BMW I3 vs Volvo Es90
What's the difference?

BMW I3

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2020 price

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Volvo Es90

$88,880 - $107,990

2026 price

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Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Mercedes-Benz EQ-Class

Volkswagen Transporter

Volvo C40

Volvo Es90

Volvo V40

Summary

2020 BMW I3

2026 Volvo Es90

By James Cleary

By Stephen Ottley

Safety Rating

Electric motor type

Permanent Magnet

Electric motor type

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Vehicle type

Battery Electric

Vehicle type

Battery Electric

Electric range

270 km

Electric range

554 km

Energy consumption

14.6 kWh/100km

18.5 kWh/100km

Battery capacity

42.00 kWh

92.00 kWh

Seating

Likes

Design
Dynamics
Tech

Industry-leading safety
Unique Scandinavian design
Excellent value

Dislikes

Pricey
Tight rear room
Short warranty

Not a sedan or an SUV
Steering feels artificial at times
No Twin Motor option (yet)

2020 BMW I3 Summary

It’s easy to forget BMW was paddling into the growing electric vehicle wave when it was only a gentle swell. It took off early with the i3 city car, which believe it or not has been in the Aussie new car market for six years.

While the German maker has long been developing the concept of electrified powertrains in existing models, the i3 was the result of a dramatically different approach, showcasing the use of exotic materials and innovative packaging.

Like its i8 supercar sibling, the i3 won’t be replaced with a new-generation version, but BMW says it will continue to develop this high-tech hatch before it departs, and we spent a week in the sporty i3s to see how it stands up in 2020.

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2026 Volvo Es90 Summary

Do you like swimming against the tide? Do you like to zig when everyone else is zagging? Are you unafraid of making the unpopular choice?

Well, if you align with the above, I have just the car for you.

The Volvo ES90 pushes against most current trends. The luxury sedan used to be the measure of a brand, but not anymore. These days the luxury market is defined by SUVs and sedans have been reduced to an afterthought for many.

But if you’re willing to think outside the SUV-shaped box, there is a lot to like about Volvo’s new luxury offering. Whether it’s a true sedan or not is open to debate, but what it isn’t is an SUV and for those willing to live that counter-culture lifestyle this may be right for you.

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Deep dive comparison

2020 BMW I3 2026 Volvo Es90

Verdict

Yes, it’s pricey for a small hatch, but this little BMW is a city car like no other. The i3s is tailor made for the urban environment, and six years on retains the quirkiness and charisma that stood it apart at launch, and it can still hold its head high among the current EV crop.

Verdict

More stylish than ever before, as quiet and refined as you'd expect from a luxury car and yet the stand out feature might once again be safety. Despite seemingly every new car being loaded to the gills with safety features, Volvo has managed to demonstrate industry best-practice and leads the way again.

I would encourage engineers from every other car brand to drive the ES90 to learn how to better integrate the modern suite of active safety features like forward collision warning and lane departure warning.

But beyond that, is the ES90 a car worthy of consideration? Well, pretty much everything it does the EX90 does too, so if you prefer an SUV that’s definitely worth consideration. But if you don’t want an SUV, if you prefer a sedan or just love to be different, the ES90 is a very attractive proposition in more ways than one.

BMW I3 vs Volvo Es90 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

BMW I3 vs Volvo Es90
What's the difference?