Verdict
The BMW i4 costs RM34,088 less at RM294,800, yet its 282-hp, 400-Nm rear motor gets from 0-100 km/h in 6.0 seconds, 0.9 seconds ahead of the Volvo XC60. Its 70.3-kWh battery is rated for 500 km and accepts 11-kW AC or 180-kW DC charging, so it suits Malaysians able to charge regularly. The XC60 counters with all-wheel drive, a taller SUV body, 483 litres of boot space and a 71-litre petrol tank. Choose it if charging access is not part of your routine.
Pick the BMW i4 if you can charge an EV regularly and want RM34,088 savings, a 500-km rated range and quicker 6.0-second acceleration.
Pick the Volvo XC60 if you need all-wheel drive, SUV height, a 71-litre petrol tank and its 483-litre boot.
Key differences
- Price: BMW i4 RM294,800; Volvo XC60 RM328,888.
- Powertrain: BMW i4 has a 282-hp/400-Nm electric motor; Volvo XC60 has a 246-hp/350-Nm 1,969-cc petrol engine plus a 13-hp/30-Nm motor.
- Acceleration: BMW i4 0-100 km/h in 6.0 seconds; Volvo XC60 in 6.9 seconds.
- Energy storage: BMW i4 has a 70.3-kWh battery and 500-km EV range; Volvo XC60 has a 71-litre fuel tank.
- Driveline: BMW i4 rear-wheel drive; Volvo XC60 all-wheel drive.
- Dimensions and boot: BMW i4 is 4,783 mm long with 470 litres; Volvo XC60 is 4,708 mm long with 483 litres.
i4
- RM34,088 cheaper to buy.
- 500-km rated EV range with 180-kW DC charging.
- Quicker 6.0-second 0-100 km/h time and head-up display.
- Rear-wheel drive versus the XC60's all-wheel drive.
- 470-litre boot is 13 litres smaller.
- No sunroof, versus the XC60's panoramic glass roof.
XC60
- All-wheel drive and a 71-litre fuel tank.
- 483-litre boot and 1,655-mm SUV height.
- Panoramic glass roof, integrated rear booster cushions and Bowers & Wilkins audio.
- RM34,088 more expensive.
- Slower 6.9-second 0-100 km/h time.
- No head-up display or auto parking, both fitted to the i4.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM294,800✓ | RM328,888 |
| Body type | Sedan | SUV |
| Segment | Compact Executive | Compact Executive |
| Assembly | CBU | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM305✓ | RM428 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 5th-generation BMW eDrive, 400V architecture | 16-valve DOHC with Direct Fuel Injection, Turbocharger, Variable Valve Timing with MHEV Assistance |
| Capacity | — | 1,969 cc |
| Horsepower | — | 246 hp |
| Torque | — | 350 Nm |
| Fuel | Electric | Petrol Hybrid/REV |
| Bore | — | 82 mm |
| Compression Ratio | — | 10.8 |
| Number of Motors | 1 | 1 |
| Motor Horsepower | 282 hp✓ | 13 hp |
| Motor Torque | 400 Nm✓ | 30 Nm |
| Battery Capacity | 70.3 kWh | — |
| EV Range | 500 km | — |
| Charging Rate (AC) | 11 kW | — |
| Charging Rate (DC) | 180 kW | — |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Single Ratio Automatic | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | — | 8-Speed Geartronic |
| Gears | — | 8 |
| Driveline | Rear Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 6 seconds✓ | 6.9 seconds |
| Top Speed | 190 km/h✓ | 180 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,783 mm | 4,708 mm |
| Width | 1,852 mm | 1,902 mm |
| Height | 1,448 mm | 1,655 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,856 mm | 2,865 mm |
| Weight | 2,075 kg | 2,450 kg |
| Fuel Tank | — | 71 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 470 litres | 483 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 245/40R19 | — |
| Rear Tyre | 255/40R19 | — |
| Spare Tyre | Tyre Repair Kit | — |
| Factory Tyres | Michelin Pilot Sport 4 | — |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Germany (CBU) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Struts | Double Wishbones |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 19" Style-996M Bi-colour | 19" 5-double-spoke Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 19" Style-996M Bi-colour | 19" 5-double-spoke Alloys |
| Steering | Rack & Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Front Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain |
| 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, with Integrated Boosters |
| 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 Projector 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 Memory Function |
| Rear Seats | 40:20:40 Split-folding | 40:20:40 Split Folding with integrated 2-stage booster child seat cushions for the outer seats |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Rear AC Vents | Rear Vents |
| Sunroof | — | Panoramic Glass Roof |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 USB-A Front, 1 USB-C Front, 2 USB-C Rear | 1 Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 2 USB-C Front, 2 USB-C Rear |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights & Ambient Lighting | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Sun Shade | — | Powered Sunshade for Panoramic Glass Roof |
| Audio | 14.9" BMW Curved Display Live Cockpit Professional, 10-Speaker HiFi Loudspeaker System | 11.2" Central Display with Android Automotive OS, Apple CarPlay & Android Auto Connectivity, Bowers & Wilkins High Fidelity Audio System |
| 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 Knob Twist |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Start/Stop | — | ✓ |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control | Active Cruise Control with Steering Assist |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | ✓ | — |
| 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 | — |
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 & XC60 for sale
i4 vs XC60 FAQ
Is the BMW i4 or Volvo XC60 better?
The BMW i4 is the better choice for regular EV charging, lower purchase cost and faster acceleration. The Volvo XC60 is better if all-wheel drive, a petrol tank, SUV height and a slightly larger boot matter more.
What is the price difference?
The Volvo XC60 costs RM34,088 more than the BMW i4: RM328,888 against RM294,800.
Which has more practical luggage space?
The Volvo XC60 has the larger boot at 483 litres, 13 litres more than the BMW i4's 470 litres. Both have five seats and 40:20:40 split-folding rear seats.