BMW i4 vs Volvo ES90
Two electric Sedans go head to head. Which EV is the better buy for Australian drivers in 2026?
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
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Price Breakdown
The BMW i4 starts from $88,900 before on-road costs, while the Volvo ES90 opens at $88,880. That makes the Volvo ES90 the more affordable entry point by $20.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $97,790 and $97,768 respectively.
Both models qualify for Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) exemption, which is a significant advantage for salary-sacrificed novated leases. Depending on your tax bracket, this can save $5,000-$15,000+ per year compared to an equivalent ICE vehicle.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Charging Times
How long each takes to charge, from a household power point to ultra-rapid DC, estimated from battery size and max charge rates.
How long to charge
80.7kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 180kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (11kW AC, 180kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
How long to charge
107kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 300kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (11kW AC, 300kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
Feature Showdown
The BMW i4 features a 14.9-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Volvo ES90 gets a 14.5-inch display and 9-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Volvo ES90 counters with ambient lighting that the BMW i4 does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the BMW i4 gets sensatec synthetic leather upholstery while the Volvo ES90 offers nordico fabric. Climate control is 2-zone in the BMW i4 and 4-zone in the Volvo ES90.
Drivetrain
The BMW i4 uses a Electric producing 210kW and 400Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 6 seconds.
The Volvo ES90 responds with a Electric making 245kW and 480Nm, paired to a single-speed driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6.6 seconds.
The Volvo ES90 has the clear power advantage at 245kW vs 210kW. In the real-world sprint, the BMW i4 is 0.6s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 67kWh (BMW i4) vs 92kWh (Volvo ES90), giving WLTP ranges of 527km and 554km. DC fast charging peaks at 180kW (BMW i4) vs 300kW (Volvo ES90).
Space & Comfort
The BMW i4 measures 4,783mm long on a 2,856mm wheelbase, 217mm shorter than the Volvo ES90 at 5,000mm (3,102mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Volvo ES90 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 470L in the BMW i4 and 424L in the Volvo ES90, giving the BMW i4 a 46L advantage.
For towing, the Volvo ES90 leads with a 1,600kg braked capacity vs 1,600kg. That 0kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.1m to 12.0m
Based on 11.1m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 12.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (BMW i4) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Volvo ES90). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BMW i4 if: You need more boot space, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Volvo ES90 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, or prefer Volvo's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Volvo ES90 takes 6 of 8 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. If boot space matters, the BMW i4 has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, BMW i4 and Volvo ES90?
The Volvo ES90 is the cheapest at $88,880 before on-road costs. That undercuts the BMW i4 by $20.
Which has the longest driving range?
The Volvo ES90 has the most range at 554km (WLTP).
Which charges fastest?
The Volvo ES90 accepts the highest DC charging at up to 300kW.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — BMW i4 all hold a 4-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The BMW i4 has the largest boot at 470L.
Which can tow the most?
The BMW i4 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,600kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Volvo ES90 makes the most power at 245kW. The BMW i4 is quickest to 100km/h in 6s.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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