Volvo, the renowned Swedish manufacturer, has just unveiled the ES90, its latest electric sedan that promises to shake up the luxury automotive market. Built on the advanced SPA2 platform, the same as the acclaimed electric SUV EX90, the ES90 not only inherits the robustness and technological innovation of its utility sibling but also elevates the driving experience of an electric sedan to a new level. With sleek design, impressive performance, and cutting-edge technology, the ES90 emerges as a strong competitor in the premium segment, ready to captivate the most demanding consumers.
Design and Style: Scandinavian Elegance and Liftback Practicality
The volvo es90 impresses right from the start with its sophisticated and modern design. Maintaining the brand’s visual identity, the electric sedan incorporates aesthetic elements that set it apart in the segment. The front features the iconic “Thor’s Hammer” headlights, providing an unmistakable and imposing light signature. The fluid, elegant lines flow across the bodywork, culminating in a liftback shape that combines the aesthetics of a coupe with the practicality of a hatchback. This design choice not only gives the ES90 a dynamic appearance but also maximizes trunk space and functionality, making it easier to access and transport luggage and items.
The rear of the ES90 complements the bold design with divided cluster taillights in a “C” shape and vertical strips on the sides of the rear window. This combination of visual elements creates a unique and striking light identity, reinforcing the vehicle’s modernity and sophistication. The liftback design not only adds aesthetic value but also provides a wide trunk opening, facilitating the loading and unloading of bulky items. Volvo has successfully combined beauty and functionality in the ES90’s design, creating an electric sedan that attracts attention and offers practical solutions for everyday use.
Performance and Battery: Exuberant Power and Generous Range
In terms of performance, the Volvo ES90 does not disappoint. Equipped with an 800-volt architecture, the electric sedan offers ultra-fast charging and versions with impressive power. The “Twin Motor Performance” variant delivers no less than 670 hp, allowing for acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.9 seconds. This performance, worthy of sports cars, sets the ES90 apart among high-performance electric sedans. For those prioritizing efficiency and range, Volvo offers a single motor version with rear-wheel drive, delivering 329 hp and featuring a 92 kWh battery.
The 106 kWh (102 kWh usable) battery in the dual-motor versions guarantees an estimated range of 700 km on the WLTP cycle. This generous range allows for long trips without the need for frequent charging stops, providing greater convenience and freedom to users. The 800-volt architecture allows the ES90 to regain up to 300 km of range in just 10 minutes when connected to a 350 kW fast charger. This ultra-fast charging capability eliminates range anxiety, making the ES90 a practical and versatile electric vehicle for daily use and travel.
Technology and Safety: An Arsenal of Innovations for Protection and Comfort
Volvo has always been recognized for its commitment to safety, and the ES90 is no exception. The electric sedan incorporates a true arsenal of advanced technologies to protect occupants and prevent accidents. Equipped with a comprehensive sensor system, including lidar, radars, and cameras, the ES90 has a view beyond human reach, anticipating dangers and avoiding collisions. The driver monitoring system detects signs of fatigue and distraction, intervening to ensure safe driving. Additionally, an occupant detection system prevents people or animals from being forgotten inside the vehicle, especially on hot days.
Inside, the ES90 offers an immersive and intuitive technological experience. The 14.5-inch central infotainment screen centralizes vehicle controls and provides access to various apps and functionalities. The 9-inch digital instrument panel and head-up display provide essential information to the driver clearly and concisely. The infotainment system, powered by the Qualcomm Cockpit platform, integrates Google Maps, Google Assistant, and Google Play, with 5G connectivity, ensuring a connected and up-to-date experience. The architecture of the ES90 uses Nvidia Drive AGX Orin chips, providing exceptional computing power to process sensor data and power safety and driver assistance systems. Volvo has truly raised the bar for embedded technology in the ES90, harmoniously combining safety, connectivity, and entertainment.
Comfort and Interior: Generous Space and Refined Silence
The Volvo ES90 prioritizes occupant comfort, offering a spacious and refined interior. The 3.1-meter wheelbase guarantees generous legroom for rear passengers, providing comfortable journeys even on long trips. The four-zone climate control system allows for individual temperature adjustments for each occupant, ensuring everyone’s well-being. The certified air purification system for allergies and asthma contributes to a healthier and more pleasant interior environment.
The standard panoramic roof provides brightness and a sense of spaciousness to the interior, while the optional electrochromatic version allows for adjusting the glass’s transparency, controlling the entry of light and heat. Volvo claims that the ES90 has one of the quietest interiors in its portfolio, providing a relaxing driving experience free from external noise. For music lovers, the Bowers & Wilkins sound system with 25 speakers and Dolby Atmos spatial audio offers an immersive and high-quality sound experience. The interior of the ES90 is a true haven of comfort and sophistication, combining premium materials, elegant design, and technologies that enhance well-being on board.
Availability and Pricing: Arrival in the European Market and Future in the U.S.
The Volvo ES90 is already available for order in several European countries, marking the beginning of its journey in the global automotive market. Prices for the European market start at €72,000 for the base version and reach €95,500 for the top-of-the-line version. These figures position the ES90 in the premium segment of electric sedans, competing with models from brands like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi. Expansion into other markets, including the United States, is planned for the future, but there is no concrete timeline for the ES90’s arrival in the American market.
The arrival of the Volvo ES90 in the market represents an important milestone for Volvo and for the luxury electric vehicle segment. With its combination of elegant design, impressive performance, advanced technology, and exceptional comfort, the ES90 has the potential to become one of the most desirable electric sedans on the market. The 800-volt architecture and rapid charging are significant differentiators compared to other electric vehicles, eliminating barriers such as range anxiety and charging time. We can only wait for the ES90’s expansion into other markets and monitor its performance against the competition, but the initial impressions are extremely positive and indicate that Volvo has hit the mark with the ES90.
Trunk, Weight, and WLTP vs EPA Range
It is important to note that the estimated range on the WLTP cycle, used in Europe, tends to be higher than the estimates from the EPA, the standard used in the United States, due to differences in testing procedures. Therefore, the range of 700 km (435 miles) on the WLTP cycle may be slightly lower when measured by the EPA standard. The Volvo ES90 offers a trunk capacity of 424 liters, which can be expanded to 733 liters with the rear seats folded down. Additionally, the vehicle features a front trunk (“frunk”) with a capacity of 22 liters, providing extra space for small items and charging cables. The weight of the Volvo ES90 is approximately 2,625 kg (5,787 lbs), which is within the average range for similarly sized electric sedans.
Volvo’s Electric Future is Centered on the ES90
The Volvo ES90 represents a significant advancement in Volvo’s electrification strategy. The electric sedan demonstrates the brand’s commitment to offering high-performance, luxurious, and technologically advanced electric vehicles. The SPA2 platform and 800-volt architecture are the foundation for the new generation of electric vehicles from Volvo, which aims to lead the transition to sustainable mobility. The ES90 is not just an electric car, but a statement of intents from Volvo, showing that it is possible to combine performance, luxury, and sustainability in a single vehicle. The electric future of Volvo looks promising, and the ES90 is one of the pillars of this new era.
