Volvo has unveiled its upcoming ES90 electric sedan, a vehicle that promises to be the brand’s longest-range, fastest-charging, and most technologically advanced EV to date.
The ES90 is set to offer a compelling blend of features and performance. Key specifications include an impressive range of 434 miles (700km based on the WLTP standard, though the EPA rating may be lower), an 800-volt architecture for rapid charging, and a powerful Nvidia Drive AGX Orin computer. The company has been gradually releasing details about the ES90 over the past several weeks, but today’s announcement provides a comprehensive look at the new sedan.
The ES90 will be available in three distinct variants. The base model will feature a single motor mounted on the rear axle, delivering 245kW (329 horsepower) and 354 lb-ft of torque. A dual-motor, all-wheel-drive version will offer 330kW (442hp) and 494 lb-ft of torque. Finally, a dual-motor Performance ES90 will provide the most potent performance with 500kW (670hp) and 635 lb-ft of torque.
The single-motor model will come equipped with a 92kWh battery, 88kWh of which is usable, and supports up to 300kW DC fast charging. Both dual-motor setups will use 106kWh batteries (102kWh usable) and can accept 350kW fast charging. In terms of performance, the ES90 is speed-limited to 112mph. Acceleration figures are appealing, with the Performance trim clocking a zero to 60mph time of 3.9 seconds, while the single- and dual-motor setups achieve this in 6.7 and 5.3 seconds, respectively.
Furthermore, the ES90 will feature new battery management software, enabling it to gain 186 miles (300km) of range in just 10 minutes of charging. A 10–80 percent charge can be completed in approximately 20 minutes. The 800-volt system matches the capabilities of other contemporary fast-charging EVs.
The ES90 challenges the traditional boundaries of sedan design with its tall and slightly boxy profile that, according to Volvo, attempts to blur the line between a sedan and an SUV. This design approach gives the ES90 a profile reminiscent of the Polestar 2 fastback (Polestar and Volvo are related companies under the Geely umbrella). The ES90 is notably a high-riding sedan with a height of 60.9 inches, similar to the Toyota Crown (60.6 inches).
The ES90 boasts a sleek roofline, flush door handles, and a roof-mounted lidar sensor. The front end will follow the design cues of the EX90 incorporating Volvo’s signature “Thor’s hammer” LED headlights and new C-shaped LED lights in the rear. The car will offer ample cargo space, with 424 liters of capacity, expandable to 733 liters with the rear seats folded down. The ES90 also includes a 22-liter frunk for storing charging cables. In addition the panoramic roof is equipped with electrochromic technology for adjustable transparency.
Like Volvo’s other EVs, the ES90 will incorporate Google’s built-in infotainment system, supporting native apps such as Google Maps, Google Assistant, and Google Play. The 5G system will be powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Cockpit Platform. The interior features a five-inch instrument cluster alongside a 14.5-inch center screen display. The ES90, like its EX90 SUV counterpart, will be built on Volvo’s new Superset tech stack, which includes dual Nvidia computers capable of 508 trillion operations per second (TOPS). This will support various functionalities, including advanced safety features, car sensors, and efficient battery management. The ES90 will be based on Volvo’s SPA2 architecture . The Superset platform is designed to make safer cars and simplify improvements over time through over-the-air software updates.
The ES90 is Volvo’s sixth all-electric vehicle, joining the EX90 SUV, EM90 van (China only), EX40 SUV, EC40 crossover, and EX30 compact SUV. While Volvo previously announced it would be 100% EV by 2030, the company has since adjusted its timeline and now aims for “90 to 100 percent… electrified models” by 2030. The brand will rely on a mix of hybrids and battery-electric vehicles to reach that goal. The ES90 presents an interesting entry into the market, especially considering the shift by US automakers away from sedans towards trucks and SUVs. Though, it may be met with challenges, as Volkswagen recently canceled US sales plans for its own electric sedan, the ID.7. The ES90 is currently available to order in most European countries, though no US availability date or price has been announced. The ES90 will be joining the gas-powered S90 sedan which currently starts around $59,000 in the United States.
“We will share additional details on the US ES90 offer at a later date, closer to customer deliveries,” said Volvo spokesperson Sophia Durr.
