BMW iX1 vs Volvo EX40
Two electric SUVs go head to head. Which EV is the better buy for Australian drivers in 2026?
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Price Breakdown
The BMW iX1 starts from $77,900 before on-road costs, while the Volvo EX40 opens at $69,990. That makes the Volvo EX40 the more affordable entry point by $7,910.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $85,690 and $76,989 respectively.
Both models qualify for Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) exemption, which is a significant advantage for salary-sacrificed novated leases. Depending on your tax bracket, this can save $5,000-$15,000+ per year compared to an equivalent ICE vehicle.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
The BMW iX1 features a 10.7-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-inch digital dash, while the Volvo EX40 gets a 9-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The BMW iX1 stands out with panoramic roof that you will not find on the Volvo EX40. The Volvo EX40 counters with head-up display. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the BMW iX1 gets sensatec synthetic leather upholstery while the Volvo EX40 offers textile/leather blend.
Drivetrain
The BMW iX1 uses a Electric producing 230kW and 494Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 6.1 seconds.
The Volvo EX40 responds with a Electric making 185kW and 420Nm, paired to a single-speed driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.3 seconds.
The BMW iX1 has the clear power advantage at 230kW vs 185kW. In the real-world sprint, the BMW iX1 is 1.2s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 64.7kWh (BMW iX1) vs 82kWh (Volvo EX40), giving WLTP ranges of 578km and 520km. DC fast charging peaks at 200kW (BMW iX1) vs 150kW (Volvo EX40).
Space & Comfort
The BMW iX1 measures 4,500mm long on a 2,692mm wheelbase, 60mm longer than the Volvo EX40 at 4,440mm (2,702mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Volvo EX40 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 500L in the BMW iX1 and 536L in the Volvo EX40, giving the Volvo EX40 a 36L advantage.
For towing, the BMW iX1 leads with a 2,500kg braked capacity vs 1,800kg. That 700kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.4m to 12.6m
Based on 12.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (BMW iX1) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Volvo EX40). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BMW iX1 if: You prioritise performance, need stronger towing, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Volvo EX40 if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, or prefer Volvo's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The BMW iX1 takes 5 of 9 key spec categories. If boot space matters, the Volvo EX40 has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, BMW iX1 and Volvo EX40?
The Volvo EX40 is the cheapest at $69,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the BMW iX1 by $7,910.
Which has the longest driving range?
The Volvo EX40 has the most range at 520km (WLTP).
Which charges fastest?
The BMW iX1 accepts the highest DC charging at up to 200kW.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — BMW iX1 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Volvo EX40 has the largest boot at 536L.
Which can tow the most?
The BMW iX1 has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,500kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The BMW iX1 makes the most power at 230kW. The BMW iX1 is quickest to 100km/h in 6.1s.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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