Verdict
At RM294,800, the BMW i4 costs RM45,088 less than the RM339,888 Volvo ES90, yet reaches 100 km/h in 6.0 seconds against 6.6 seconds and carries 470 litres of luggage to the Volvo’s 424 litres. The ES90 justifies its extra outlay for long-distance use: its 92 kWh battery delivers 651 km versus 500 km, while 350 kW DC charging doubles the i4’s 180 kW rate. Malaysian buyers prioritising rear-seat accommodation and charging stops will find the larger Volvo more useful; drivers wanting a quicker, smaller EV should take the BMW.
Pick the BMW i4 if you want the RM45,088 saving, a quicker 6.0-second 0-100 km/h time and a larger 470-litre boot.
Pick the Volvo ES90 if 651 km of range, 350 kW DC charging and a 3,102 mm wheelbase matter more than outright acceleration.
Key differences
- Price: BMW i4 RM294,800; Volvo ES90 RM339,888.
- Range and battery: BMW i4 500 km from 70.3 kWh; Volvo ES90 651 km from 92 kWh.
- DC charging: BMW i4 180 kW; Volvo ES90 350 kW.
- Performance: BMW i4 282 hp, 400 Nm and 0-100 km/h in 6.0 seconds; Volvo ES90 329 hp, 480 Nm and 6.6 seconds.
- Size and boot: BMW i4 is 4,783 mm long with 470 litres; Volvo ES90 is 5,000 mm long with 424 litres.
- Warranty: BMW i4 has two years manufacturer warranty plus a five-year extended warranty; Volvo ES90 has a five-year manufacturer warranty.
i4
- RM45,088 cheaper.
- Quicker 6.0-second 0-100 km/h time.
- 470-litre boot and auto parking.
- 500 km range trails the ES90’s 651 km.
- 180 kW DC charging is lower than 350 kW.
- Smaller 2,856 mm wheelbase and no rear climate-control zone.
ES90
- 651 km range from a 92 kWh battery.
- 350 kW DC charging and 800V architecture.
- Air suspension, ventilated reclining rear seats and 25-speaker audio.
- RM45,088 more expensive.
- Slower 6.6-second 0-100 km/h time.
- 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 | 651 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 | 255/40R22 |
| Rear Tyre | 255/40R19 | 285/35R22 |
| 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 | 22" Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 19" Style-996M Bi-colour | 22" Alloys |
| Steering | Rack & Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Chassis Notes | — | Active Air Suspension |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Front Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain | 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 Front Seats with Ventilation |
| 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 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 | 5 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, DC charging and rear-seat-focused equipment, with 651 km and 350 kW. The BMW i4 is the better choice for a lower purchase price, faster 0-100 km/h acceleration and more boot space.
What is the price difference?
The Volvo ES90 costs RM45,088 more than the BMW i4. The gap brings a larger 92 kWh battery, 651 km range, 350 kW DC charging, air suspension and a five-year manufacturer warranty.
Which one is better for long-distance electric driving?
The Volvo ES90 is the stronger long-distance EV. It has 151 km more claimed range than the BMW i4, at 651 km versus 500 km, and its 350 kW DC charging rate is 170 kW higher.