The Volvo ES90 All-Electric Stylish Saloon is Exceptionally Smooth.

Volvo cars have long been celebrated for their remarkable reliability and commitment to safety, and the new ES90 Saloon effortlessly combines these traits with a touch of elegance and refinement. The Swedish automotive brand faces intense competition from its German counterparts in the executive saloon segment, a challenge that remains critical even as the shift towards electric vehicles intensifies. Jeremy Webb took the Volvo ES90 for a drive through the picturesque Sussex countryside, eager to discover whether this striking model could carve out a distinct identity in the increasingly crowded market of luxury electric saloons.

The new Volvo ES90 is a compelling entry in the luxury car market, marking a significant turning point for Volvo's flagship model. This elegant saloon has the potential to elevate the brand above its competitors for the first time in recent history. While contenders like the BMW i5, Mercedes EQE, and Audi A6 E-tron each boast impressive features, none have truly set the benchmark in the segment. The ES90 stands out with its state-of-the-art 800V architecture and an exceptionally long wheelbase, promising a spacious, comfortable ride. Moreover, its striking design, which echoes the aesthetic language of the recently introduced EX90 SUV, adds to its appeal. With such promising specifications on paper, the ES90 aims to redefine luxury and performance in its class.

The Volvo ES90 adopts a well-known approach within its class when it comes to hardware specifications. It features an entry-level rear-wheel-drive (RWD) variant, the Single Motor Extended Range, which delivers a robust 329 horsepower. Additionally, customers can choose from two all-wheel-drive (4WD) versions: the powerful Twin Motor, with 443 horsepower, and the high-performance Twin Motor Performance, with 671 horsepower.

A significant factor that sets the ES90 apart is the availability of Volvo’s advanced Active Four-C Chassis. This system includes dual-chamber air suspension, enhancing ride comfort and handling. While this sophisticated suspension is standard on the Ultra trim, which represents the higher end of the lineup, it is available as an optional upgrade on the Plus variants. The Plus trims use a more traditional passive spring-and-damper configuration to manage their double-wishbone front suspension and integral-link rear suspension.

The Single Motor Extended Range in Plus trim represents the entry point of the range, sitting at the bottom of the specification ladder. However, it comes with the added advantage of being the only model priced below £70,000, making it an appealing option for those seeking value without compromising on quality.

Interior.

The ambience of the Volvo ES90 is truly captivating, especially in the exquisite ‘Dawn’ colourway. This striking hue, combined with the option of a charcoal-hued roofliner for an additional £245 (though it’s puzzling why anyone would choose it), creates an inviting atmosphere that makes every journey a pleasure. Stepping inside, one is immediately enveloped by a space that boasts both sophistication and comfort, despite the imposing presence of Volvo’s latest 14.5-inch central infotainment tablet.

The cabin's material selection is remarkable. It features Nordico, a luxurious, leather-free upholstery made from recycled PET bottles blended with pine resin, highlighting Volvo’s commitment to sustainability. This is complemented by a mix of various natural fibres, FSC-certified birch wood, and recycled magnesium. Together, these elements create an environment that feels both plush and refreshing, with the strategic use of gloss black plastic adding just the right touch of elegance.

When it comes to perceived build quality, the ES90 holds its ground well, though it doesn’t quite reach the impeccable standard set by BMW. For instance, one might notice a slight play in the column stalks, and while there are harder plastics that neatly match the soft textures around them, they can evoke an unintended association with the feel of an airline cabin upon contact. However, this is a minor critique, as overall, the ES90 arguably offers the most delightful interior in its class.

The Volvo ES90 redefines comfort and ergonomics, offering a driving position that achieves a remarkable equilibrium between an elevated feel and a grounded stance. Inside, the spaciousness is impressive, particularly in the rear, where the generous knee room sets a new standard in its class. Imagine if Volvo had engineered footwells into the battery design, allowing back-seat passengers to enjoy a truly luxurious limousine-like experience, with knees comfortably lowered. This is especially appealing given the abundance of natural light streaming in from the expansive panoramic roof, which beautifully contrasts with the relatively diminutive rear window reminiscent of a supercar.

When it comes to cargo capacity, the ES90 provides a modest 424 litres, placing it in the average range. However, thanks to its hatchback configuration, the vehicle can accommodate more luggage than that figure might suggest—particularly compared with competitors like the BMW i5, which offers a more generous 520 litres. Additionally, the trunk features a small yet practical tray in the front compartment, adding to the ES90's overall functionality.

Volvo’s Google-based infotainment system feels fresh and contemporary. The system provides plenty of information about electric vehicles (EVs) that can be easily accessed with just a few taps. Additionally, the option to display your navigation route on the small driver display keeps the main touchscreen available for other uses, which is a nice feature.

On the audio front, the standard Bose sound system delivers rich, detailed sound, and you can further enhance the experience with a Bowers & Wilkins system. The various Google Services work smoothly for those who prefer not to set up Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.

Performance.

The powertrain of this vehicle delivers performance that aligns well with its relaxed design. Acceleration is smooth and intuitive, with a gradual increase in speed rather than a sudden jolt. The brake pedal is easy to use, though it lacks significant resistance. Typically, you'll slow down more with regenerative braking than with physical brakes. The ES90 features a one-pedal driving mode, an adaptive setting that adjusts based on what lies ahead, and a freewheeling mode. While all these modes function effectively, the adaptive system in the Volvo doesn’t quite match the natural flow of speed control found in the Mercedes. A compromise setting between the one-pedal and freewheeling modes would be beneficial.

During normal driving, the ES90’s lane-keeping assistance is designed to be adaptive, learning whether you, the driver, are smooth in your movements and can be given a longer lead, or if you’re a bit more erratic and require earlier intervention. We found the system to be generally unobtrusive. Additionally, the speed limit warning can be set to provide auditory alerts or to trigger a gentle impulse on the accelerator pedal, which is a nice feature.

In a vehicle like the ES90, the characteristic balance leans more toward exceptional stability rather than sharp poise. Equipped with wide 275-section Pirelli rear tyres, the car offers abundant traction, ensuring a secure grip on the road that exceeds expectations. Surprisingly, despite a somewhat leisurely steering ratio of 3.1 turns between locks, the steering feel remains engaging and not sluggish. If you enter the ES90 anticipating a sporty, agile performance, you might find yourself slightly let down. However, the responsiveness matches the car's body roll and relaxed demeanour, creating a smooth, enjoyable driving experience. In short, it’s a vehicle that is undemanding yet still delivers a delightful driving experience.

As you would expect from Volvo’s top-tier vehicles, the primary ride quality of the ES90 impresses. The suspension springs effectively accommodate long-wave vertical body movements, providing a smooth, comfortable ride. The damping system is well-tuned, ensuring that, despite the car's natural inclination toward a relaxed character—unlike the more rigid, level attitude favoured by brands like BMW and Mercedes—the overall experience remains pleasant.

The basic Volvo ES90 impresses with a notable energy consumption of 5.0 miles per kilowatt-hour (mpkWh) and a range of 440 miles on a full charge. When it comes to touring efficiency, the ES90 remains competitive in its class, with a consumption rate of 3.2 mpkWh, translating to a respectable motorway range of 282 miles. During testing, the car demonstrated excellent charging performance, maintaining 296 kilowatts while quickly charging from 10% to 40%, even briefly maxing out our 300kW charging station. Remarkably, it continued to draw over 80kW as it approached a 90% charge, showcasing its efficient charging performance.

I have no reservations regarding the EV-related functionality or usability of the ES90, and its standard equipment is quite generous across the lineup. However, to truly elevate its ride quality and stand out against German competitors, we believe the Ultra trim with air suspension is necessary, which raises the starting price to £77,260. While this higher trim level includes additional luxurious features such as a dimmable, electrochromic glass roof panel and a high-end Bowers & Wilkins audio system, the ES90 may appear rather pricey compared to a well-equipped, smooth-driving Volkswagen ID 7.

Interestingly, the high-performance variant — the 671bhp Twin Motor Performance in Ultra trim — presents a compelling case with its eye-watering speed—challenging the likes of the Porsche Taycan—while also offering an impressive array of features, making it seem better value at a starting price of £86,000.

Summing up.

Overall, the driving experience is remarkably comfortable most of the time, providing a plush ride that envelops you in tranquillity. Despite its substantial weight, the vehicle exhibits impressive drivability, offering smooth, confident performance that may surprise you. Inside, the cabin is both spacious and inviting, creating a delightful environment that feels both luxurious and intimate. The infotainment system, while feature-rich, often raises eyebrows with its reliance on touch-based controls, which can detract from the overall experience. As for pricing, while adding the right options can make it quite costly, it doesn’t reach the point of being prohibitively expensive.

The Volvo ES90 emerges as a sophisticated electric saloon reminiscent of the once-revolutionary Tesla Model S. With its generous interior space, effortless driving experience, and cutting-edge technology, it prioritises a luxurious atmosphere for both driver and passengers. However, it too grapples with certain shortcomings, notably an occasionally unsettled ride that somewhat conflicts with the expectations of a high-end executive vehicle. Additionally, the digital interface presents challenges that seem to affect many of Volvo's newer models. The comfort of the front seats is exceptional, while the spaciousness afforded to rear passengers is among the best in its class. Moreover, the vehicle boasts impressively quick charging times, and its efficiency figures indicate strong economy.

From £68000