The Volvo ES90 electric sedans were recently unveiled, marking Volvo’s entry into the premium electric sedan segment with advanced technology and luxury appeal. Positioned as a flagship EV, it aims to compete with models like the Tesla Model S and Mercedes EQS sedan. The analysis covers key aspects such as features, performance, dimensions, and more, ensuring a detailed exploration for potential buyers and enthusiasts in the USA.

Volvo ES90 Electric Sedan: Features and Specifications

The Volvo ES90 is the first Volvo car equipped with 800-volt technology, enhancing range and charging speed. It is built on the SPA2 platform, the same architecture used for the EX90 SUV, and utilizes Volvo’s Superset tech stack. This stack consists of a single set of hardware and software modules, allowing for OTA updates to improve performance and safety throughout the vehicle’s lifecycle.

Design elements include the signature Thor’s Hammer LED headlights, a closed-off grille, and C-shaped tail lamps, maintaining Volvo’s familial resemblance. The ES90 also features a LiDAR module on the roof, adding to its advanced safety suite, a feature seen in some Lotus and Xiaomi cars. Customers can choose from seven exterior colors and wheel options ranging from 20 to 22 inches in size.

Inside, the cabin offers a wheelbase of 3101 mm, ensuring ample legroom, especially for second-row passengers. It includes six interior ambient light schemes and a panoramic roof with up to 99% UV protection, with an electrochromic version allowing adjustable transparency. 

The infotainment system is 5G-capable and features a 14.5-inch center screen display, a 9-inch digital instrument cluster, and a head-up display (HUD). Additional features include four-zone climate control with an air purifier and a 25-speaker Bowers & Wilkins sound system with spatial audio from Dolby Atmos.

Volvo ES90 Electric Sedan: Power and Performance

The ES90 offers three motor configurations, each with distinct performance metrics:

• Single Motor: Paired with a 92kWh battery, it delivers 328 bhp and 480 Nm of torque, accelerating from 0-100 kmph in 6.7 seconds, with a range of up to 650 km on the WLTP cycle.
• Dual Motor: Equipped with a 106kWh battery, it produces 436 bhp and 670 Nm of torque, reaching 0-100 kmph in 5.3 seconds, with a range of up to 700 km.
• Dual Motor Performance: Also with a 106kWh battery, it offers 661 bhp and 861 Nm of torque, achieving 0-100 kmph in 3.9 seconds, with a range of up to 700 km.

These configurations cater to varying preferences, from efficiency to high performance, ensuring versatility for different driving needs.

Dimensions and Capacity

The ES90 measures 5000 mm in length, with a wheelbase of 3102 mm, making it larger than the Polestar 2 and closely aligned with the Tesla Model S in size. Approximate dimensions include a width of 2120 mm and height of 1549 mm, with a ground clearance of 180 mm, giving it an SUV-like presence. The boot capacity is 446 litres with all seats up, expandable to 1256 litres with the rear seats folded down, offering practical storage for a premium sedan.

Brakes and Wheels

The ES90 features disc brakes on all four wheels, with ventilated discs likely on the front for enhanced stopping power, ensuring safety at high speeds. Wheel options range from 20 to 21 inches, providing a choice between aesthetic appeal and performance, with multi-spoke alloy designs complimenting the vehicle’s sleek profile.

Battery, Range, and Charging

The battery options include a 92kWh pack for the single-motor variant and a 106kWh pack for dual-motor versions. The range is estimated at up to 650 km for the single-motor and 700 km for dual-motor configurations on the WLTP cycle, with EPA estimates yet to be announced. Charging is facilitated by the 800-volt architecture, supporting up to 350 kW charging speeds, allowing a 300 km range top-up in 10 minutes at a 350 kW fast charging station. Volvo claims a 10-80% charge in approximately 20 minutes using a 300 kW charger. The ES90 also supports bidirectional charging for vehicle-to-home (V2H) energy transfer and is compatible with both Combined Charging System (CCS) and Tesla’s North American Charging Standard (NACS) via adapters.

Steering, Transmission, and Suspension

The ES90 is equipped with electric power steering for precise handling, a single-speed transmission typical of electric vehicles, and an independent front and rear suspension system. While specific details on suspension are not provided, it likely includes adaptive damping for comfort and performance, adjusting to different driving conditions.

Volvo ES90 Electric Sedan Infotainment Features

The infotainment system is a highlight, featuring a portrait-styled 14.5-inch touchscreen display with Google Built-in, including Google Maps, Google Assistant, and access to the Google Play Store. It supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with 5G connectivity for seamless internet access. The 9-inch digital driver’s display and HUD provide essential driving information, while the 25-speaker Bowers & Wilkins sound system, with 1610 watts of amplification and Dolby Atmos, offers an immersive audio experience, including an Abbey Road Studio Mode.

• A 14.5-inch centre touchscreen display offers access to Google Assistant, Google Maps, and Google Play Store (free for 4 years)
• Wireless Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, and USB-C ports are included
• Over-the-air updates keep the system current
• The car is equipped with a Bose Premium sound system for a high-quality audio experience
• Wireless phone charging and Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB+) add to the convenience
• Remote functions are accessible through the Volvo Cars App, which also supports 5G connectivity

Safety Features

Safety is paramount for Volvo, and the ES90 is equipped with an advanced driver-assistance suite. It includes a LiDAR sensor atop the windshield, five radar arrays, eight cameras, and twelve ultrasonic sensors, enabling features such as collision mitigation, pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assistance, and adaptive cruise control. 

Anders Bell, Volvo’s chief technology and engineering officer, stated, “Safety is further enhanced via data, software and artificial intelligence.” An interior radar system detects occupants with precision, alerting drivers if a child or pet is left inside, potentially preventing heat stroke-related incidents, and includes a driver alertness monitoring system.

• Dual-stage airbags, knee airbag for the driver, and whiplash injury protection
• Inflatable curtain and side impact protection help reduce injury in a collision
• Digital key plus and Intelligent Driver Information System (IDIS)
• Multiple sensors and cameras support systems like Pilot Assist, BLIS (Blind Spot Information System), and a 360° camera with a 3D view
• Intersection autobrake, collision avoidance, and rear cross traffic alert with low-speed auto brake enhance overall safety

Interior and Exterior Design

The exterior design blends elegance and aerodynamics, featuring Thor’s Hammer LED headlights, a closed-off grille, and C-shaped tail lamps, with a fastback design for improved efficiency. The LiDAR module on the roof adds to its advanced safety features. 

Inside, the cabin emphasizes sustainable materials, with ambient lighting in six colors, an electrochromic sunroof with UV protection, and ventilated, powered front seats for comfort, ensuring a luxurious experience.

Price

For the configuration reviewed from the UK site, the Volvo ES90 plus Electric Sedan is priced at approximately £69,650. While the higher 106 kWh Volvo ES90 Ultra variant price starts from £79,050. This price reflects a high level of equipment and service, including a Service Plan Plus package.

Warranty Period

Volvo provides a solid warranty package for the ES90:

• Standard Warranty:
  • Covers the vehicle for 3 years or up to 60,000 miles (whichever comes first)
• Extended Battery Warranty:
  • The battery is covered for 8 years or until the car reaches 100,000 miles, addressing any manufacturing defects free of charge by an authorized Volvo retailer
• Additional Services:
  • Free driveaway insurance for 7 days and roadside assistance for 3 years.

These warranty terms help offer peace of mind to buyers of the Volvo ES90 Electric Sedan.

Final Review and Conclusion

The Volvo ES90 electric sedans represent a significant advancement in the premium EV market, offering a blend of luxury, performance, and technology. With ranges up to 700 km, rapid charging capabilities, and advanced safety features, it stands out as a compelling choice. Its design, both inside and out, maintains Volvo’s reputation for elegance and sustainability, while the variety of motor configurations caters to diverse driving preferences. While the price is yet to be confirmed, its positioning suggests it will be a strong contender against rivals like the Tesla Model S and Mercedes EQE, making it a promising option for USA buyers seeking a premium electric sedan.