I’ve reviewed the fantastic new Volvo EV that’s perfect for SUV haters

volvo The ES90 arrives not just as another electric saloon, but as a cool, confident counterpoint to the sea of ​​flamboyant SUVs dominating the EV landscape. It takes the latest technology from Volvo’s flagship EX90 (X for crossover or suv) and while the ES90 (S for saloon) doesn’t attract attention, it certainly deserves it.

Volvo’s design team is sticking to its Scandinavian roots, delivering a car that looks more luxurious than sporty, yet still able to cut through the wind with an efficiency-enhancing drag coefficient of just 0.25. It’s a handsome fastback, officially called a saloon, but with a large and useful hatchback opening. Unlike the EX90 SUV, with which it shares its SPA2 platform, the ES90 doesn’t need to pretend to be anything else – it’s undoubtedly a car, and quite a good one.

First impressions inside are overwhelmingly positive. The cabin is beautifully appointed, with light woodwork, comfortable Nordico materials and an almost silent driving experience. There’s a massage function for both front seats, climate-controlled everything, and a panoramic roof that you can darken from the touchscreen instead of a button near the roof where that would make sense. This is a topic here. Be aware that almost everything is controlled from the touchscreen, including adjusting the steering wheel position or door mirrors.

Performance ranges from quick (single motor, 333 hp) to really intense (twin motor performance, 680 hp), but this is not a car that encourages you to drive like a hooligan. It’s about quiet luxury, safe progress, and feeling a little smug about your 435-mile range and solar-powered assembly plant.

Yes, there are complaints. Rear legroom is tighter than expected, and the ride – especially on the 22-inch wheels that come with the Ultra trim – can be very harsh on rough roads. But as a comfortable, confident and cleanly executed electric flagship, the ES90 gets solid plaudits. If you’re tired of SUVs, this could be your next step.

How we tested

I spent a few days in the south of France testing the Volvo ES90. This meant driving it on a variety of roads from motorways to tight mountain passes, while I also tested its automatic parking systems in a supermarket car park. Finally, I took it on a final test drive around the Monaco Grand Prix circuit, albeit in very heavy traffic rather than being more exciting. Of course, I practiced extensively on technique and auditioned the audio system with my own selection of test tracks.

Independent Rating: 8/10

Volvo ES90 Specifications

Battery, range, charging, performance and drive

There are three powertrains available in the ES90: a single motor Extended Range with rear-drive, twin motor all-wheel drive, and a hot twin motor performance version, again with all-wheel drive. All use either a 92kWh or 106kWh battery, with the top-spec model having a claimed WLTP range of up to 435 miles.

Even the base car is quite quick, going from 0-62 mph in 6.6 seconds thanks to its 333 hp rear-mounted motor. Twin motor all-wheel drive adds a more powerful 449hp, reducing the sprint time to 5.4 seconds. But it’s the Performance version that brings the real impact: 680 hp, 0-62 in 4.0 seconds, plus a towing capacity of 2,000 kg.

Charging is as good as it gets. Thanks to Volvo’s latest 800V architecture and charging support up to 350kW, the ES90 can go from 10 to 80 percent in just 22 minutes – or add 186 miles of range in 10 minutes. Real-world charging won’t always match those figures, but it’s comfortably safe for the foreseeable future.

However, travel is a mixed situation. There’s air suspension on the Ultra trim, and on the motorway it’s quiet and smooth. But over sharp urban bumps, especially with those big wheels, the car can feel a little unsettled – a surprise given Volvo’s emphasis on wellness. The ES90 is better at isolating noise than bumps.

The steering is light and easy-going, perfect for a casual drive rather than spirited cornering. Braking is strong, regenerative modes are effective, and Volvo’s one-pedal drive system is slick and intuitive.

Ultimately, this car is built for ease: long-distance travel, quiet comfort, and zero stress over fast chargers.

I spent some of my time in the new Performance driving in and out of central London, where the roads are rubbish, yet the ride in this Model Y was something else entirely. It takes the edges off the worst undulations well, while also telling you a lot about the road surface without bothering you.

It has Standard and Sport driving modes, but I preferred Standard – Sport doesn’t offer as much in terms of agility or responsiveness. Similarly, I left the steering in Standard rather than Heavy, while I prefer to leave the stability assist systems in Standard rather than Reduced mode.

The changes outside are subtle but effective. As well as the larger wheels, it has a carbon rear spoiler, beefed up front apron and a diffuser at the rear – all of which provide aero benefits as well as a sporty look. A performance badge sits in the tailgate and is displayed in puddle lights, the brake calipers are finished in red and the mirror caps get the gloss black treatment.

Interior, practicality and boot space

Step inside the ES90 and you’ll get a masterclass in modern Volvo interior design. It’s lightweight, quiet and appropriately premium, using sustainable materials. The Nordico upholstery – made from recycled PET bottles and bio-based woods – feels soft but hardy, while the light ash wood and ambient lighting make it one of the quietest cabins on sale.

Space up front is excellent, with wide seats (heated, ventilated, massaging as standard on Ultra), good storage options and a clean, tech-forward dash. Rear legroom is decent thanks to the long 3.1 meter wheelbase, but legroom is more limited – especially if the front seats are low. The sloping roofline doesn’t hurt headroom much, but look sideways and you’ll see the inside of the bodywork rather than the window – the rear isn’t as limousine-like as you’d expect in a car of this size.

Boot access is great thanks to the hatchback opening and powered tailgate. With the seats raised, you get 446 liters of luggage space, which expands to 1,427 liters when folded. There’s a ‘will this fit?’ Guides inside the boot lid, hidden cable storage under the floor and a 27-litre frunk at the front. It’s not a Volvo estate – that version is on the way, but it’s really practical.

Other clever touches? There’s a removable load cover that hides neatly under the boot floor, lounge-style armrests, heated rear seats and cupholders and a panoramic roof with adjustable opacity via the touchscreen.

This is a car that’s thoughtfully designed – although we’d like to see a few more physical controls. Adjusting the mirrors or steering wheel through the screen seems like going too far.

Technology, Stereo and Infotainment

This is where the ES90 really shines – especially if you’re interested in your music. The 25-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system is truly sensational, delivering 1,610 watts of power through carefully placed speakers (including the headrests). It features Dolby Atmos support, a clever “tweeter-on-top” design, and even a special Abbey Road Studio mode. You can choose between ‘open,’ ‘energetic,’ ‘intimate,’ and ‘wide’ sound stages – or create your own in Creator mode. This is the best factory audio system we’ve heard in a long time.

Infotainment is built around a 14.5-inch portrait center touchscreen and 9-inch driver display, as well as a sleek head-up display. The Snapdragon-powered system is fast and smooth, runs Google built-in, with full support for Maps, Assistant, Waze, and Google Play apps.

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, and Volvo’s UX is cleaner and easier to use than others. But it is not complete. Physical buttons are almost extinct, so changing climate settings, mirror angle or even steering wheel position means diving into menus. Frustration, especially while driving.

On the driver assistance front, you get everything: adaptive cruise, pilot assist with lane centering, 360-degree cameras, lidar-based collision detection, and even occupancy sensors that can detect a child sleeping in the back. This is top-spec technology.

Over-the-air updates, 5G connectivity, and a full battery passport system (including content sourcing transparency) deliver a digital experience that’s as modern and comprehensive as that of a Tesla or Mercedes.

Prices and operating costs

ES90 pricing starts at £69,760 for the Plus single motor Extended Range model, rising to £87,960 for the top-spec Ultra Twin Motor Performance. For the refinement and kit you get, it’s a solid value in the premium EV segment – ​​comfortably beating rivals like the BMW i5 and Mercedes EQE.

All models benefit from 800V technology, impressive efficiency and low company car tax. Volvo’s app lets you pre-condition the cabin, schedule charging and monitor energy usage. And while it’s too new to measure real-world depreciation, the brand’s strong EV push should help maintain values.

Servicing is minimal due to the few moving parts, and the car comes with Volvo’s comprehensive warranty. Expect domestic charging costs of 7-9p per mile if you’re using an off-peak tariff.

Fleet buyers will prefer the twin motor variant for its mix of performance and range, while private buyers may prefer the quietness (and lower cost) of the single motor version.

Volvo ES90 Rivals

questions to ask

How long does it take to charge?

With an 800V architecture, the ES90 can charge from 10-80 percent in 22 minutes on a 350kW charger, or add 300km of range in just 10 minutes.

How much does it cost – is it worth it?

With prices ranging from £69,760 to £87,960, if you want a quiet, comfortable EV with real range and cutting-edge technology – especially if you don’t want an SUV – this is an exceptional choice.

Does Volvo replace batteries for free?

Yes, Volvo offers an eight-year warranty on the battery.

Why trust us?

Our team of motoring experts has decades of experience driving, reviewing and reporting on the latest EV cars, and our verdicts are tailored with every type of driver in mind. We thoroughly test every car we recommend, so you can be sure our judgments are honest, fair and authentic.

Verdict: Volvo ES90

The ES90 is a stylish, super-quiet and very comfortable electric saloon that is well-equipped, superbly engineered and avoids SUV clichés. It’s not perfect, but it feels like an adult car for an adult world.