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BMW iX1 vs Volvo EX30
At a glance
In this comparison, BMW iX1 leads on value for money, motorway range and family practicality, while the Volvo EX30 leads on charging speed and city driving.
Which should you choose?
Choose the BMW iX1 if...
- you want the most for your money - best overall spec per pound
- you do long motorway journeys - it has the best estimated real-world range at speed
- you need the most family-friendly option with good safety and space
- you want the lowest running costs - from just 1.7p per mile on off-peak electricity
Choose the Volvo EX30 if...
- you need the fastest charging of these options
- you need the best car for city driving and tight parking
How we reached the recommendation
Verdict
Our take
The BMW iX1 leads in the most categories, but each car here has its strengths.
ValueBMW
BMW
6.4
Volvo
5.9
Motorway RangeBMW
BMW
5.9
Volvo
2.7
FamilyBMW
BMW
7.4
Volvo
5
ChargingVolvo
BMW
4.1
Volvo
5.7
Cost Per MileBMW
BMW
9.3
Volvo
3
City DrivingVolvo
BMW
4.6
Volvo
6.2
What each car does better
See the specification differences behind the verdict, with supporting figures for each advantage.
Key specifications
Compare the key specifications for your selected trims.
| Measure | BMW iX1eDrive20 Sport | Volvo EX30Single Motor |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £37,065 | £33,060 (better) |
| Official range | 320 miles (better) | 209 miles |
| Boot space | 490 L (better) | 400 L |
| 10-80% rapid charge | 29 min | 26 min (better) |
| 0-62 mph | 8.6 sec (better) | 9.1 sec |
Size Comparison
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BMW iX1
Volvo EX30
Length
BMW iX14,500mm
Volvo EX304,233mm-267mm
Width
BMW iX11,845mm
Volvo EX301,838mm-7mm
Height
BMW iX11,616mm
Volvo EX301,550mm-66mm
Space, size & parking
Parking & manoeuvring
Compare exterior dimensions to assess how each car fits UK parking spaces.
| Measure | BMW iX1eDrive20 Sport | Volvo EX30Single Motor |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 4,500 mm | 4,233 mm |
| Width (mirrors folded) | 1,845 mm | 1,838 mm (better) |
| Width with mirrors out | 2,104 mm | 2,032 mm (better) |
| Height | 1,616 mm | 1,550 mm |
| Turning circle | 11.9 m | 11 m (better) |
| Clearance in a standard bayA standard UK parking bay is 2,400 mm wide. | 555 mm spare | 562 mm spare (better) |
People & luggage
Compare seating, child-seat mounting points, boot space and towing capacity.
| Measure | BMW iX1eDrive20 Sport | Volvo EX30Single Motor |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Rear legroom | Not available | 821 mm |
| ISOFIX child-seat points | Not available | 2 |
| Boot space (seats up) | 490 L (better) | 400 L |
| Boot space (seats down) | 1495 L (better) | 1000 L |
| Frunk | Not available | 7 L |
| Towing capacity (braked) | Not available | 1,000 kg |
Full specifications
| Specification |  BMW iX1 eDrive20 Sport |  Volvo EX30 Single Motor |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4.50m | 4.23m-267mm |
| Width | 1.84m | 1.84m-7mm |
| Width (mirrors) | 2.10m | 2.03m-72mm |
| Height | 1.62m | 1.55m-66mm |
| Wheelbase | 2.69m | 2.65m-42mm |
| Capacity | ||
| Boot (seats up) | 490L (better) | 400L |
| Boot (seats down) | 1495L (better) | 1000L |
| Frunk | Not available | 7L |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Rear Legroom | Not available | 821mm |
| Practicality | ||
| Turning Circle | 11.9m | 11m (better) |
| Kerb Weight | Not available | 1,840kg |
| Towing Capacity | Not available | 1,000kg |
| Electric | ||
| Battery | 64.7kWh (better) | 51kWh |
| Range (WLTP) | 320 mi (better) | 209 mi |
| Max DC Charge | 130kW | 150kW (better) |
| Pricing | ||
| UK MSRP | £37,065 | £33,060 (better) |
| Price after EV grant | £33,315 (-£3,750) | £33,060 (not eligible) |
| Details | ||
| Body Style | SUV | SUV |
| Available | 2023+ | 2024+ |
* BMW iX1: 11 kW AC is standard; 22 kW AC was an option.
* BMW iX1: Rating from the BMW X1 (2022), which covers the iX1. An extra pole test on the iX1 showed weak chest protection, without changing the stars.
* BMW iX1: Current figure, after a March 2026 efficiency update. Earlier cars: xDrive30 259-270 miles WLTP, eDrive20 268-296 miles WLTP.
* Volvo EX30: 11 kW AC on Core and Plus; Ultra has a 22 kW on-board charger.
Range & charging
Range, charging & battery
Check official and estimated driving range alongside charging speeds, efficiency and battery technology.
| Measure | BMW iX1eDrive20 Sport | Volvo EX30Single Motor |
|---|---|---|
| Official range (WLTP) | 320 miles (better) | 209 miles |
| Estimated motorway rangeEVcarsguide estimate at sustained motorway speed. | 267 miles (better) | 149 miles |
| 10-80% rapid charge time | 29 min | 26 min (better) |
| Max rapid charge rate | 130 kW | 150 kW (better) |
| Home AC charging | 11 kW | 11 kW |
| Energy consumption | Not available | 169 Wh/km |
| Usable battery capacity | 64.7 kWh (better) | 51 kWh |
| Battery chemistry | NMC | LFP |
| Battery architecture | 400V | Not available |
| Heat pump | Standard (better) | Not standard |
Driving & everyday use
Performance & drivetrain
Compare acceleration, power and drivetrain specifications for the selected trims.
| Measure | BMW iX1eDrive20 Sport | Volvo EX30Single Motor |
|---|---|---|
| 0-62 mph | 8.6 sec (better) | 9.1 sec |
| Power | 150 kW | 200 kW (better) |
| Torque | 247 Nm | 343 Nm (better) |
| Drivetrain | FWD | RWD |
What the critics say
See how UK motoring publications rate each car in their road tests. One car has more review coverage than the other - we show that rather than guessing.
BMW iX1
eDrive20 Sport
No critic reviews gathered yet for this car.
Volvo EX30
Single Motor
7.5/10
average across 6 reviews
- Auto Express4.5/5
- DrivingElectric4.5/5
- Parkers4.1/5
Watch the reviews
Watch selected video reviews here, or visit each model page for the full collection.
Reviews and videos discuss each model overall; the specifications above apply to your selected trims.
Prices & deals
New and used prices
Current pricing and recent used-market behaviour.
| Measure | BMW iX1eDrive20 Sport | Volvo EX30Single Motor |
|---|---|---|
| Used market price from | £23,250 | £23,499 |
| Average used price | £25,220 | £25,831 |
| Active used listings trackedIndependent UK dealer listings seen in the last 90 days. | 44 listings (better) | 15 listings |
| Saving vs RRP | £11,845 below new | £7,229 below new |
| Recent used-price trend | Down 13.8% over ~6 months | Up 2.6% over ~6 months |
Used prices are indicative figures gathered from independent UK dealer listings and change frequently.
Calculate your real costs
For a useful running-cost comparison, factor in your mileage, charging access and current petrol or diesel car alongside the EV estimate.
Compare with petrol or diesel
Compare purchase price, energy, road tax and maintenance with a petrol or diesel alternative.
Calculate company-car tax
Work out monthly Benefit-in-Kind using current and future HMRC rates.
Cost per mile
Compare EV charging costs per mile with petrol and diesel using your charging options.
Check a lease quote
Assess the effective monthly cost alongside the list price and expected depreciation.
Safety & ownership confidence
Euro NCAP - BMW iX1 eDrive20 Sport
Tested 2022
Adult Occupant86%
Child Occupant89%
Vulnerable Road Users76%
Safety Assist92%
Full result on euroncap.com (opens in new tab)
Euro NCAP - Volvo EX30 Single Motor
Tested 2025
Adult Occupant88%
Child Occupant85%
Vulnerable Road Users79%
Safety Assist80%
Full result on euroncap.com (opens in new tab)
Warranty
Check the published battery warranty cover for each selected trim.
| Measure | BMW iX1eDrive20 Sport | Volvo EX30Single Motor |
|---|---|---|
| Battery warranty | 8 years | 8 years |
| Battery warranty distance | 160,934 km | 160,934 km |
What owners say
Aggregated from UK owner forums and communities - the things you only learn after living with the car.
Shared watch-outs for both cars
Owners of every car here flag infotainment & software, real-world range, seat comfort & space. Worth checking on a test drive whichever you choose.
BMW iX1
eDrive20 Sport
Owners love
- Owners rate the cabin quality, design and technology highly, and find the BMW app reliable
- Agile and enjoyable to drive for its size, with good visibility from the raised seating position
- Real-world range of around 220-260 miles in mild weather is commonly reported with sensible driving
Watch out for
- Winter and fast motorway driving cut range noticeably, with some owners seeing under 200 miles
- Many features were in paid option packs, so two cars of the same trim can be very differently equipped
- Some owners find the ride firm and road noise intrusive, and the seats less comfortable than rivals
Owner tips
- The front-wheel-drive eDrive20 goes further on a charge; the xDrive30 is quicker but rarely needed
- Check which option packs a car has, especially Technology Plus for adaptive cruise
Volvo EX30
Single Motor
Owners love
- Owners consistently praise the performance: even the single-motor car is quick, and the Twin Motor Performance is very fast.
- Build quality, seats and cabin materials are widely described as good for the price, with a light, modern interior.
- The ride and road holding win praise, and the compact footprint makes it easy to park.
Watch out for
- Almost every control lives on the centre touchscreen, and the lack of a driver display or head-up display is the most common complaint.
- Driver aids such as lane assist and speed-limit warnings are seen as intrusive, and must be switched off again at every start.
- Rear legroom and the boot are small, so owners call it a car for two adults rather than four.
Owner tips
- Pick the Single Motor Extended Range for the best balance of range, ride and price.
- Set climate, wipers and lights to auto and save a driver profile so you rarely need the screen on the move.
Buying options
Get a quote
BMW iX1
Used on AutoTraderLease deals
Volvo EX30
Used on AutoTraderLease deals
Live used listings
Active inventory from independent UK dealers.
BMW iX1
- £23,7132023Car360View
- £23,2502023Browns of RichmondView
- £25,4492023Browns of RichmondView
Volvo EX30
- £26,1672024Car360View
- £27,5512025Car360View
- £23,4992024Browns of RichmondView
Frequently asked questions
Is the BMW iX1 worth the extra £4,005 over the Volvo EX30?
The BMW iX1 costs £4,005 more than the Volvo EX30. For that premium it adds 111 miles more WLTP range and 90 litres more boot space. The Volvo EX30 is not just cheaper - it also offers 50 kW more power. On EVcarsguide's combined category scores, the BMW iX1 comes out ahead overall.
Which is cheaper to own over 5 years, the BMW iX1 or the Volvo EX30?
The Volvo EX30 is £4,005 cheaper to buy. The BMW iX1 is cheaper to charge, roughly £136 a year versus £184 for the Volvo EX30, at 8,000 miles on an off-peak home tariff. Add 5 years of charging and the Volvo EX30 comes out roughly £3,765 cheaper overall. These figures cover list price and home charging only - insurance, servicing, tyres and depreciation will move the real total.
What are the BMW iX1 and Volvo EX30 like on a long motorway trip?
EVcarsguide estimates a real-world motorway range of about 267 miles for the BMW iX1 and 149 miles for the Volvo EX30 - both below their WLTP figures, because sustained high speed is the hardest case for an EV. The BMW iX1 goes roughly 118 miles further between charging stops. Both rapid-charge to 80% in a similar time, around 26-29 minutes.
Which is easier to park and drive in town, the BMW iX1 or the Volvo EX30?
The two are within 7 mm on width, so neither is meaningfully easier to thread into a tight space. In a standard 2,400 mm bay that leaves about 562 mm of total clearance for the Volvo EX30 and about 555 mm of total clearance for the BMW iX1. The Volvo EX30 also turns in a 0.9 m tighter circle, which helps with U-turns and multi-storey ramps.
Which battery will hold up better as a used buy, the BMW iX1 or the Volvo EX30?
Over a 8-year ownership window EVcarsguide's degradation model projects roughly 84% battery health for the BMW iX1 and 90% for the Volvo EX30. That gives the Volvo EX30 a modest edge in retained real-world range. The Volvo EX30's LFP-type pack tolerates daily 100% charging, while the BMW iX1's NMC-type pack lasts longest kept to about 80% for everyday use. Both batteries carry a 8-year manufacturer warranty.
Go deeper on each car
Visit the full model pages for owner feedback, expert reviews, used prices and battery-health information.
Compare against other rivals
Compare similarly sized and priced electric cars before finalising your shortlist.
More BMW iX1 comparisons
More Volvo EX30 comparisons
See both cars in our rankings
EVcarsguide scores every verified EV on price, range, family use and running costs. Here is where this pair appears.
Where the BMW iX1 and Volvo EX30 rank among the best family EVsWhere the BMW iX1 and Volvo EX30 rank among EVs under £40,000Where the BMW iX1 and Volvo EX30 rank among the best electric SUVsWhere the BMW iX1 and Volvo EX30 rank among the best motorway EVsWhere the BMW iX1 and Volvo EX30 rank among the best city EVsWhere the BMW iX1 and Volvo EX30 rank among the cheapest EVs to run
Further reading
Explore buying and ownership guides to help you choose between these electric cars.
GuideBuying a Used BMW iX1 (2022 on): xDrive30 or eDrive20, Recalls, Range & What to Check
A used BMW iX1 buyer’s guide: xDrive30 vs eDrive20, the driveshaft recall, warranty left, real-world range, option packs, what to pay, when a new one with the grant is better value, and a printable checklist.
GuideBuying a Used Volvo EX30 (2024 on): the Battery Recall, Which Version & What to Pay
A used Volvo EX30 buyer’s guide: the high-voltage battery recall and 70% charge cap, Single Motor vs Extended Range vs Twin Motor Performance, warranty, real-world range, what owners report, what to pay and a printable checklist.
Data accuracy
Specs are sourced from manufacturer websites and manually reviewed. These figures were last verified .