Research

BMW i4 vs Volvo V60

BMW i4

BMW i4

eDrive35 M Sport

Volvo V60

Volvo V60

Recharge T8 Ultimate

Verdict

The BMW i4 is the cheaper full EV at RM294,800, with a 70.3 kWh battery and 500 km EV range; the Volvo V60 costs RM321,888 and is a petrol plug-in hybrid with 90 km EV range plus a 60-litre tank. Performance favours the Volvo: 316 hp, AWD and 4.6 seconds to 100 km/h versus the BMW’s 282 hp, rear-drive and 6.0 seconds. But the i4 has the higher 190 km/h top speed and lower RM305 road tax. The V60 counters with a 529-litre wagon boot and a five-year warranty.

i4

Pick the BMW i4 if you want a lower-priced full EV with 500 km range, rear-wheel drive and RM305 annual road tax.

V60

Pick the Volvo V60 if you want the quicker car, all-wheel drive, a larger boot and a 60-litre petrol tank after the 90 km EV range.

Key differences

  • Price: BMW i4 RM294,800; Volvo V60 RM321,888
  • Powertrain: BMW i4 electric single motor; Volvo V60 1,969 cc petrol plug-in hybrid
  • Power: BMW i4 282 hp; Volvo V60 316 hp
  • 0-100 km/h: BMW i4 6.0 seconds; Volvo V60 4.6 seconds
  • EV range: BMW i4 500 km; Volvo V60 90 km
  • Boot space: BMW i4 470 litres; Volvo V60 529 litres

i4

  • Full EV with 500 km range
  • Lower RM294,800 price
  • Higher 190 km/h top speed
  • Slower 6.0-second 0-100 km/h
  • Smaller 470-litre boot
  • Two-year warranty

V60

  • Quicker 4.6-second 0-100 km/h
  • Larger 529-litre wagon boot
  • Five-year warranty
  • Costs RM27,088 more
  • Shorter 90 km EV range
  • Lower 180 km/h top speed
Price & overview
PriceRM 294,800RM 321,888
Body typeSedanWagon
SegmentCompact ExecutiveCompact Executive
AssemblyCBUCKD
Powertrain
Engine Tech16-valve DOHC direct injection with turbocharger, supercharger, variable valve timing
Capacity1,969 cc
Horsepower316 hp
Torque400 Nm
Cylinder ArrangementInline
Timing TypeChain
FuelElectricPetrol Plug-in Hybrid
Bore82 mm
Compression Ratio10.3
Number of Motors11
Motor Horsepower282 hp86 hp
Motor Torque400 Nm240 Nm
Battery TypeLithium-ionLithium-ion
Battery Capacity70.3 kWh18.8 kWh
EV Range500 km90 km
Charger Type (AC)Type 2Type 2
Charging Rate (AC)11 kW3.7 kW
Charger Type (DC)CCS
Charging Rate (DC)180 kW
Drivetrain
TransmissionSingle Ratio AutomaticConventional Automatic
Transmission Name8-Speed Geartronic
Gears8
Transmission ManufacturerAisin
DrivelineRear Wheel DriveAll Wheel Drive
Performance & Efficiency
0-100 km/h6 seconds4.6 seconds
Rated Economy2 L/100 km
Top Speed190 km/h180 km/h
Co246 g/km
Dimensions
Length4,783 mm4,761 mm
Width1,852 mm1,850 mm
Height1,448 mm1,432 mm
Wheelbase2,856 mm2,872 mm
Weight2,075 kg2,041 kg
Fuel Tank60 litres
Doors55
Seats55
Boot Space470 litres529 litres
Front Tyre245/40R19235/40R19
Rear Tyre255/40R19235/40R19
Spare TyreTyre Repair Kit
Factory TyresMichelin Pilot Sport 4Michelin Pilot Sport 4
Chassis
AssemblyGermany (CBU)Malaysia (CKD)
ChassisUnibodyUnibody
Front SuspensionMacPherson StrutsDouble Wishbones
Rear SuspensionMulti-linkMulti-link
Front Wheels19" Style-996M Bi-colour19" 5-multi-spoke Two-Tone Alloy
Rear Wheels19" Style-996M Bi-colour19" 5-multi-spoke Two-Tone Alloy
Front BrakesVentilated DiscsVentilated Disc
Rear BrakesVentilated DiscsVentilated Disc
SteeringRack & Pinion (Electric Power Steering)Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering)
Crash Safety Ratings
EuroNCAP5 stars
Safety
AirbagsDriver and Front Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear CurtainDriver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain
ABS/EBD
Stability Control
Alarm
Immobilizer
Airbag Disable Function
Child Safety LockManual for rear doorsElectric for Rear Doors
Seat Belts5 Three-point5 Three-point
Blind Spot Info System
ISOFIXAvailable for 2nd Row SeatsAvailable on 2 Outer Rear Seats
Autonomous Braking SystemYesYes, with Pedestrian, Cyclist, Oncoming Vehicle and Large Animal Detection (4 to 80 km/h)
Lane-keeping AssistSteering CorrectionSteering Correction
Collision Warning
Seatbelt ReminderAll SeatsFor All Seats
Safety NotesBlind Spot Collision Mitigation, Rear Cross Traffic Collision Mitigation, Run-off Road Protection
Lighting
HeadlampsAdaptive LED ProjectorsAdaptive LED Projectors with Auto High Beam
TaillampsBMW Laser LEDLED Combination
LED Daytime Running Lights
Front Foglamps
Rear Foglamps
Wing Mirror Turn Indicators
Cabin
Front SeatsPowered Front Seats, Driver's Side MemoryPower Adjustable Front Seats with Driver's Memory Function
Rear Seats40:20:40 Split-folding60:40 Split-folding
Front Air-conDual-zone Automatic Climate ControlDual-Zone Automatic Climate Control
Rear Air-conRear AC VentsRear Vents
SunroofPanoramic, Front Tilt and Slide
Power Sockets1 Front, 1 USB-A Front, 1 USB-C Front, 2 USB-C Rear1 Front, 1 Boot, 2 Front USB, 2 Rear USB-C
Interior LightingMap Lights & Ambient LightingMap Lights and Ambient Lights
Cup Holders2 Front, 2 Rear2 Front, 2 Rear
Audio14.9" BMW Curved Display Live Cockpit Professional, 10-Speaker HiFi Loudspeaker System9" Touchscreen Sensus Connect Infotainment System with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and 16-speaker Harman Kardon Sound System (600 W)
Convenience
Power WindowsFour Windows, Auto Up & Down with Anti-pinchFour Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch
Engine StartKeyless Push ButtonKeyless Knob Twist
LocksKeyless OperationKeyless Operation
Auto Start/Stop
Auto Headlamps
Auto Wipers
Cruise ControlAdaptive Cruise ControlAdaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go and Steering Assist
Paddle Shift
Steering Audio Control
Steering Tilt
Steering Telescopic
Boot OperationPowered BootPowered Boot with Contactless Operation
Parking Sensor Front6 Sensors4 Sensors
Parking Sensor Rear6 Sensors4 Sensors
Reverse CameraYes, with 360-degree CameraYes, with 360 Surround View Camera
Auto ParkingYesPark Assist Pilot with Parallel and Perpendicular Parking
Folding Wing Mirrors
Bluetooth
Navigation
Head-up Display
Hill Start Assist
Instrument ClusterFull LCD MonitorFull LCD Monitor
Parking BrakeElectronicElectronic
Convenience NotesBoot Grocery Bag Holder
Warranty
Warranty Mileage ManufacturerUnlimited120,000 km
Warranty Mileage ExtendedUnlimited
Warranty Manufacturer2 years5 years
Warranty Extended5 years
Warranty Notes8-year/160,000 km Battery Warranty8-year/160,000 km Battery Warranty
Ownership
Road tax / yearRM 305RM 365

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.

i4 vs V60 FAQ

Is the BMW i4 or Volvo V60 better?

The Volvo V60 is better for pace and practicality, with AWD, 4.6-second 0-100 km/h performance, a 529-litre boot and a five-year warranty. The BMW i4 is better if you want a full EV with 500 km range.

What is the price difference?

The Volvo V60 costs RM27,088 more than the BMW i4. The gap buys stronger 316 hp output, all-wheel drive, quicker 4.6-second acceleration, a bigger 529-litre boot and a longer five-year warranty.

Which has the longer electric range?

The BMW i4 has the longer electric range at 500 km from its 70.3 kWh battery. The Volvo V60 is a plug-in hybrid with 90 km EV range and a 60-litre petrol tank.

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