Volvo XC40 Vs. BMW X1: Compare Performance, Price, Specs & More

Volvo XC40 Vs. BMW X1 Comparison
Luxury brands are already debuting their 2024 lineups, and drivers across the country are increasingly excited to see how new models like the Volvo XC40 vs. BMW X1 compare. If you're ready to upgrade to the sophisticated power and style of a luxury car, you're ready to compare the 2024 Volvo XC40 vs. 2024 BMW X1 specs, price, performance, and features to see which new SUV you want to drive in the new year.

Volvo XC40 vs. BMW X1 Specs and Trims
The 2024 Volvo XC40 comes in three straightforward trims – Core, Plus, and Ultimate – all of which feature a B5 AWD mild hybrid engine that makes 247 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. All Volvo XC40 trims include helpful features like a remote-controlled power tailgate, Volvo BLIS™ blind spot warning, and cross-traffic alert systems to help keep you and your passengers safe. The Volvo XC40 Ultimate also has adaptive cruise control and Pilot Assist to help keep you safely within your lane.
The BMW X1 has two trims: xDrive28i and M35i. The xDrive28i option offers a 2.0-liter turbo engine, while the M35i engine is a more powerful 2.0-liter BMW M turbo. Both trims have seven-speed, dual-clutch automatic transmissions with performance control and xDrive AWD. The BMW X1 includes a power tailgate and safety features like lane-keeping assistance, forward collision mitigation, speed limit assistance, and left turn warning.
Performance Comparison
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2024 Volvo XC40 Core | 2023 BMW X1 xDrive28i | 2024 BMW X1 M35i | |
Price | Starting at $40,100 MSRP1 | Starting at $39,100 MSRP2 | Starting at $49,900 MSRP2 |
Engine | B5 AWD Mild Hybrid | 2.0-L BMW TwinPower Turbo | 2.0-L BMW M TwinPower Turbo |
Horsepower | 247 | 241 | 313 |
Torque | 258 lb-ft | Not Available | 295 lb-ft |
EPA-Est. MPG (City/Highway) | 24/30 MPG3 | 25/344 | 23/314 |
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 | 5 |
Headroom (Front/Rear) | 39/39.1 in | 42.1 in/42.1 in | 42.1 in/42.1 in |
Legroom (Front/Rear) | 40.9/36.1 in | 40.4/37 in | 40.4/37 in |
Max Cargo Capacity | 57.5 cu ft | 57.2 cu ft | 46.8 cu ft |

Volvo XC40 vs. BMW X1 Performance
With a standard eight-speed Geartronic automatic engine and an available manual shift mode, the Volvo XC40 offers superior fuel efficiency and optimal engine response. This AWD car includes Instant Traction technology to increase driving stability and traction. Every trim has performance features like Hill Start Assist and Hill Descent Control to help you safely manage inclines and slopes.
The EPA-estimated MPG of 24/30 (City/Highway)3 of the 2024 Volvo XC40 gives you the fuel economy you need in the luxury package you want. If you'd like to leave gas power behind entirely, however, you can shop for an electric Volvo model. Learn more about how the Volvo XC40 Pure Electric vs. Audi e-tron compare.
The BMW X1 performance nearly mirrors that of the Volvo XC40 but varies slightly by trim and engine. The xDrive28i engine offers a horsepower and fuel economy similar to the Volvo XC40, while the M35i engine offers an EPA-estimated 23/31 MPG (City/Highway).4 The all-wheel drive BMW X1 is equipped with Start-Off Assistant and Hill Descent Control to help you navigate hills.

Volvo XC40 vs. BMW X1 Interior
The Volvo XC40 seats five, with premium textile upholstery on Core models and leather upholstery on upper trims. The Core model also offers a hand-stitched, heated sport steering wheel and sculpted gear selector. The Plus and Ultimate trims upgrade you to a panoramic roof, crystal gear selector knob, and high-level interior illumination. Extra smart storage space gives the driver and front passenger a place to keep important items, and the integrated HomeLink® system lets you control external home devices like garage doors and home alarms from inside your Volvo vehicle.
Want a closer look at the Volvo XC40 model's interior? Visit our showroom to explore our new Volvo inventory.
The BMW X1 xDrive28i interior features perforated SensaTec upholstery and black high-gloss trim with ambient lighting, while the M35i interior offers perforated Veganza upholstery in a choice of colors. While this textile is durable, it doesn't have the visual aesthetics you want in a luxury car. Every BMW X1 has a panoramic sunroof, heated front seats, multicolored ambient lighting, an aluminum hexacube trim, privacy glass, and a storage compartment package.

Volvo XC40 vs. BMW X1 Size & Dimensions
The Volvo XC40 is a compact SUV with a height, width, and length of 65.3 inches, 75.2 inches, and 174.2 inches, respectively. Despite its smaller exterior size, it still offers one of the largest maximum cargo capacities in its class at 57.5 cubic feet.
The BMW X1 has a similar height and width of 64.6 inches and 72.6 inches. The length of the BMW X1 is roughly three inches longer than the Volvo XC40, ranging from 177.2 to 177.4 inches, depending on the trim. Both vehicles offer seating for five passengers as well as comparable headroom and legroom.
Volvo XC40 vs. BMW X1 Price
Starting at $40,100 MSRP1 on Core trims and moving up to a starting MSRP of $50,1951 on Ultimate trims, the 2024 Volvo XC40 is an excellent buy for drivers who want the comforts of a luxury SUV without the typical luxury price tag.
With a starting price of $39,100 MSRP2 for the xDrive28i and a starting price of $49,900 MSRP2 for the M35i, the cost of the BMW X1 is nearly identical to that of the Volvo XC40. This is surprising because the Volvo XC40 has a more appealing interior on top of similar fuel economy, storage space, and performance.
At the end of the day, we believe the Volvo XC40 delivers more bang for your buck. We'd be happy to discuss these cars with you in more detail if you have any questions for our team.
Visit Volvo Cars Midlothian
After diving into this Volvo XC40 vs. BMW X1 comparison, we know you're curious to test-drive the Volvo XC40 SUV and experience its top-rate performance and sophisticated comforts for yourself. Contact our finance team to learn more about our new Volvo specials and how we can help you get behind the wheel of an excellent SUV today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which SUV has a more comfortable interior: the 2024 Volvo XC40 or the BMW X1?
While your personal preferences for interior comfort may differ, we find that the hand-stitched textile on the base model Volvo XC40 and the leather upholstery of the upper trims outperform and offer better visual appeal than the perforated SensaTec and Veganza upholsteries of the BMW X1. Both vehicles have front and rear center armrests, as well as climate control options and wireless technology.
Is the new Volvo XC40 a safer vehicle than the BMW X1?
Both AWD SUVs offer convenient driver assist technology and enhanced safety features, including blind spot support, collision mitigation, and lane keep assistance. While both the Volvo XC40 and BMW X1 also have rear cameras, we might have to give the edge to the Volvo XC40 for its four parking cameras that give a 360-degree view to help you park more confidently.
Does the Volvo XC40 have more cargo space than the BMW X1?
The Volvo XC40 and BMW X1 xDrive28i have nearly identical maximum cargo capacities. The 2024 XC40 gives drivers 57.5 cubic feet of max cargo space, and the BMW X1 offers a somewhat smaller 57.2 cubic feet. However, the BMW X1 M35i trim only offers 46.8 cubic feet of max cargo space. Both vehicles provide enough space for small suitcases, groceries, or weekend getaway gear.
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1Prices shown are Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), Base Price or Starting At price and excludes destination fees, taxes, title, license, and registration and/or electronic filing fees, dealer fees.
2Manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) excludes destination & handling fee of $995, tax, title, license, and registration. Starting MSRP may vary as a result of equipment capacity restrictions.
3For more information, please visit the official US government source for all fuel economy at www.fueleconomy.gov.
4Preliminary EPA-estimated figures are for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary, depending on speed, driving habits, trip length and driving conditions; actual mileage may be lower. Note for MPGe: All data are provisional and subject to official confirmation. The provisional power consumption figures have been calculated based on the ECE test cycle.