BMW iX1 vs Volvo XC40 Recharge: Battle of the small prestige electric SUVs

Buyers of small prestige all-electric SUV aren't exactly short of choice right now, but the choice just got even wider with the introduction of the brand new BMW iX1.

It boasts a set of numbers that look fairly compelling, too. It has a 64.7kWh battery that gives it a maximum average range of around 270 miles, and a pair of electric motors that send 308bhp to all four wheels, making it capable of 0-62mph in just 5.6 seconds. For all that, prices start at £53,295 (at the time of writing).

One of the most popular cars already in that class comes in the form of the Volvo XC40 Recharge, and the numbers on that car look broadly similar. Prices for the dual-motor model in this CarGurus UK twin test start from £51,755, and with 402bhp at its disposal, 0-62mph is dealt with in 4.9 seconds. However, recent updates to the car have given it a slight advantage over the BMW in some areas. The useable battery capacity has been increased from 75kWH to 79kWh, taking the maximum average range up from 272miles to 334 miles. How's that for a response?

Obviously, however, there's much more to these cars that just the numbers, and in this CarGurus UK twin test, Vicky Parrott compares our two contenders in a variety of areas including quality, practicality, technology, value for money, and of course, what they're like to drive.

CarGurus verdict
The BMW iX1 is a seriously comprehensive premium SUV that offers the best infotainment and cabin finish in the class. It’s also a sophisticated car to drive yet a practical family car, so it has the essentials wrapped up. However, it’s inundated with rivals, from the Nissan Ariya, Skoda Enyaq iV and Hyundai Ioniq 5 through the Mercedes EQA, Audi Q4 e-tron and Tesla Model Y, and plenty more, besides.

Amongst those rivals are cars that offer a roomier interior and longer driving range at a lower price, but if the premium badge and lustre that it brings is an important factor to you (and we can see why it would be) then the BWM iX1 should be very near the top of your electric family SUV list.

Pros
Very classy interior and infotainment system
Good to drive
Efficiency is pretty good

Cons
Not as versatile as some rivals
An expensive option in the class
Dimensions aren't as compact as they once were

The CarGurus verdict

You could be forgiven for buying an XC40 purely on its desirability factor, but there’s a good deal more to admire about this small SUV than just its cool, Skandi image.

As well as being an extremely pleasant car to drive or be driven in, due to its elegantly appointed interior and comfortable road manners, it’s also a very easy car to live with, thanks to generous passenger space and family-friendly practicality. As well as the added reassurances of Volvo’s obsession with crash avoidance and mitigation, there are promising signs to suggest the XC40 should be a hardy and reliable companion.

Garnering more fans daily, strong demand for used XC40 will also guarantee any investment you make will be slow to depreciate. With a strong backdrop of proven models and a future focus on hybrid and full electrification, it’s difficult to see anything other than a bright future for Volvo’s premium SUV.

Pros
Stylish, chunky looks
Excellent safety kit
Comfortable as well as good to drive

Cons
Rear seats not the most comfortable
Electric version is expensive
Infotainment system on earlier models a bit fiddly

▬ Contents of this video ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬
00:00 – Introducing the Volvo XC40 Recharbe and BMW iX1
01:38 – Practicality in the BMW
02:23 – In the front of the BMW
03:54 – Practicality in the Volvo
04:33 – In the front of the Volvo
07:19 – What is the BMW like to drive
10:46 – What is the Volvo like to drive
13:25 – Wrap up

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#cargurusuk #volvoxc40recharge #bmwix1

[firstnamelastname]

It makes so much more sense when side by side.

[tobybushnell]

Good balanced review. Hard to argue with choosing the Volvo for better efficiency and Google integration.

[georgesabbagh]

You are real amazing person in explaining and talking to the customers great 👍

[willh]

My c40 twins a beast ! People
Love the shape. I love that it’s quicker than manufacturer states also sub 4.5 seconds realistically range is an honest issue though 150
Miles in the winter 200
In the summer

[kofiobuobi]

when she said hey google mine piped up 🤣

[anthonystevens]

Another brilliantly presented video Vicky. A great objective comparison of these two great cars. Personally I thing there have been some penny pinching from both brands given the price but hopefully in the next years as supply chains come back up to speed, , with EV demand slowing in the UK and with an increased choice of cars the prices should normalise somewhat unless the brands agree to get greedy but I think that is unlikely. Many thanks for sharing. My pick would be the Volvo right now but I'm not in a position that I need to change right now.

[johnfranklin]

I just test drove the iX1, my dealer got it in only yesterday.

I loved its refinement, and was impressed by its performance compared to my current 128ti. It was very impressive inside, and felt way more premium than the XC40 Recharge I drove a couple of weeks ago.

I also tested an i4 40 this morning, and I was surprised to find that the i4 was much sloppier around bends, roundabouts etc than the iX1. It felt like a much heavier car, despite likely weighing much the same.

I think BMW have managed to hide all the battery weight more effectively in the iX1.

The XC40 also suffered from the same issue I found on the XC60 and Polestar 2, namely that the rails under the front seats are set too close together, which makes for very limited space under the seat for rear passengers to place their feet. This was what dealt a fatal blow to the XC60 when we were looking for a family SUV, and we went with the X3 instead.

When you have a 6’2” teenage son with size 11 feet, it actually makes all the difference. Once again, the iX1 doesn’t suffer from this odd Volvo group quirk, making the rear much more comfortable for tall and large footed passengers.

[TheHutchRuns]

I think I'd go for the Volvo myself too, they are definitely getting cooler

[shaunm]

Having owned an earlier model XC 40 Polestar - its the Volvo for me - their great cars!

[ivork]

Adaptive controls are now available on the steering wheel in version 2.9 update

[Kurre.]

Using a 2 year old version of the xc40 when a new model with a bigger battery, better efficiency, and a lower price is avaliable is just lazy of you. My grandparents' c40 2024 achieves about 520km of range in optimal weather. It also cost just 650 000 kr, which is equivalent to 48k gbp...

[jamieteestudio]

always great review, hope to see compariosn between BMW iX1 vs Genesis EV60. Thank you in advance.

[loftysaltmarsh]

When humdrum cars like these cost over £50, 000 it’s time to give up. Gone are the days when everyday cars were affordable. I wouldn’t buy out of principal.

[smwatson]

Do BMW really include adaptive cruise as standard on the iX1? They don't on any other models.

[pauldorset]

I can see the point (just) in a small ev for town driving. But these Large SUV’s I’m not sure they have a part to play in the future. They are too big for town and the range isn’t good enough for long haul. I honestly think that market will collapse under its own weight. Time will tell. Do enjoy watching a Vicky though 😊

[kevinn]

We don't get the iX1 here in Canada. So it's about the same price as the XC40 when built with similar options? Except it has a smaller battery and less power? Here's in Canada the XC40 AWD with the first big 10k dollar option package is the same price as a Model Y AWD.

[prosserd]

Volvo interior is too dated and I prefer BMW exterior styling. BMW wins for me. This is the first comparison that has said XC40 drives better than iX1. So I'm not sure that assessment is accurate.

[rLgxTbQ]

worst thing about the beemer is you're gonna be associated with other BMW drivers

[robstacy]

I test drove both and bought the ix1…..real quality machine and the range is perfectly acceptable for me 👍

[stefanjohansson]

The Volvo has Google maps as an option for navigation, which I'm always using.
One Pedal should have only one setting. Either speed or break.