Volvo’s Sleek ES90 is a Fast-Charging, Long-Range Traveler
Volvo is gearing up to introduce its ES90, an all-electric flagship sedan designed to be its quickest-charging and longest-range EV yet. The new model aims to combine the elegance of a traditional sedan with the versatility of a fastback and the spaciousness of an SUV.
Volvo has stated that the ES90 will boast a driving range of up to 700 kilometers (approximately 435 miles) on a single charge, according to the WLTP testing cycle. Using a 350-kilowatt fast-charging station, the ES90 can recharge from 10 to 80 percent in a mere 20 minutes. This represents a significant 30 percent improvement compared to the company’s EX90 electric SUV, which uses the same SPA2 architecture.
Design and Technology
The ES90’s design incorporates elements from three different vehicle types:
- The elegance of a sedan
- The versatility of a fastback
- The spaciousness and higher ground clearance of an SUV
Erik Severinson, Volvo’s chief product and strategy officer, emphasized that the design team worked to find a good balance to appeal to a wide range of customers.
“Design-wise, we managed to keep it in a package that is appealing to sedan customers as well as crossover or fastback customers,” he said.
One of the key components contributing to the extended range is improved aerodynamics, with the ES90 achieving a drag coefficient of 0.25. The ES90 is also the first Volvo capable of adding 300 km (186 miles) of range in just 10 minutes using a fast charger. This is a notable upgrade from the 180 km in 10 minutes offered by the current 400-volt system in Volvo’s other EVs.
Volvo is integrating adaptive charging software from Breathe Battery Technologies, making it the first automaker to utilize the British startup’s patented algorithm. This technology optimizes the charging process for enhanced efficiency.
Inside, the ES90 incorporates a 9-inch driver display and a 14.5-inch center touchscreen. The car also features a comprehensive safety system that includes seven cameras, five radars, 12 ultrasonic sensors, and a lidar to help prevent collisions.
Production and Market Availability
Volvo will manufacture the ES90 at its facility in Chengdu, China. Production is scheduled to begin in the third quarter of this year, with deliveries commencing in the fourth quarter and continuing into early 2026.
Order books are already open in numerous European markets, notably in Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the U.K. The starting price for the ES90 in Germany will be €71,990 (approximately $77,443).
Key Features and Specifications
The ES90 promises to be a premium luxury sedan, including rear seats designed for maximum comfort. The car’s long wheelbase of over 10 feet provides ample legroom, and passengers in the back will have access to power-adjustable, heated, and cooled seats.
The electrochromic panoramic roof will also give passengers the ability to adjust the transparency of the glass to control light levels. The ES90 will also feature a centralized system powered by a dual Nvidia Drive AGX Orin configuration.
Powertrain Options
The ES90 will be available with three electric powertrain options:
- Single Motor (Rear-Wheel Drive): 245 kW (329 hp), 480 Nm (354 lb-ft) of torque, 0-100 kph in 6.9 seconds, and a WLTP range of 650 km.
- Twin Motor (All-Wheel Drive): 333 kW (442 hp), 670 Nm (494 lb-ft) of torque, 0-100 kph in 5.5 seconds, and a WLTP range of 700 km.
- Twin Motor Performance: 500 kW (670 hp), 870 Nm (635 lb-ft) of torque, 0-100 kph in 4 seconds, and a WLTP range of 700 km.
Rivals
In Europe, the ES90 will compete with the electric BMW i5, Mercedes-Benz EQE, and Audi e-tron.
In the U.S., the ES90’s potential rivals include the BMW 7 Series, Mercedes S-Class, and Lexus LS.
With its blend of performance, luxury, and technology, the Volvo ES90 is poised to make a significant impact in an increasingly competitive electric vehicle market.
