Volvo is making a serious play for electric power with the ES90, a large saloon that sits at the very top of the brand’s range. With a long list of advanced tech underpinned by an 800 V platform, the Swedish firm is clearly giving itself the tools to compete.
Could the ES90 be Volvo’s Tesla slayer? Potentially-although the Model S already feels like yesterday’s news. Beneath a deliberately conventional silhouette, this Volvo packs a dense suite of technologies. Its 800 V architecture is designed for rapid top-ups, while its 106 kWh battery delivers close to 700 km of range. Comfort and kit are just as central to the proposition.
692 km of range: how Volvo turns the saloon into a marathon runner
Even as a full EV, a long-distance car has to cover ground without fuss. With a 106 kWh battery, the Volvo ES90 starts from a strong position. Thanks to a mixed consumption figure held to 17 kWh/100 km by its saloon form, the car claims a mixed range of 692 km. That’s enough for around 400 km of motorway driving at a brisk pace, which naturally makes it well suited to long journeys.
Volvo has also avoided the trap of sticking with a 400 V platform that would slow charging down. With its 800 V setup, the ES90 posts genuinely convincing charging times. 22 minutes to go from 10 to 80% is perfectly manageable, particularly with a battery of this size. The key is DC rapid-charging capability that peaks at 350 kW. That’s an impressive figure.
Cathedral-like quiet: the radical sound insulation of the new ES90
If Polestar leans into sportiness, Volvo prioritises comfort-and the ES90 follows that script. Its air suspension is extremely forgiving over all kinds of bumps, making progress feel notably relaxing. There can even be a slight wafting sensation thanks to how supple it is. That’s all the more surprising given our test car sits on 22-inch wheels, a diameter usually linked with firmer damping.
Soundproofing completes the picture. Put simply, almost all unwanted noise is wiped out. At higher speeds, aerodynamic rustle is kept to an absolute minimum, while tyre roar is similarly subdued. The end result is genuinely excellent and makes you want to add extra miles, simply to enjoy the calm inside.
Scandinavian design: why Volvo opts for restraint over Tesla-style futurism
Stylistically, don’t expect fireworks. The ES90 goes for a restrained, premium look, even if that means admitting to a design that can feel a little dull. Up front, for instance, it echoes the S90’s face, but with a fully closed grille. The Thor’s hammer headlamps adopt a pixel-style signature and extend downwards. From the side, there’s little that stands out.
The rear end may raise an eyebrow thanks to lights that frame the back window, but that’s largely the extent of the surprise. Inside, the atmosphere is pleasant, yet not especially thrilling. It’s bright, warm and minimalist, but not truly captivating. The large 14.5-inch touchscreen is responsive, but lacks distinctiveness versus its rivals. Build quality is close to faultless, with attractive materials paired with solid assembly.
25 speakers and 1,610 W: the ES90 becomes a Dolby Atmos concert hall
The equipment list is extensive-almost too extensive-even if you choose the range-topping Ultra version. While many features are standard, such as the dimmable panoramic roof, matrix LED headlights, massaging seats and semi-autonomous driving, others stand out for their complexity. That’s true of the optional Bowers & Wilkins audio system, which is simply outstanding.
At 3,480 €, the upgrade is a hefty extra, but it’s genuinely worth it if you care about sound quality. The audio performance is exceptional thanks to the 25 speakers. The system’s 1,610 W output is equally striking, as is Dolby Atmos, which creates an immersive, multi-dimensional soundstage with deeper, more realistic audio than ever.
Between Tesla’s tech-led minimalism and the hushed luxury of this Volvo ES90, which side would you choose for long-distance travel?
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