Volvo’s sixth electric model is a rather trad-looking saloon shape.
The ES90 bears a strong resemblance to the EX90 SUV, as well as the previous S90 saloon. Its modern look is achieved by piercing yet pixelated front-end lighting, a blank, clean front end and smooth surfacing.
Volvo’s newest EV will rival the Audi A6 e-tron, Mercedes EQE and BMW i5. Like the Audi, the Volvo is actually a hatchback rather than a saloon – the tailgate opening includes the window for easier access than a conventional saloon.
Two trim levels are available, and prices start from £69,650 for the Plus trim. As you’d expect, there’s a serious amount of premium features on board, including four-zone climate control, a 360-degree surround-view camera, a fixed panoramic roof and a powered tailgate. There’s also a heat pump to improve cold-weather efficiency, plus a 14.5-inch touchscreen and a list of active and passive safety equipment that’d be as long as the car.
Ultra trim starts at £79,050, and your extra £9,400 gets you a Bowers & Wilkins premium sound system (with an Abbey Road Studios sound mode), active air suspension, upgraded headlights, ventilated seats, massaging front seats and laminated rear windows for improved refinement, among other things.
The higher-spec model also unlocks a pair of twin motor, all-wheel-drive powertrains. These provide better range and performance than the standard rear-drive Single Motor version, but all ES90s promise at least 400 miles of range.
The range-topping Twin Motor Performance powertrain – an £8,800 increase on the Ultra trim – gets from 0-62mph in just four seconds, courtesy of 680hp, and promises 435 miles of range.
The ES90 is the first Volvo to get an 800V electrical architecture, enabling a 10-80% charge at a 350kW charger in just 20 minutes. Put another way, you can add 186 miles of charge in 10 minutes.
Seven moody Nordic colours and wheels spanning 20-22 inches are available, while the upholstery options consist of several leather alternatives and a light grey wool blend.
Back-seat passengers should enjoy plenty of space thanks to the ES90’s 3.1-metre wheelbase, while the loadbay offers 424 litres. A 22-litre frunk under the bonnet provides a convenient place for cable storage.
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