BMW iX vs Volvo EX30
Two electric SUVs go head to head. Which EV is the better buy for Australian drivers in 2026?
Volvo EX30 scores higher, 76 vs 69
Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Data checked: specs 29 Oct 2026, price 28 Oct 2026
BMW iX
19 of 27 standard · no option data · 8 no dataFrom
$142,900
RRP, before on-road costs
- Body
- SUV
- Fuel type
- Electric
- Engine
- Electric
- Power
- 300kW
- Energy use
- 20 kWh/100km
- Safety
- ANCAP ★5 · 2021
- Boot (seats up)
- 500L
Driva is an independent finance provider, not part of CarSorted. We aren't paid for this link.
Volvo EX30
19 of 27 standard · no option data · 8 no dataFrom
$49,990
RRP, before on-road costs
- Body
- SUV
- Fuel type
- Electric
- Engine
- Electric
- Power
- 200kW
- Energy use
- 16.6 kWh/100km
- Safety
- ANCAP ★5 · 2024
- Boot (seats up)
- 318L
Top CarSorted Score, 76 vs 69
Driva is an independent finance provider, not part of CarSorted. We aren't paid for this link.
$142,900RRP
- no option data for this car
$49,990RRP
- no option data for this car
Printed option prices only. A pack is counted once and makes the figure a floor when it carries no printed price. Nothing is inferred from the other car.
Price and cost per week
BMW iX xDrive45 M Sport
$142,900
RRP, before on-road costs. Checked 24 June 2026
No published drive-away price on our record.
About $638 a week in repayments ($142,900 RRP, before on-road costs; assumes $5,000 deposit, 5 yrs at 7.5% p.a.). An estimate, not a loan offer.
Volvo EX30 Plus Single Motor
$49,990
RRP, before on-road costs. Checked 28 Oct 2026
No published drive-away price on our record.
About $208 a week in repayments ($49,990 RRP, before on-road costs; assumes $5,000 deposit, 5 yrs at 7.5% p.a.). An estimate, not a loan offer.
The Volvo EX30 starts $92,910 lower on RRP.
The Volvo EX30 currently qualifies for the electric-vehicle FBT exemption, which applies to novated leases. The BMW iX does not: above the $91,661 fuel-efficient lct threshold.
On-road costs (stamp duty, registration, CTP and dealer delivery) depend on your state and the dealer; ask for a written drive-away price before you sign.
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Ways to buy
For the 2 cars on this page.
Finance
From ≈$208/wk(≈$902/mo)
Estimate on the Volvo EX30 at $49,990 RRP, before on-road costs; assumes $5,000 deposit, 5 yrs at 7.5% p.a. Not a quote or an offer of credit.
Compare real car-loan ratesDriva is an independent finance provider, not part of CarSorted. We aren't paid for this link.
Novated lease
Electric, with an RRP under the $91,661 fuel-efficient LCT threshold (2026-27): under the ATO's electric cars exemption a novated lease of an eligible electric car attracts no FBT if luxury car tax was never payable on it. The benefit is still reportable.
Novated lease quoteWork out a lease on the Volvo EX30Driva is an independent finance provider, not part of CarSorted. We aren't paid for this link. Opens apply.driva.com.au in a new tab.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP lists the BMW iX at 5 stars (2021) and the Volvo EX30 at 5 stars (2024). ANCAP tested these in different years (2021 vs 2024). Its criteria get stricter about every three years, so the stars are not like for like. Adult occupant protection scored 91% for the BMW iX and 88% for the Volvo EX30, under different test years.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 7 of 10 key ADAS systems on the BMW iX, against 5 on the Volvo EX30.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera.
Driver assistance, as the manufacturer lists it
Driver assistance, system by system. We can confirm 7 of 10 key systems on the BMW iX and 5 on the Volvo EX30.
Swipe across. Tap a feature to see what it does and each car's source.
StandardOptional: printed price, +pack or NCO (no-cost)No, not offeredNo dataCounts beside each car use the same colours; ? is no option data.
From each manufacturer's Australian equipment list. No data means that car's document does not say. The drawings are our own illustrations of how each kind of system works.
Recalls on our record
BMW iX
- REC-005560 · published 10 Nov 2022Due to a manufacturing defect, the high voltage battery may not meet specifications and could discharge or in some instances lead to a vehicle fire.Year range on the notice: 2022
- REC-005503 · published 23 Aug 2022Due to a manufacturing defect, the high voltage battery does not meet specifications and may result in an electrical short circuit.Year range on the notice: 2021 - 2022
- REC-005490 · published 1 Aug 2022Due to a software issue with the airbag control unit, the airbag warning lamp and warning message may not be illuminated in the instrument cluster as intended.Year range on the notice: 2021 - 2022
- 1 more on the model page.
Volvo EX30
- REC-006745 · published 19 Oct 2026The front seat head restraints may not have been manufactured to specifications.Year range on the notice: 2024 - 2026
- REC-006633 · published 26 Jun 2026Due to a manufacturing issue, some of the cell modules installed in the high voltage battery may overheat at high charge levels.Year range on the notice: 2023 - 2024
- REC-006551 · published 26 Feb 2026Due to a manufacturing issue, the cell modules installed in the high voltage battery may overheat at high charge levels.Year range on the notice: 2023 - 2024
- 2 more on the model page.
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
Charging times
How long each takes to charge, from a household power point to a DC fast charger, estimated from battery size and the car's own maximum charge rates.
How long to charge
105.2kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 175kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (11kW AC, 175kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
How long to charge
49kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 153kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (22kW AC, 153kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
Feature Showdown
The BMW iX features a 14.9-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Volvo EX30 gets a 12.3-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The BMW iX stands out with panoramic roof — features our data doesn't list for the Volvo EX30. The Volvo EX30 counters with power tailgate. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the BMW iX gets vernasca leather upholstery while the Volvo EX30 offers nordico/microtech fabric. Climate control is 4-zone in the BMW iX and 1-zone in the Volvo EX30.
Equipment few rivals have, on either carShowHide
Drivetrain
The BMW iX uses a Electric producing 300kW and 700Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 5.1 seconds.
The Volvo EX30 responds with a Electric making 200kW and 343Nm, paired to a single-speed driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 5.3 seconds.
The BMW iX has the clear power advantage at 300kW vs 200kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the BMW iX is 0.2s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 94.8kWh (BMW iX) vs 69kWh (Volvo EX30), giving WLTP ranges of 522km and 462km. DC fast charging peaks at 175kW (BMW iX) vs 153kW (Volvo EX30).
Space & Comfort
The BMW iX measures 4,965mm long on a 3,000mm wheelbase, 732mm longer than the Volvo EX30 at 4,233mm (2,650mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BMW iX generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 500L in the BMW iX and 318L in the Volvo EX30, giving the BMW iX a 182L advantage.
For towing, the BMW iX leads with a 2,500kg braked capacity vs 1,600kg. That 900kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Neither U-turns in one sweep on a 7 m local street (both need a three-point turn); the Volvo EX30's turning circle is 1.8 m tighter, 11.0 m against 12.8 m kerb to kerb. The street estimate is indicative, worked from the published turning circles.
Cost to own
At 15,000 km a year, electricity for the BMW iX costs about $960 a year (20 kWh/100km) and electricity for the Volvo EX30 about $797 a year (16.6 kWh/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh. That is $163 a year less for the Volvo EX30.
Warranty: 5 years / Unlimited (BMW iX) and 5 years / Unlimited (Volvo EX30).
Where each one leads
The BMW iX: more power (300kW against 200kW), the bigger boot with the seats up (500L against 318L) and the higher braked towing limit (2,500kg against 1,600kg).
The Volvo EX30: the lower starting price ($49,990 against $142,900) and lower fuel or energy costs on our assumptions ($797 a year against $960).
The Verdict
Volvo EX30 scores higher, 76 vs 69
The Volvo EX30 scores 76 to the BMW iX's 69 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 3 of the 9 spec rows that separate them, at the lower price. The biggest gaps: value (Volvo EX30 ahead by 31 points), energy efficiency (Volvo EX30 ahead by 23 points), performance (BMW iX ahead by 20 points). At 15,000 km a year, electricity for the Volvo EX30 costs about $163 less (16.6 kWh/100km against 20 kWh/100km, at 32c a kWh). Boot space with the seats up: 500L in the BMW iX, 318L in the Volvo EX30.
Ways to buy
For the 2 cars on this page.
Finance
From ≈$208/wk(≈$902/mo)
Estimate on the Volvo EX30 at $49,990 RRP, before on-road costs; assumes $5,000 deposit, 5 yrs at 7.5% p.a. Not a quote or an offer of credit.
Compare real car-loan ratesDriva is an independent finance provider, not part of CarSorted. We aren't paid for this link.
Novated lease
Electric, with an RRP under the $91,661 fuel-efficient LCT threshold (2026-27): under the ATO's electric cars exemption a novated lease of an eligible electric car attracts no FBT if luxury car tax was never payable on it. The benefit is still reportable.
Novated lease quoteWork out a lease on the Volvo EX30Driva is an independent finance provider, not part of CarSorted. We aren't paid for this link. Opens apply.driva.com.au in a new tab.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, BMW iX and Volvo EX30?
The Volvo EX30 is the cheapest at $49,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the BMW iX by $92,910.
Which has the longest driving range?
The BMW iX has the most range at 522km (WLTP).
Which charges fastest?
The BMW iX accepts the highest DC charging at up to 175kW.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
BMW iX holds a 5-star ANCAP rating (tested 2021) and Volvo EX30 holds a 5-star ANCAP rating (tested 2024). ANCAP tested these in different years (2021 vs 2024). Its criteria get stricter about every three years, so the stars are not like for like. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The BMW iX has the largest boot at 500L with the seats up.
Which can tow the most?
The BMW iX has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,500kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The BMW iX makes the most power at 300kW. The BMW iX is quickest to 100km/h in 5.1s.
Track the BMW iX & Volvo EX30
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How to read this page. Prices, specifications, ANCAP ratings, warranty, the CarSorted Score and the verdict come from our records for the grades shown, sourced from the manufacturers' Australian documents, and change when those records change; the date each was last checked is printed under the headline. Prices are recommended retail prices before on-road costs unless marked drive-away. A plug-in hybrid's fuel figure is labelled with its basis: with a full battery (the certified combined figure) or as a hybrid (battery depleted). Charging and running costs are estimates on the stated assumptions. Always confirm price and specification with the manufacturer or dealer before you buy. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
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