Volvo and BMW entered the US for the first time just one apart, and both brands gained popularity quickly as practical vehicles that are also fun to drive. Since then, both brands have moved upmarket, offering luxury to go with that rewarding driving experience. But they’ve taken different approaches to this, and there is a lot more for a potential buyer to consider when choosing between them.
Safety
Volvo has always enjoyed an amazing reputation for safety, it’s probably the first thing that springs to mind when you think about Volvo. This started with traditional safety practices, essentially building cars that withstood crashes well. But as time went on, Volvo stayed ahead of the curve by constantly thinking about ways to make their vehicles safer, and developing new safety technologies that kept people safe in ways they previously didn’t know were possible. Here are some of the safety technologies that were invented by Volvo:
- Three-point safety belt - (1959)
- Rearward-facing child seat (1972)
- Side Impact Protection System (1991)
- Whiplash Protection System (1998)
- The Inflatable Curtain (1998)
- Roll Stability Control (2002)
- Pedestrian Detection with Full Auto Brake (2010)
- Run-off Road Protection (2014)
Volvo XC40 VS BMW X1
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Volvo XC40 Core | VS | 2025 BMW X1 xDrive28i |
| $41,945 | MSRP | $41,350 |
| 247 ✓ | Horsepower | 241 |
| 6.1 seconds ✓ | 0-60 Time | 6.2 seconds |
| 3,500 pounds ✓ | Towing Capacity | N/A |
| Standard ✓ | Driver’s Seat Lumbar Support | Optional |
| Standard ✓ | Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | Optional |
| Standard ✓ | Wireless Charger | Optional |
| Standard ✓ | Power Folding Mirrors | Not available |
| Standard ✓ | Real-Time Traffic / Weather | Not available |
| Optional ✓ | Heated Rear Seats | Not available |
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BMW has never made good value for money a priority, and this is especially true of smaller models like the X1. This becomes a lot more obvious when compared to a vehicle that offers better than average value for money, like the Volvo XC40. Pricing is nearly identical, which makes the difference in capability and equipment all the more glaring. The power difference between these two models doesn’t seem like it would result in any kind of a difference in 0-60 times or towing capacity, yet it does. The difference in towing capacity is especially noticeable, since the X1 isn’t rated for it at all.
Standard equipment gives a clear advantage to the XC40. Some of the things that come standard on the XC40 are available on the X1, if you’re willing to pay more, things like driver’s lumbar support, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and a wireless device charger. And if you need more than just a cost advantage, there are other standard features that aren’t offered on the X1 at all, like power folding mirrors or real-time traffic and weather information. And while most vehicles don’t offer standard heated rear seats, Volvo is the only brand of these two to at least offer them as an option. This comparison is indicative of one of the biggest differences between these brands. BMW seems to be under the impression that luxury vehicle buyers don’t mind wasting money or somehow won’t mind not having all of the features available from Volvo. Alternatively, Volvo prefers to actually give you something other than a badge for your money.
Design
BMW has a design philosophy that dictates that designs should be divisive and “irrational” to an extent. It’s an approach that works fine with supercars, but the wildly aggressive styling for everyday vehicles is off-putting to no small number of buyers. That said, it’s not always easy to make a vehicle look modern and sophisticated without going overboard. This is where the Scandinavian design philosophy excels. Across a wide range of products, Scandinavian designs are known for their understated elegance and emphasis on quality materials over flashy nonfunctional adornments. Volvo embraces this thinking, and Volvo vehicles come with exterior styling that looks good without having to try too hard, and interiors that are well laid out and relaxing to sit in.
Winner - Volvo
Driving a BMW vehicle is probably one way to attract a lot of attention, both good and bad. But for people who are looking for a well-appointed, safe, and sophisticated vehicle that actually just looks good, then Volvo is certainly the way to go. Motorcars Volvo Cars can help you find the model and trim that’s just right for you.