New All-Electric Volvo ES90 Debuts
Volvo has entered the fray with its new ES90 family car, designed to challenge the BMW i5 and Mercedes-Benz EQE in the electric vehicle market. UK customers can now place their orders for the ES90.
Volvo’s latest addition to its all-electric lineup joins the EX30, EC40, EX40, and EX90 SUVs. The ES90, however, takes a different approach to its design.
Blurring the Lines: Saloon, Fastback, or SUV?
Volvo describes the ES90 as a vehicle that blends the “elegance” of a saloon, the “adaptability” of a fastback, and the “spacious interior and higher ground clearance” of an SUV. This design philosophy echoes Citroën’s approach with its C5 X model, attempting to capture the best qualities of each category to reach a wider audience. Many motoring journalists are calling the ES90’s debut Volvo’s return to the saloon market after the S90’s retirement in 2023.
The ES90 showcases Volvo’s latest design language, including the distinctive ‘Thor’s hammer’ headlight shape and C-shape tail lights. The rear features LED lights that frame the window, and a wide boot lid that provides 424 liters of storage space.
The car rides on 20-inch alloy wheels as standard, with 22-inch options available. There’s also 22 liters of storage under the bonnet, or ‘frunk,’ perfectly suited for the charging cable.
The ES90 stretches just over three meters from the front to the rear wheel, providing “extremely generous” legroom for rear passengers, according to Volvo.
Performance and Range
The ES90’s large 106kWh battery can reportedly add 186 miles of range in just ten minutes using a 350kW rapid charging station. The all-wheel drive ‘Twin Motor’ and ‘Twin Motor Performance’ models utilize this battery, along with two electric motors – one on the front axle and one on the rear – and can provide up to 435 miles on a single charge.
The 449hp ‘Twin Motor’ model achieves a 0-62mph sprint in 5.5 seconds, while the 680hp ‘Twin Motor Performance’ version completes the same sprint in four seconds flat. An entry-level rear-wheel drive ‘Single Motor Extended Range’ model is also available rated at 333hp, which is powered by a 92kWh battery; it has a reported range of 404 miles and takes 6.9 seconds from 0-62mph.
Regardless of the chosen model, the top speed is electronically limited to 112mph.
Safety and Technology
Reinforcing Volvo’s focus on passenger safety, the ES90 features an “advanced array” of sensors, including one lidar, five radars, seven cameras, and 12 ultrasonic sensors designed to help prevent collisions and road hazards. The car also comes equipped with Volvo’s driver alert system that monitors driver attentiveness.
Inside, the ES90 boasts a panoramic sunroof with UV protection, ambient interior lighting, four-zone climate control, and a large portrait-oriented infotainment touchscreen with integrated Google apps. A premium Bowers & Wilkins sound system with Dolby Atmos technology is also available as an optional extra, and Volvo touts that the ES90 has one of the quietest cabins it has ever produced.
Pricing and Availability
Customer deliveries are scheduled to begin in the UK early next year; however, the ES90 is available for order now. Pricing starts at £70,000 for the ‘Single Motor Extended Range’ model, and the ‘Twin Motor Performance’ model costs just under £88,000.
By Sean Rees 7 March 2025
