Volvo ES90 debuts with bold new design

30/05/2025

After months of anticipation filled with tantalizing teasers and hints, the stunning new Volvo ES90 has burst onto the scene! This flagship executive saloon is here to claim its rightful place among the heavyweights of the luxury electric vehicle market, taking on competitors like the BMW i5, Mercedes EQE, and the freshly unveiled Audi A6 e-tron. Recently, Volvo unveiled groundbreaking features, announcing the ES90 will employ a revolutionary 800-volt electric architecture – a remarkable upgrade from the 400-volt system used in the EX90 SUV. This new configuration packs a powerful 106 kWh (with 102 kWh usable) battery that launches the ES90 to an amazing maximum range of 700 kilometres. Imagine charging at an awe-inspiring rate of up to 350 kW, giving you an incredible boost of 300 kilometers of range in just 10 minutes! What's more, the ES90 supports bidirectional charging, taking versatility to the next level. With this advanced architecture, Volvo revamped every element of the electric power system, from the battery cells and electric motors to the innovative thermal management systems. Lighter e-motors and upgraded components come together to decrease weight, enhancing efficiency, acceleration, and maximizing that astounding range. But hold onto your seats, as the show-stopping news is the ES90's strikingly bold design!

Volvo boldly declares the ES90 is “fully in a class of its own,” highlighting its unique blend of sophistication, adaptability, and spaciousness. The front end is unmistakably Volvo, featuring sleek headlights and the trademark pixelated ‘Thor’s Hammer’ daytime running lights alongside elegant fangs reminiscent of the EX90. The grille has been beautifully streamlined, perfectly complementing the chic aesthetics. Look up, and you'll find an operational LiDAR stack – a crucial feature that was non-functional in its EX90 sibling, but is ready for action on all ES90 models right from the start. The ES90 boasts a sculpted profile with a high belt line, lending it that desirable crossover appeal. Despite being marketed as a saloon, the hatchback design cleverly opens up to reveal a generous 424 litres of boot space when the rear seats are in place and an expansive 1,256 litres when folded. And let’s not overlook the practical 22-litre frunk! The rear continues the vibrant styling with C-shaped tail lights and sleek elements that rise dynamically along the sharply sloped rear window, a design aspect that has become a topic of lively discussion among enthusiasts.

Enter the ES90's interior, where luxury meets advanced technology! Essentially mirroring the EX90 SUV, the cabin features a gorgeous 14.5-inch central display, a nine-inch digital instrument panel, and an impressive head-up display. However, the design has been refined, replacing the tall central tunnel with a low, airy layout that supports the electric vehicle’s sleek profile. As for controls, say goodbye to the rotary volume knob; a modern roller switch now adds a touch of innovation beneath the central screen.

Continuing the electric legacy, the ES90 is the next step towards a future without emissions, serving as the zero-emissions successor to the S90 saloon. Thanks to its electric-specific architecture, this spacious five-meter-long wonder brings unparalleled roominess to the back seats, improving on its predecessor’s design. Passengers will revel in the luxury of rear seats furnished with lounge armrests that can recline independently with electric assistance. Four-zone climate control, a panoramic glass roof, and heated seats are all standard fare. Meanwhile, higher-spec models elevate the experience with electrochromatic glass, a 25-speaker Bowers & Wilkins sound system, and laminated glass that expertly dulls cabin noise.

Three exhilarating powertrains will be available for drivers. The base ES90 Single Motor harnesses a 92 kWh (88 kWh usable) ‘Standard Range’ battery, providing an impressive 650 kilometres of range. Its rear-mounted electric motor produces 328 hp and 650 Nm of torque, allowing this luxurious sedan to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.9 seconds. Described as “engineered for supreme ride comfort,” it features dual-chamber air suspension and an active chassis. Step up to the ES90 Twin Motor, which leverages a 106 kWh (102 kWh usable) battery for that stellar 700-kilometre range, with added power from a front axle motor pushing total output to 443 hp and 900 Nm, reducing the 0-100 km/h time to a brisk 5.6 seconds.

Finally, there’s the electrifying ES90 Twin Motor Performance, boasting a jaw-dropping 671 hp and 1,180 Nm of torque, rocketing to 100 km/h in just four seconds! Impressively, even with this lifted performance, the projected range remains at 700 kilometres. All models share a top speed of 180 km/h. Emphasizing its cutting-edge technology, Volvo proclaims the ES90 will be a “software-defined vehicle,” poised to evolve through real-time updates and connectivity. Its dual NVIDIA DRIVE AGX Orin configuration lays claim to the title of the most powerful Volvo built, executing an astounding 508 trillion operations per second! True to its heritage, safety takes precedence; the ES90 is packed with advanced features, including LiDAR, various cameras, radars, and sensors, working tirelessly to ensure optimal safety on the road. As the Volvo ES90 opens its doors for orders in either Plus or Ultra trim, it starts at €80,000, offering luxury and strength that dwarf its German rivals while still being notably more affordable than its EX90 SUV counterpart.

Plus trim is exclusively available with the Single Motor Extended Range powertrain, bundled with high-end features such as 360-degree 3D camera systems, energy-efficient heat pumps, 20-inch wheels, leather-free upholstery, and a bring-the-house-down Bose Premium sound system. Meanwhile, Ultra trim, starting from €90,000, encompasses all three powertrains and elevates the experience with high-tech Pixel LED headlights, upgraded chassis, air suspension, stunning 21-inch rims, laminated glass, a Bowers & Wilkins audio system, and ventilated seats galore. Production is slated to commence in late summer at the Chinese factory, with the first vehicles anticipated to roll out by late Q1 of 2026. While whispers of an estate variant, likely dubbed EV90, seem unlikely, CEO Jim Rowan emphasizes a focus on enhancing core models instead of diluting the line up with diverse body styles. Meanwhile, Volvo remains steadfast in its commitment to an all-electric future, recently validating that while it will continue to offer plug-in hybrid models beyond 2030, 90 to 100 percent of their offerings will be electrified by the decade's end. Buckle up — the Volvo ES90 is here, and it’s ready to electrify our roads with modern sophistication and groundbreaking technology!