High Tech Volvo EV Sedan
Volvo’s new ES90 four-door looks like a sedan, but it also combines some of the benefits of a hatchback, and even an SUV. The new electric luxury car, Volvo says, eliminates the compromises between those three segments. It combines the flexibility of a hatchback, the elevated ground clearance of an SUV, and the sleek styling of a sedan. Certainly, it doesn’t compromise on comfort or space and it’s Volvo’s most sophisticated electric vehicle yet.
Like the recently-released EX90 SUV, the ES90 is built on Volvo’s new “SPA2” architecture, integrating a large 106-kWh battery into its floor, and using an all-new “Superset tech stack” of modular hardware and software modules that Volvo says will underpin all of its new EVs. The architecture is designed to facilitate easy upgrades throughout a car’s lifecycle, meaning regular over-the-air updates will continually enhance the driving and ownership experience. Volvo says the ES90 is the most powerful car it has ever released in terms of computing capacity.
Volvo ES90 Range and Charging
The computing power pairs with a new 800-volt electrical architecture, a high-end configuration used by vehicles like the Porsche Taycan, that allows lighter wiring, faster charging, and improved overall efficiency. Fast-charging speeds can reach up to 350 kW on a compatible charging station, and range from the 106-kWh battery is up to 434 miles on the European WLTP testing cycle; we expect the EPA-estimated range to be a more conservative 350 miles.
Three power outputs are available. The single motor, rear-wheel drive version generates 329 horsepower and can get to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds. Upgrade to the twin motor variant, and you get 442 hp, while the twin-motor “performance” package goes up to 670 hp, reducing the 0-60 mph time to just 3.9 seconds.
Safety Features of the Volvo ES90
Naturally, being a Volvo, the ES90 will come packed with safety features, many of them shared with the innovative EX90. In addition to a strong safety cell, crumple zones, and state-of-the-art restraint systems, the ES90’s active safety systems rely on an array of cutting-edge sensors – including five radars, seven cameras, 12 ultrasonic sensors, and even lidar.
Volvo says that its set of sensors enables the ES90 to see beyond what a human can see, to help avoid collisions and hazards on the road. The car can detect when the driver’s attention is no longer focused on the road, and activate safety systems to support.
There are also safety systems that help even when you’re parked, like doors that can sense if you’re about to open them into the path of a cyclist or pedestrian; a full-cabin occupant sensor, and more.
Volvo ES90 Design
In profile, the ES90 is both sleek and strong, with a flowing roofline but a chunky lower body and raised ride height to provide drivers and passengers with easier access as well as a more confident, SUV-like view of the road. The front end features Volvo’s distinctive “Thor’s hammer” headlight design, and the rear is accentuated by C-shaped LED rear lights. Wheels range from 20 to 22 inches.
There’s a surprise under the sleek, flowing roofline that contributes to improved efficiency and range: instead of a conventional trunk lid, you get a large and wide tailgate which provides the extra versatility of a hatchback, making it a lot easier to unload luggage, gear, or large objects. The three rear seats can be folded individually to expand the luggage area quickly, and there’s also a front trunk, or "frunk" that's perfect for charging cables.
Inside, the ES90 is, unsurprisingly, beautiful, with a clean, simple design focusing on gorgeous materials. An extra-long wheelbase provides ample legroom for second-row passengers, and there are six ambient lighting themes to choose from and a number of upholstery and trim options to provide owners with a high level of personalization. Up top, a panoramic sun roof provides excellent UV protection and there’s even an optional electrochromic function to adjust the transparency of the glass.
Tech and Infotainment
In addition to four-zone climate controls with an advanced air purifier that can remove 99.9 percent of grass, tree, and pollen allergens, the ES90 offers a next-generation infotainment system with Google functionality built in. You'll find a virtual assistant, GPS navigation, maps and other functions that are are available through the 9-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.5-inch center display.
Naturally, the smoothness and silence of the EV drivetrain and superior aerodynamics also contribute to an excellent sound experience. There are three high-end sound systems available, led by a top-of-the-line 25-speaker Bowers & Wilkins setup with Dolby Atmos and speakers built into the ceiling and headrests.
Volvo ES90: Conclusion
Volvo is now taking orders for the ES90 in many European countries, with the first deliveries in North America likely scheduled for 2026. The fifth fully-electric model in the company’s lineup, joining the EX90, EX40, EC40 and EX30, it’s an impressive piece of design. More importantly, its next-generation tech, which is designed to evolve over time, should make it a great ownership experience as well.
