Verdict
The RM28,912 gap makes the Volvo ES90 the sharper Malaysian buy: it gives 651 km from 92 kWh, 350 kW DC charging and a five-year vehicle warranty, against the BMW i5’s 627 km, 205 kW and two years. Its 3,102-mm wheelbase, air suspension and ventilated, power-reclining rear seats favour rear passengers too. The BMW counters with a 6.0-second 0-100 km/h time, 490-litre boot and 22 kW AC charging. Choose it if those daily-use advantages matter more than the ES90’s stronger long-distance charging figures.
Pick the BMW i5 if you need the quicker 6.0-second sprint, a 490-litre boot and 22 kW AC charging.
Pick the Volvo ES90 if you want lower entry cost, 651 km of range, 350 kW DC charging and a five-year manufacturer warranty.
Key differences
- Motor output: BMW i5 335 hp and 430 Nm; Volvo ES90 329 hp and 480 Nm.
- Battery and range: BMW i5 83.9 kWh and 627 km; Volvo ES90 92 kWh and 651 km.
- Charging: BMW i5 22 kW AC and 205 kW DC; Volvo ES90 11 kW AC and 350 kW DC.
- Performance: BMW i5 0-100 km/h in 6.0 seconds and 193 km/h; Volvo ES90 6.6 seconds and 180 km/h.
- Space: BMW i5 has a 2,995-mm wheelbase and 490-litre boot; Volvo ES90 has a 3,102-mm wheelbase and 424-litre boot.
- Manufacturer warranty: BMW i5 two years; Volvo ES90 five years.
i5
- Quicker 6.0-second 0-100 km/h time
- Larger 490-litre boot
- 22 kW AC charging and auto parking
- 205 kW DC charging trails the ES90’s 350 kW
- 627 km range is 24 km short of the ES90
- Two-year manufacturer warranty versus five years
ES90
- 651 km range from a 92 kWh battery
- 350 kW DC charging and 800V architecture
- Air suspension with ventilated, power-reclining rear seats
- 6.6-second 0-100 km/h time is slower than the i5’s 6.0 seconds
- 424-litre boot is 66 litres smaller than the i5’s
- 11 kW AC charging is half the i5’s 22 kW rate
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM368,800 | RM339,888✓ |
| Body type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Segment | Executive | Executive |
| Assembly | CKD | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM395 | RM395 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 5th-generation BMW eDrive, 400V architecture | 800V architecture |
| Fuel | Electric | Electric |
| Number of Motors | 1 | 1 |
| Motor Horsepower | 335 hp✓ | 329 hp |
| Motor Torque | 430 Nm | 480 Nm✓ |
| Battery Capacity | 83.9 kWh | 92 kWh✓ |
| EV Range | 627 km | 651 km✓ |
| Charging Rate (AC) | 22 kW✓ | 11 kW |
| Charging Rate (DC) | 205 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 | 193 km/h✓ | 180 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 5,060 mm | 5,000 mm |
| Width | 1,900 mm | 1,942 mm |
| Height | 1,515 mm | 1,546 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,995 mm | 3,102 mm |
| Weight | 2,205 kg | 2,410 kg |
| Doors | 4 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 490 litres✓ | 424 litres |
| Front Tyre | 245/40R20 | 255/40R22 |
| Rear Tyre | 275/35R20 | 285/35R22 |
| Spare Tyre | N/A, Tyre Repair Kit | N/A, Tyre Repair Kit |
| Factory Tyres | Pirelli P Zero Elekt | Pirelli P Zero E VOL |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | Double Wishbones | Double Wishbones with Air Suspension |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-link with Air Suspension |
| Front Wheels | 20" Alloys | 22" Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 20" Alloys | 22" Alloys |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Chassis Notes | — | Active Air Suspension |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Front Passenger, Front Side, 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 | Electric for Rear Doors | Electric for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three Point | 5 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available on outer rear 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 | LED Projector with Adaptive High Beam | LED Projectors with Auto High Beam |
| Taillamps | LED | Full LED |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Driver and Passenger Powered Seats with Memory Settings | Power Adjustable Front Seats with Ventilation |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split Fold | 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 | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Sunroof | Fixed Panoramic Glass Roof | Fixed Glass Roof, Adjustable Opacity |
| Power Sockets | 2x Wireless Charger, 2x USB-C ports front, 2x USB-C ports 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 |
| Sun Shade | Powered Rear Windscreen Sun Shade & Sunroof Shade, Manual Rear Door Window Shades | — |
| Audio | 14.9" Touchscreen BMW Live Cockpit Professional with Voice Control, Wireless Apple CarPlay, Wireless Android Auto and 18-speaker Bowers & Wilkins Sound System (655W) | 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 and 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 | Remote Control Activated with Contactless Operation | Powered Boot, Contactless Opening |
| Parking Sensor Front | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, 360-degree View Monitor | 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 Years/ 160,000 km Warranty for EV Battery | 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 i5 & ES90 for sale
i5 vs ES90 FAQ
Is the BMW i5 or Volvo ES90 better?
For most Malaysian buyers, the Volvo ES90 is the better buy. It costs RM28,912 less, has 24 km more range, 350 kW DC charging and a five-year manufacturer warranty. Choose the BMW i5 for its quicker acceleration, larger boot and faster AC charging.
What is the price difference?
The BMW i5 costs RM28,912 more than the Volvo ES90.
Which EV charges faster?
The Volvo ES90 has the higher DC charging rate at 350 kW versus the BMW i5’s 205 kW. The BMW is quicker on AC charging, rated at 22 kW against the Volvo’s 11 kW.