- Volvo’s recent flagship
- As much as 424 miles of range
- High refinement and 800v charging
Volvo’s recent flagship EV combines premium comfort, advanced safety technology and as much as 424 miles of WLTP range in a particular fastback body style.
Overview
The Volvo ES90 marks the Swedish manufacturer’s latest step in its transition to an electrified future. Positioned because the spiritual successor to the S90 saloon, the ES90 adopts a more contemporary approach, combining elements of a standard executive saloon, fastback and SUV.
Built on Volvo’s latest electric vehicle architecture, shared with the EX90 and Polestar 3, the ES90 advantages from the newest developments inside the Geely Group, including an 800-volt electrical system designed to deliver faster charging and improved efficiency.
The ES90’s arrival follows a period of refinement for Volvo’s next-generation EV platform, with early software and production challenges now largely resolved. The result’s a premium electric executive automobile that mixes Scandinavian design, long-distance comfort and competitive range credentials.
With prices ranging from £67,495, the ES90 undercuts several established premium rivals, including the Audi A6 e-tron, BMW i5 and Mercedes-Benz EQE, while also competing with models corresponding to the Genesis Electrified G80.
Visually, the ES90 follows Volvo’s established design language, featuring clean surfaces, minimalist detailing and an understated premium appearance that may appeal to buyers looking for a substitute for the more overt styling adopted by some competitors.
Pricing and Spec
The ES90 range opens with the Single Motor Prolonged Range model and is out there in either Plus or Ultra trim levels.
Three powertrain options are offered:
- Single Motor Prolonged Range Plus – £67,560
- Single Motor Prolonged Range Ultra – £77,260
- Twin Motor Ultra – £81,460
- Twin Motor Performance – £86,060
Plus models feature Volvo’s Nordico upholstery, together with heated front and rear seats as standard. Stepping as much as Ultra trim adds features including ventilated front seats, a massage function and air suspension.
The Single Motor Prolonged Range has 333PS and uses an 88kWh usable battery, while Twin Motor variants profit from a bigger 102kWh battery pack and an influence boost to 456PS. The range-topping performance version uses the identical 102kWh battery but has 680PS. Depending on specification, the ES90 offers a claimed WLTP range of as much as 424 miles.
Technology
A big portrait-oriented touchscreen dominates the ES90’s dashboard, reflecting Volvo’s increasingly digital approach to vehicle controls. The display offers sharp graphics and a streamlined user interface, while Google-based software integration provides built-in Google Maps navigation, Google Assistant voice control and access to a variety of connected services and media applications.
The system’s functionality reduces the necessity for smartphone connectivity, with many commonly used applications available directly through the vehicle.
While Volvo has introduced shortcut menus to enhance usability, a major number of car functions are controlled through the touchscreen. This includes adjustments for features that traditionally use physical controls, corresponding to door mirrors and certain vehicle settings, which can divide opinion amongst some users.
Technology features also include adaptive cruise control, semi-automated parking assistance and a surround-view camera system.
Safety
Safety stays central to Volvo’s brand identity and the ES90 continues that tradition with a comprehensive suite of passive and lively safety technologies.
Although the ES90 had not yet been tested by Euro NCAP on the time of writing, expectations are high given the closely related EX90’s strong performance in independent safety assessments.
Standard driver assistance systems include autonomous emergency braking, lane keeping assistance and blind spot monitoring. The vehicle is designed to discover a wide selection of potential collision scenarios and might intervene when obligatory to assist avoid or mitigate incidents.
Volvo’s driver monitoring technology can also be fitted, while the speed assistance system can either provide audible alerts or use a haptic accelerator pedal that encourages drivers to stay inside posted speed limits without counting on repeated warning sounds.
Notably, most of the assistance systems are well calibrated and avoid excessive intervention during on a regular basis driving.
Driving Experience
Initial impressions of the ES90 Single Motor Prolonged Range suggest Volvo has prioritised comfort and refinement over outright sporting dynamics.
Producing 333PS, the entry-level model accelerates from 0-62mph in 6.6 seconds, providing strong performance for on a regular basis driving and motorway overtaking. While more powerful Twin Motor variants can be found, the Single Motor version feels well suited to the automobile’s relaxed character.
Ultra models equipped with air suspension deliver particularly impressive ride quality. The system adapts to each road conditions and driving style, helping to balance comfort, stability and body control. Long-distance refinement is a selected strength, with excellent insulation from road and wind noise.
Plus models use a traditional suspension setup but still offer the composed ride quality expected in the manager EV segment.
During testing, the Single Motor model achieved around 3.5 miles per kWh, suggesting a real-world driving range of roughly 300 miles. While lower than the official WLTP figure of as much as 411 miles, this stays competitive inside the segment and compares favourably with key rivals.
The ES90’s 800-volt architecture also supports rapid charging, enabling a 10-80% recharge in as little as 22 minutes when connected to an appropriate 350kW DC charger.
Practicality
At around five metres in length, the ES90 sits firmly inside the executive automobile segment and offers generous accommodation for occupants.
Rear passenger space is especially impressive, with a spacious cabin layout that enhances the sensation of openness. Slightly than pursuing a sporty, driver-focused environment, Volvo has prioritised comfort and ease of use.
The front seats proceed Volvo’s popularity for long-distance comfort, offering extensive adjustment and powerful support for prolonged journeys.
Unlike some traditional executive saloons, the ES90’s fastback design incorporates a big tailgate, improving access to the load area and enhancing on a regular basis usability. While the 424-litre boot capability just isn’t class-leading, the hatchback opening and folding rear seats make the load space more versatile than the figure alone suggests.
Interior material quality is robust throughout, with a premium finish that aligns with customer expectations on this segment while supporting Volvo’s ongoing sustainability objectives.
This Article First Appeared At www.am-online.com
