BMW 2 Series vs Volvo V40
What's the difference?

BMW 2 Series

$59,023 - $103,400

2026 price

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Volvo V40

—

2018 price

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Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Mercedes-Benz A35

Mercedes-Benz A45

Mercedes-Benz AMG GT

Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Mercedes-Benz C43

Mercedes-Benz C63

Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class

Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Mercedes-Benz E53

Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Mercedes-Benz SL-Class

Summary

2026 BMW 2 Series

2018 Volvo V40

By Byron Mathioudakis

By Laura Berry

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Turbo 6, 3.0L

Turbo 4, 2.0L

Fuel Type

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

8.0L/100km (combined)

5.6L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Superb performance and dynamics
Excellent interior, now even better
Surprisingly relaxed and sophisticated

Great looks
Responsive, torquey engine
Simple to use interior controls

Dislikes

Some road noise
Big turning circle
We wish it were prettier

Small boot
Limited rear legroom
No Apple CarPlay

2026 BMW 2 Series Summary

Coupes are back.

Heading into the second half of the 2020s, buyers of affordable sports cars seem better-served for choice than when the current BMW 2 Series Coupe surfaced earlier this decade.

Mazda’s MX-5 keeps gently evolving. Toyota and Subaru have rejuvenated their respective firecracker 86/BRZ twins. The glorious Nissan Z is as evocative as it is entertaining. The recent Ford Mustang revamp serves rousing American muscle car. The reborn Honda Prelude looms as a hybrid hero. And even Audi’s TT is set for resurrection soon.

All reinvigorate the genre. Just like the (G42) 2 Series Coupe, the third in the series since 2007, released during 2021 and facelifted in 2024.

Here we revisit the M240i xDrive, our favourite version (sorry, M2 owners), to see if it remains the definitive brand experience.

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2018 Volvo V40 Summary

I miss my old phone. Sure, my new phone has a bigger screen and it’s smarter and faster, but my previous phone was smaller and easier to use, and now when I go to do a screen shot I accidentally hit the volume button every time.

What I really want in a phone is a new version of the old one – and I have a feeling people may feel the same way about the 2018 Volvo V40.

Some time next year the completely new generation V40 is expected to arrive and there will be some things I’ll miss about the old one. So, this really is your last chance to buy a new ‘old’ Volvo V40.

In a last-hurrah review, I road tested the V40 in the Inscription grade with the T4 petrol engine. What’s so 'missable' about it? Read on to find out.

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Deep dive comparison

2026 BMW 2 Series 2018 Volvo V40

Verdict

It may be expensive for a small coupe. And EVs have reframed performance standards to the detriment of most internal combustion engine sports cars like this – at least for acceleration times. But the M240i xDrive Coupe is far more than just about numbers, imbuing the soul and spirit of what makes this brand’s vehicles so enjoyable and memorable to drive.

A unique and most-welcome survivor today, the MY25 makeover takes all that, and improves the interior, to be at the heart of what BMW has traditionally done best (styling aside). We found parting with it at the end of our term very difficult.

Verdict

I’m going to miss this V40 like I do my old phone, and for many people this hatch really could really be close to perfect: excellent safety equipment, enjoyable to drive, cool prestige styling and some lo-fi buttons and dials that are far easier to use than swiping a screen. This is your last chance to own an old, new V40.

BMW 2 Series vs Volvo V40 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

BMW 2 Series vs Volvo V40
What's the difference?