Trunk comparison: BMW iX1 vs Volvo XC40

Key Differences

The depth of the trunk (loading edge to trunk floor) is 0.8 in (+100%) greater in the BMW iX1 than in the Volvo XC40. This is the only difference with more than a 10% deviation and thus the most noticeable practical difference between the models.

Other, smaller deviations: The Volvo offers a 2.4 in (+4%) longer cargo area with the seats folded down and 0.4 in (+1%) more length with the front seats upright.

The height of the trunk opening is 0.4 in (+1%) greater in the Volvo, and the narrowest width of the trunk is 0.4 in (+1%) greater in the Volvo. The loading edge of the Volvo is 1.2 in (+4%) higher above the road, while the width of the trunk opening is 1.2 in (+3%) greater in the BMW.

Impact on Usability

Because the BMW iX1 has a significantly deeper cargo area, items can generally be set further "down" in the BMW — this increases the usable vertical volume and is advantageous for stackable or durable bulky cargo.

Combined with the 1.2 in lower loading edge in the BMW, this reduces the lifting effort required when loading heavy items. The greater width of the trunk opening in the BMW (+1.2 in) also makes it easier to load wide parts despite the slightly smaller interior width at the narrowest point.

The Volvo XC40 offers slightly more cargo length, especially with the seats folded down (+2.4 in), and a slightly higher trunk opening. This makes it somewhat more practical for very long items that are transported flat.

However, the loading edge in the Volvo is higher (+1.2 in), which makes lifting heavy loads a bit more strenuous. The differences in length, opening height, and width are overall small (mostly 1–4%) and are less noticeable in everyday use than the significantly greater depth of the BMW.

Conclusion

For users who frequently load and unload heavy or deeply stackable cargo, the BMW iX1 offers practical advantages due to the significantly greater depth and lower loading edge.

Those who often carry long, flat-transportable items have slight advantages with the Volvo XC40 thanks to the longer cargo area with folded seats. The other deviations are minor and only marginally affect everyday usability.