | 408hp 2x e-motor | 4.8 | 3.5mi/kWh | 331 |
In years gone by, the XC40 offered petrol, diesel, plug-in-hybrid (PHEV) and fully electric options but, more recently, the lineup has been stripped back to just one petrol option if you don’t want the electric EX40 (previously called the XC40 Recharge). The XC40’s stout front end doesn’t do great things for aerodynamics, preventing the Volvo from matching the efficiency figures of the slightly sleeker X1.
As you can see, BMW still gives you a wide range of options for how your X1 can be powered. The standard petrol engine is a strong all-rounder, while the PHEVs will suit drivers who spend a lot of time around town and the diesel engines will suit motorway munchers. There’s even a hot M35i model with high performance, but this is very rare.
Value
Whether you’re buying new or used, you’ll typically find that the XC40 is a little more affordable than an equivalent X1 with comparable mileage and features. Low-spec XC40s seem to lose more of their value compared with higher-spec ones, which makes them appealingly priced if you’re not bothered about extra equipment.
Which is best?
Although the BMW X1 is a little more expensive like-for-like than the Volvo XC40, the X1 does make the case for itself. It’s more practical, it feels newer and comes with a huge amount of choice – you can even pick from a rainbow of paint colours if you’re buying a new one. In comparison, the XC40 goes for a ‘one size fits all’ approach and you’ll have to decide whether that suits you.
The XC40’s interior is a little easier to live with, mostly because of the Google integration that we always appreciate.
On balance, we’d edge towards the X1, but there’s plenty to love about the XC40 too.
Shop used BMW X1 cars and used Volvo XC40 cars for sale at Motorpoint. Find out more information on these cars in our BMW X1 review and Volvo XC40 review.
