Compare the2024 BMW i4VS 2024 Volvo S90

The BMW i4 has standard driver and front passenger side knee airbags mounted low on the dashboard. These airbags helps prevent the driver and front passenger from sliding under their seatbelts or the main frontal airbags; this keeps them better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. Knee airbags also help keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The S90 doesn’t offer a front passenger side knee airbag.

Both the i4 and the S90 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, post-collision automatic braking systems, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, driver alert monitors and available around view monitors.

There are over 24 percent more BMW dealers than there are Volvo dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the i4’s warranty.

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the i4’s reliability 20 points higher than the S90.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2023 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that BMW vehicles are better in initial quality than Volvo vehicles. With 58 fewer problems per 100 vehicles, JD Power ranks BMW higher than Volvo.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that BMW vehicles are more reliable than Volvo vehicles. J.D. Power ranks BMW above average in long-term dependability. With 5 more problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, Volvo is rated below average.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2023 Auto Issue reports that BMW vehicles are more reliable than Volvo vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks BMW third in overall reliability. Volvo is ranked 14th.

The i4 has more powerful engines than the S90:

As tested in Consumer Reports the i4 M50 electric motors is faster than the S90 B6 2.0 turbo/supercharged 4-cylinder:

On the EPA test cycle the i4 gets better mileage than the S90 running on electricity:

On the EPA test cycle the i4 gets better mileage than the S90 running its gasoline engine:

The i4 can travel with zero emissions on a full charge for 227 to 307 miles. The S90 T8 has to start its internal combustion engine after only 38 miles.

The i4 M50’s launch control uses engine electronics to hold engine RPM’s precisely in order to provide the most stable and rapid acceleration possible, using all of the available traction. The S90 doesn’t offer launch control.

For better stopping power the i4 M50’s brake rotors are larger than those on the S90:

The i4 stops much shorter than the S90:

The i4 M50’s optional 285/30R20 rear tires provide better handling because they have a lower 30 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the S90’s optional 35 series tires.

The rear suspension of the i4 uses air springs for a smoother, controlled ride than the S90, which uses transverse leafs springs in the rear. Air springs maintain proper ride height and ride more smoothly.

The i4 has a standard automatic rear load leveling suspension to keep ride height level with a heavy load or when towing. The S90 doesn’t offer a load leveling suspension.

The i4 M50 handles at .96 G’s, while the S90 pulls only .90 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The i4 is 11.6 inches shorter than the S90, making the i4 easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The design of the BMW i4 amounts to more than styling. The i4 offers aerodynamic coefficients of drag from .24 to .25 Cd (depending on bodystyle and options). That is significantly lower than the S90 (.28 to .33) and many sports cars. A more efficient exterior helps keep the interior quieter and helps the i4 get better fuel mileage.

The front grille of the i4 uses electronically controlled shutters to close off airflow and reduce drag when less engine cooling is needed. This helps improve highway fuel economy. The S90 doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

The i4’s standard rear seats fold to accommodate long and bulky cargo. The S90 Luxury Package doesn’t offer folding rear seats.

A maintenance reminder system is standard on the i4 to save the owner time and money by calculating maintenance intervals for brake fluid replacement and vehicle inspections based on odometer mileage. This takes the guesswork out of keeping your vehicle in top condition and helps it last longer. Volvo doesn’t offer a maintenance reminder on the S90.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that BMW service is better than Volvo. J.D. Power ranks BMW 7th in service department satisfaction (above the industry average). With a 12% lower rating, Volvo is ranked 12th.

To shield the driver and front passenger’s vision over a larger portion of the windshield and side windows, the i4 has standard extendable sun visors. The S90 doesn’t offer extendable visors.

The i4’s available Automatic Parking Assistant can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, starting, stopping and changing direction automatically. The S90’s automatic parking system requires operating the brakes and transmission to safely park.

The i4 is available in both rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations. The S90 doesn’t offer a two-wheel drive configuration.

Consumer Reports® recommends the BMW i4, based on reliability, safety and performance. The Volvo S90 isn't recommended.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the i4 second among compact premium cars in owner reported satisfaction. This includes how well the vehicle performs and satisfies its owner’s expectations. The S90 isn’t in the top three in its category.

The i4 was chosen as a Car and Driver’s “Top Ten” for 2023. The S90 has never been chosen by Car and Driver in their “10Best” issue.