Compare the2022 BMW iXVS 2022 Volvo C40 Recharge

The BMW iX has standard driver and front passenger side knee airbags mounted low on the dashboard. These airbags helps prevent the driver and front passenger from sliding under their seatbelts or the main frontal airbags; this keeps them better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. Knee airbags also help keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The C40 Recharge doesn’t offer a front passenger side knee airbag.

The iX has a standard PostCrash iBrake, which automatically applies the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The C40 Recharge doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

Both the iX and the C40 Recharge have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, all wheel drive, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, driver alert monitors and available around view monitors.

The BMW iX weighs 842 to 952 pounds more than the Volvo C40 Recharge. The NHTSA advises that heavier vehicles are much safer in collisions than their significantly lighter counterparts.

There are over 24 percent more BMW dealers than there are Volvo dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the iX’s warranty.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2021 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that BMW vehicles are better in initial quality than Volvo vehicles. J.D. Power ranks BMW 20th in initial quality. With 44 more problems per 100 vehicles, Volvo is ranked 29th.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2021 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that BMW vehicles are more reliable than Volvo vehicles. J.D. Power ranks BMW 10th in reliability, above the industry average. With 35 more problems per 100 vehicles, Volvo is ranked 25th.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2021 Auto Issue reports that BMW vehicles are more reliable than Volvo vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks BMW 6 places higher in reliability than Volvo.

The iX xDrive50’s standard electric motors produce 114 more horsepower (516 vs. 402) and 78 lbs.-ft. more torque (564 vs. 486) than the C40 Recharge’s electric motors. The iX M60’s standard electric motors produce 208 more horsepower (610 vs. 402) and 325 lbs.-ft. more torque (811 vs. 486) than the C40 Recharge’s electric motors.

The iX’s EPA estimated pure electric driving range is 305 to 324 miles on a full charge (depending on wheels), up to 43% further than the C40 Recharge’s 226-mile range.

For better traction, the iX’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the C40 Recharge (275/40R22 vs. 235/45R20).

The iX’s optional tires provide better handling because they have a lower 40 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the C40 Recharge’s 45 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the iX offers optional 22-inch wheels. The C40 Recharge’s largest wheels are only 20-inches.

The iX offers an available driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads or off-road. The C40 Recharge’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

The iX has a standard automatic front and rear load leveling suspension to keep ride height level with a heavy load or when towing. The iX’s height leveling suspension allows the driver to raise ride height for better off-road clearance and then lower it again for easier entering and exiting and better on-road handling. The C40 Recharge doesn’t offer a load leveling suspension.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the iX’s wheelbase is 11.7 inches longer than on the C40 Recharge (118.1 inches vs. 106.4 inches).

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the iX is 3.1 inches wider in the front and 3.3 inches wider in the rear than on the C40 Recharge.

The front grille of the iX uses electronically controlled shutters to close off airflow and reduce drag when less engine cooling is needed. This helps improve highway fuel economy. The C40 Recharge doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

The iX has 2.1 inches more front headroom, 4.8 inches more front shoulder room, 2.8 inches more rear headroom, 2.8 inches more rear legroom and 2 inches more rear shoulder room than the C40 Recharge.

The iX has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat up than the C40 Recharge (35.5 vs. 17.3 cubic feet).

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that BMW service is better than Volvo. J.D. Power ranks BMW 8th in service department satisfaction (above the industry average). With a 3% lower rating, Volvo is ranked 11th.

The iX has a standard remote vehicle starting system, so the vehicle can be started from inside the driver's house. This allows the driver to comfortably warm up the engine before going out to the vehicle. The climate system will also automatically heat or cool the interior. The C40 Recharge doesn’t offer a remote starting system.

The iX offers an optional heads-up display that projects speed, warning and navigation instruction readouts in front of the driver’s line of sight, allowing drivers to view information without diverting their eyes from the road. The C40 Recharge doesn’t offer a heads-up display.

The iX’s Automatic Parking Assistant can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, starting, stopping and changing direction automatically. The C40 Recharge doesn’t offer an automated parking system.