If you’re looking for a large premium SUV, here’s a massive gallery of the two best-selling plug-in hybrid models in Malaysia – the 2020 G05 BMW X5 xDrive45e M Sport and the Volvo XC90 T8 Inscription Plus. Hopefully choosing between the two will be easier with this set of like-for-like photos.
The newer of the pair, the X5 is priced at RM440,745, compared to RM391,150 for the range-topping XC90. Mind you, the BMW is pictured here with RM43k worth of optional M Performance parts, upping the price difference between the two from RM50k to almost RM100k.
Now in its second PHEV generation, the X5 carries a larger 3.0 litre turbocharged straight-six engine with a combined system output of 394 hp and 600 Nm. The XC90, despite carrying an unchanged 2.0 litre supercharged and turbocharged engine, still enjoys a slight power advantage with its 407 hp and 640 Nm of torque.
Both are claimed to get from 0-100 km/h in 5.6 seconds, although the X5 boasts a higher all-electric range of up to 77 km, thanks to a significantly larger 24 kWh battery pack. With its 11.6 kWh battery (slightly bigger compared to the pre-facelift model), the Volvo claims a respectable 50 km EV range.
Their interiors are wildly different too, with the Volvo being a seven-seater while the BMW only seats five. The X5 clearly has a more modern looking dashboard, though the XC90 is by far and away the more practical of the two. The X5’s 500-litre boot looks to be spacious enough, but is 140 litres short of the XC90’s.
One department where the BMW is superior is in terms of interior tech – it has wireless Apple CarPlay (though you do have to pay extra for it) and a pair of screens for rear passengers. The Volvo, however, counters with its best-in-class Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system, which is a huge upgrade over the X5’s Harman Kardon unit.
Beyond that, equipment levels are largely similar, apart from advanced driving assistance features where the Volvo pulls ahead. Thankfully, both models have autonomous emergency braking (AEB) as standard, but the Volvo also adds on full semi-autonomous driving features on board the XC90.
We’ll have a comprehensive comparison review video coming up next week, so stay tuned. The head-to-head will cover the two SUVs’ performance, real world fuel economy, driving dynamics, comfort and of course, overall value and appeal. Which one do you think will come out on top, and why? Do comment below and remember to check back soon for our full verdict.
GALLERY: 2020 G05 BMW xDrive45e M Sport with M Performance parts
GALLERY: 2020 Volvo XC90 T8 Inscription Plus
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XC90 is definitely the better, smarter choice
Volvo, Geely, P1, Mesidis, Lotus > all
The bmw owner screaming I am nearing 50. The Volvo silently saying look at me, I am way pass 70.
The BMW owner was probably screaming why his replacement battery costed so much more compared to the Volvo. Again, age makes people wiser to choose the truly better car. So youngers ones should take heed from the older generation and get the Volvo instead.
All hybrid have thier own challenges. If you worry, get XC90 or X5 without Hybrid. Having said that, XC90 is the most less problematic continental SUV.
Good luck to all buyer that owned X5 that used adaptive suspension. Workshop oh workshop
Please do check the 0-60s both cars to verify the manufacturers claims
xc90 for those who want minimalist look
that bmw more for ganster rapper/mafia type…who speed through red light and honk you if you drive slow or in their way
bmw way too mainstream. way too many on the road.
The Volvo looks and feels like a proper family SUV but if you want to do some occasional sprints especially on twisty roads, the BMW will be a better choice. Seen a lot of them gunning the throttle up Genting like no tomorrow.
BMWs have all the charm and grace of a brick. ‘Styling’ seems to be anathema to the Bavarians, even more so than their Audi and Merc brethren…
XC90 has too much problem , my xc90 sold due to turbo damaged & Hybrid damaged
This generation or previous generation?
Mine as well 2017 model. ♂️♂️♂️I thought I was the only one but started meeting a few of them in the Service centre. They did fix it under warranty every time but having to go in and out in 2 years and waiting for parts and etc was enough to make me get rid of it. I dare not to imagine living without warranty for that thing. Coincidentally went for a BMW but a 530i. Big drop in power, but I can drive everywhere without a single issue. Never really missed the auto pilot stuff as it’s not really convenient to actually use it in real life, may be to show off once in a while but that’s about it.
My S90 hybrid system fault. Sometimes cut off the damn air con and cause my whole car covered in mist during raining. Sold it. Buy a 530i m sport and enjoy the next level comfy and calm right. So reliable sap all the pothole in damn KL road like nothing happen.
So many bored Beemer salesmen here.
Presume u can’t afford to buy either a BMW or a Volvo….Should have sold u my xc90.
At the end of the day, money talks. You will see more X5s on the road. All the volvo worshippers here dont vote with their money.
As far as I feel – comfort wise, they aren’t the best in price category
This is a wrong comparison.xc90 is a 7seater,while X5 is 5 seater. They both are a different class .you should compare with x7
XC90 any day any time my friend! BMW is everything nice and great handling but those maintenance are crazy, poor reliability to add on.
PS: coming from owner of V40 and ex-owner of E90 320i
The final verdict predictably will be “if you’re looking for …then the choice would be X5, while if you’re looking for ….then the choice would be XC90. It’s predictable and safe verdict to ensure not upsetting both distributors.
Basically, “if you want looks, get the BMW. If you want everything else, get the Volvo” reading in between the lines.
Volvo’s Bowers and Wilkins FTW.
Bimmer need to get rid that old low spec-ed harman kardon.
So what we see here in the gallery is rm480k bmw vs 391k volvo
If you’re opting for Volvo, good luck & be ready to make the regular visits to the service centre for the little kinks here and there. Also be ready to pay premium $ for the parts & below par service level (“Fed-up” Auto). My first hand experience. Never ever a Volvo.