In September of last year, Volvo piqued our interest with early images of its forthcoming flagship electric sedan. The extensive efforts to obscure the lower half of the vehicle in those pictures left us somewhat puzzled. Now, with the unveiling of the 2026 Volvo ES90, the strategy makes perfect sense.
Let’s set aside, for the time being, the ES90’s unusual proportions and focus on the specifications. Globally, the ES90 will be offered in three variants: Single Motor, Twin Motor, and Twin Motor Performance. The Single Motor model features a single drive unit at the rear, producing approximately 330 horsepower (245 kilowatts) and 354 pound-feet of torque. This is paired with a 92-kWh battery pack (88 kWh usable) and a 300-kW onboard charger. Both Twin Motor versions add a second drive unit to the front. The Twin Motor Performance variant delivers significantly more power (~670 hp vs. 440 hp) and torque (635 lb-ft vs. 494 lb-ft) compared to the standard Twin Motor. These receive the same battery upgrade as the Single Motor, with a 106-kWh pack (102 kWh usable) capable of charging at 350 kW.
While the Single Motor version may ultimately offer the highest efficiency, its smaller battery capacity results in less range. Although Volvo hasn’t released EPA numbers yet, the projected range is 404 miles on the European WLTP cycle for the Single Motor and 435 miles for both Twin Motor models. It’s worth keeping in mind that EPA tests often yield lower range estimates for EVs than what is indicated by WLTP ratings. Volvo has yet to confirm which variants will be available in the U.S. market, but the Twin Motor and Twin Motor Performance models seem highly likely.
In terms of exterior design, the ES90 appears to blend elements of the Toyota Crown with design cues from Volvo’s Polestar subsidiary. The ES90’s stance, which the company’s press release attributes to a “slightly raised ride height to provide the driver with a more commanding view of the road”, isn’t accidental. The design defies easy categorization, and Volvo seems perfectly content not to classify it as a sedan, an SUV, or anything in between.
Inside, the ES90’s cabin is unmistakably Volvo. The minimalist design, consistent with other models in the company’s electrified vehicle lineup, features a 14.5-inch vertical touchscreen that handles most major functions. There is a limited control interface directly beneath the screen, along with standard controls on the steering wheel and stalks, but you won’t find any knobs.
As befits a luxury flagship, Volvo has prioritized interior comfort. The company claims the cabin is one of the quietest they’ve ever built, but you have the option of making it as loud as you want with the optional Bowers & Wilkins 25-speaker audio system featuring Dolby Atmos. The panoramic sunroof also includes electrochromic dimming technology instead of a simple sunshade. Beyond these amenities, Volvo focused on the ES90’s robust electrical architecture and behind-the-scenes software enhancements. While these features surely impress industry insiders, most consumers will be more interested in the driving experience. Unfortunately, we may have to wait until next year to experience that.
While customers in the U.K. and parts of Europe can order the new ES90 now, the rest of the world, including the United States, will have to wait until late 2025 or early 2026. That provides plenty of time to consider what this car looks like, for better or worse.
