With Volvo’s all-new ES90, the bodystyle description is left to the public. The Swedish automaker owned by Geely says it could be considered a sedan… or a fastback… and some may even see it as a SUV. This is because the designers have ‘eliminated the compromises’ between the three bodystyles so that it is in a class of its own.
What are the features which bring to mind each style? Firstly, the elegant form is reminiscent of Volvo sedans, while the rear end is not so formal and has the smooth curve downwards. And then there’s the extra ground clearance which gives the impression of a SUV (plus a more commanding view), plus the space within.
Sixth fully electric model
The ES90 takes its place in Volvo’s flagship series and is the sixth fully electric model in its line-up, joining the EX90, EM90, EX40, EC40 and EX30. While it seems to defy categorisation, it is regarded as the first fully electric Volvo sedan.
The ES90 is designed to evolve over time and powered by next-generation core computers that represent an eightfold improvement over the previous generation (the S90). It’s the first Volvo car with 800V technology, for a longer range and faster charging than any electric Volvo before.
“The Volvo ES90 combines our most advanced technologies with Scandinavian design and superior comfort, creating a true premium Volvo car designed to elevate your quality of life,” said Jim Rowan, Volvo’s CEO. “It joins the EX90 SUV as one of our flagship models and cements our position as an industry leader in software-defined cars that harness the power of core computing.”
Immediately recognisable as a Volvo
The front of the ES90 will immediately identify the brand with the ‘Thor’s Hammer’ headlight signature. Looking from the rear, there is also distinctiveness to make this stand out as a Volvo. Besides the C-shaped LED rear lamps, there are also LED lamps in the rear window, creating a unique welcome and farewell light sequence.
There is no conventional bootlid like a formal sedan, and there is instead a wide tailgate which lifts for a wide opening to load and unload cargo easily. In normal mode, its volume is 424 litres and folding down all three rear backrests can expand the volume to 733 litres.
Like other Volvo EVs, there is also a storage bin at the front – called a ‘frunk’ – and this has a 22-litre volume. Many owners would put the charging cables and other small items in there.
Comfort and functionality
This being a Volvo, the focus is on premium comfort, with authentic eco-friendly materials used throughout. The brand’s Scandinavian identity influences the purpose-driven design principles in every area.
Thanks to its long wheelbase of 3.1 metres, the ES90 has very generous legroom for second-row passengers. The sense of spacious is enhanced with the panoramic roof that brings the sky into the cabin, so to speak. The glass has UV protection of up to 99.9% and with the electrochromic version, the transparency of the glass can be varied to reduce glare if the sunshine is too strong. Additionally, interior ambient light themes help to provide sensory well-being.
Volvo has given serious attention to cabin air quality for decades, ensuring that the air breathed by occupants is much cleaner than the air outside. From the days of the 244, the air pressure inside the cabin was kept higher by keeping the blower fan running at all times so that dust would not come in.
Today, the ES90’s has a sophisticated climate control system which keeps 4 different zones cool. There is also an advanced air purifier which is certified as asthma and allergy friendly. It can stop up to 95% of PM 2.5 particulates from entering the cabin and remove 99.9% of grass, tree and pollen allergens.
For those who want a top-quality sound experience, the quietness of an EV enhances the experience, and the ES90 has one of Volvo’s quietest cabins ever. The audio system from Bowers & Wilkins has been specially tailored for the cabin and depending on the package taken, it can have up to 25 speakers, including headrest and ceiling speakers. The system also features the lifelike spatial audio of Dolby Atmos that delivers an immersive sound experience.
Volvo has been working with Google for a few years now and a new-generation infotainment system with Google built-in is provided. This includes services such as Google Maps, Google Assistant and more apps on Google Play. The 5G-capable, seamless and responsive system is powered by the Snapdragon Cockpit Platform from Qualcomm Technologies.
The technical details
The ES90 is built on SPA2 architecture which first appeared in 2023 and is also used for the EX90 and Polestar 3. SPA is a dedicated EV version of the original SPA architecture which was adopted in 2014 with the second generation of the XC90.
Like the EX90, the architecture also incorporates Volvo Cars Superset tech stack. This consists of one single set of hardware and software modules that will underpin all future Volvo EVs. It allows improvement of overall performance and safety technology in the vehicle throughout its lifecycle. The improvements will be transmitted over the air via the OTA feature and update the software, so the owner does not have to go to a service centre. This also means the vehicle will remain technically ‘fresh’ for a long period.
“The Superset is enabled by core computing, and the ES90 is the first Volvo car to be powered by a dual NVIDIA DRIVE AGX Orin configuration. That makes it the most powerful car we have ever created in terms of core computing capacity,” said Anders Bell, Chief Engineering and Technology Officer. “This allows us to further raise the bar on safety and overall performance through data, software and AI.”
The ES90 also represents the latest in terms of electric systems and battery technology. With 800V technology, the ES90 can be charged more quickly with better overall performance and more efficiency. The result is a car that goes further and charges faster than any electric Volvo before.
Volvo says that 10 minutes at a 350-kW DC charging station can ‘fill’ 300 kms of range and a full battery pack is claimed to be good for up to 700 kms.
Having revealed the ES90, Volvo dealers in Europe are now taking orders and the model will be progressively offered in other regions later in the year and in 2026.
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