Volvo ES90 vs BMW i3
Two electric cars 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.
Price Breakdown
The Volvo ES90 starts from $88,880 before on-road costs, while the BMW i3 opens at $109,900. That makes the Volvo ES90 the more affordable entry point by $21,020.
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 $97,768 and $120,890 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.
Feature Showdown
The Volvo ES90 features a 14.5-inch touchscreen, while the BMW i3 gets a 12.3-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Volvo ES90 stands out with panoramic roof, ventilated seats and ambient lighting that you will not find on the BMW i3. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Volvo ES90 uses a Electric producing 245kW and 480Nm of torque, sent through a single-speed to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 6.9 seconds.
The BMW i3 responds with a Electric making 250kW and 430Nm, paired to a auto driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.9 seconds.
The BMW i3 has the clear power advantage at 250kW vs 245kW. In the real-world sprint, the Volvo ES90 is 1.0s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 92kWh (Volvo ES90) vs 83kWh (BMW i3), giving WLTP ranges of 554km and 460km. DC fast charging peaks at 300kW (Volvo ES90) vs 50kW (BMW i3).
Space & Comfort
The Volvo ES90 measures 5,000mm long on a 3,102mm wheelbase, 291mm longer than the BMW i3 at 4,709mm (2,851mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Volvo ES90 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 424L in the Volvo ES90 and 260L in the BMW i3, giving the Volvo ES90 a 164L advantage.
For towing, the Volvo ES90 leads with a 2,400kg braked capacity vs 750kg. That 1,650kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.4m to 11.8m
Based on 11.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
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 (Volvo ES90) vs 5 years / 999,999km (BMW i3). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Volvo ES90 if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Volvo's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the BMW i3 if: You prioritise performance, or prefer BMW's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Volvo ES90 takes 8 of 9 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. If boot space matters, the Volvo ES90 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, Volvo ES90 and BMW i3?
The Volvo ES90 is the cheapest at $88,880 before on-road costs. That undercuts the BMW i3 by $21,020.
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 — Volvo ES90 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Volvo ES90 has the largest boot at 424L.
Which can tow the most?
The Volvo ES90 has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,400kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The BMW i3 makes the most power at 250kW. The Volvo ES90 is quickest to 100km/h in 6.9s.
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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