Verdict
The BMW i4 costs RM45,088 less at RM294,800 and is the quicker car, reaching 100 km/h in 6.0 seconds against the Volvo ES90’s 6.6 seconds. But the ES90’s RM339,888 price brings a 92 kWh battery, 662 km range and 350 kW DC charging, against 70.3 kWh, 500 km and 180 kW for the BMW. The Volvo is also a substantially larger executive sedan with a 3,102 mm wheelbase, air suspension and a five-year warranty. Choose the i4 for a more compact, quicker-driving EV with a larger boot; choose the ES90 for long-distance ability and rear-seat comfort.
Pick the BMW i4 if RM294,800 pricing, a 6.0-second 0-100 km/h time and a more manageable 4,783 mm length matter more than maximum range.
Pick the Volvo ES90 if you want 662 km of range, 350 kW DC charging, air suspension and a roomier 3,102 mm wheelbase.
Key differences
- Price: BMW i4 RM294,800; Volvo ES90 RM339,888.
- Range and battery: BMW i4 500 km and 70.3 kWh; Volvo ES90 662 km and 92 kWh.
- DC charging: BMW i4 180 kW; Volvo ES90 350 kW.
- Performance: BMW i4 0-100 km/h in 6.0 seconds and 190 km/h; Volvo ES90 6.6 seconds and 180 km/h.
- Size: BMW i4 is 4,783 mm long with a 2,856 mm wheelbase; Volvo ES90 is 5,000 mm with a 3,102 mm wheelbase.
- Boot space: BMW i4 470 litres; Volvo ES90 424 litres.
i4
- RM45,088 cheaper to buy.
- Quicker 6.0-second 0-100 km/h time.
- 470-litre boot is 46 litres larger.
- 500 km range trails the ES90’s 662 km.
- 180 kW DC charging is well below the ES90’s 350 kW.
- Two-year manufacturer warranty versus five years for the ES90.
ES90
- 662 km range from a 92 kWh battery.
- 350 kW DC charging and 800V architecture.
- Air suspension, ventilated reclining rear seats and nine airbags.
- RM339,888 price is RM45,088 higher.
- Slower to 100 km/h at 6.6 seconds versus 6.0 seconds.
- 424-litre boot is smaller than the i4’s 470 litres.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM294,800✓ | RM339,888 |
| Body type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Segment | Compact Executive | Executive |
| Assembly | CBU | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM305✓ | RM395 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 5th-generation BMW eDrive, 400V architecture | 800V architecture |
| Fuel | Electric | Electric |
| Number of Motors | 1 | 1 |
| Motor Horsepower | 282 hp | 329 hp✓ |
| Motor Torque | 400 Nm | 480 Nm✓ |
| Battery Capacity | 70.3 kWh | 92 kWh✓ |
| EV Range | 500 km | 662 km✓ |
| Charging Rate (AC) | 11 kW | 11 kW |
| Charging Rate (DC) | 180 kW | 350 kW✓ |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Single Ratio Automatic | Single Ratio Automatic |
| Driveline | Rear Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 6 seconds✓ | 6.6 seconds |
| Top Speed | 190 km/h✓ | 180 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,783 mm | 5,000 mm |
| Width | 1,852 mm | 1,942 mm |
| Height | 1,448 mm | 1,546 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,856 mm | 3,102 mm |
| Weight | 2,075 kg | 2,410 kg |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 470 litres✓ | 424 litres |
| Front Tyre | 245/40R19 | 245/45R21 |
| Rear Tyre | 255/40R19 | 275/40R21 |
| Spare Tyre | Tyre Repair Kit | N/A, Tyre Repair Kit |
| Factory Tyres | Michelin Pilot Sport 4 | Pirelli P Zero E VOL |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Germany (CBU) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Struts | Double Wishbones with Air Suspension |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-link with Air Suspension |
| Front Wheels | 19" Style-996M Bi-colour | 21" Diamond-cut Five-spoke Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 19" Style-996M Bi-colour | 21" Diamond-cut Five-spoke Alloys |
| Steering | Rack & Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Chassis Notes | — | Active Air Suspension |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 6 (Driver and Front Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain) | 9 (Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Driver's Knee, Front and Rear Curtain, Dual Front Centre Airbags) |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for rear doors | Electric for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available for 2nd Row Seats | Available on 2 Outer Rear Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | For All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | Adaptive LED Projectors | LED Projectors with Auto High Beam |
| Taillamps | BMW Laser LED | Full LED |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Powered Front Seats, Driver's Side Memory | Power Adjustable Nappa Leather Front Seats with Ventilation (Charcoal or Cardamom, Birch Wood Decor) |
| Rear Seats | 40:20:40 Split-folding | 40:20:40 Split-folding, Power Reclining Seats with Ventilation |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Rear AC Vents | Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Sunroof | — | Fixed Glass Roof, Adjustable Opacity |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 USB-A Front, 1 USB-C Front, 2 USB-C Rear | 1 Wireless Charger Front, 2 USB-C Front, 2 USB-C Rear |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights & Ambient Lighting | Map Lights and Ambient Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Audio | 14.9" BMW Curved Display Live Cockpit Professional, 10-Speaker HiFi Loudspeaker System | 14.5" Touchscreen with Android Automotive OS, Wireless Apple CarPlay and Wireless Android Auto, 25-speaker Bowers & Wilkins Sound System (1,650 watt) |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up & Down with Anti-pinch | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless (Depress Brake to Start) |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control | Active Cruise Control |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Steering Adjustment | — | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Powered Boot | Powered Boot, Contactless Opening |
| Parking Sensor Front | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, with 360-degree Camera | Yes, with 360 Surround View Camera |
| Auto Parking | Yes | — |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Head-up Display | ✓ | ✓ |
| Power Door | — | Yes |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Warranty Mileage Extended | Unlimited | — |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 2 years | 5 years✓ |
| Warranty Extended | 3 years | — |
| Warranty Notes | 8-year/160,000 km Battery Warranty | 8-year/160,000 km Battery Warranty |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Used i4 & ES90 for sale
i4 vs ES90 FAQ
Is the BMW i4 or Volvo ES90 better?
The Volvo ES90 is better for range, rapid DC charging, rear-seat amenities and warranty cover. The BMW i4 is better if you prioritise lower purchase cost, quicker acceleration, a smaller footprint and more boot space.
What is the price difference?
The Volvo ES90 costs RM339,888 and the BMW i4 costs RM294,800, so the ES90 carries a RM45,088 premium.
Which charges faster, the BMW i4 or Volvo ES90?
The Volvo ES90 charges faster on DC power at up to 350 kW, compared with 180 kW for the BMW i4. Both have 11 kW AC charging.
