Volvo ES90

First Impressions

The moment I walked up to the Volvo ES90, it was clear this is a car that means business in the executive sedan space. The proportions are imposing — it's big, it's sleek with that fastback silhouette, and it carries Volvo's signature Thor's hammer headlights with confidence. It looks like a proper flagship, though whether you find the design sporty-elegant or a touch anonymous will come down to personal taste.

What immediately grabbed my attention was the sheer popularity this car has been enjoying. The grey colour we tested has a three-month waiting list, which tells you something about how well Volvo has read the market.

Design and Exterior

The fastback profile gives the ES90 a sportier stance than you might expect from a comfort-oriented sedan. Flush door handles, body-coloured mirror caps, and massive 22-inch wheels wrapped in Pirelli P Zero rubber make it look purposeful. Those wheels are a double-edged sword though — they look fantastic but contribute to higher energy consumption and will sting when replacement time comes.

The electrochromic panoramic roof is a nice party trick, switching between clear and opaque at the touch of a button. Around back, the full-width LED tail lights with a U-shaped signature look modern, and the powered tailgate reveals a decent boot — though cargo height is limited by the sloping roofline.

Interior and Tech

Step inside and the ES90 immediately impresses with sheer width. The rear cabin is genuinely the most spacious I've encountered in this segment. Materials are high quality with a sustainability focus — lots of recycled elements that still feel premium. The 14.5-inch central screen runs on Snapdragon processors and feels snappy, with Google Assistant, Apple CarPlay, and excellent navigation that mirrors onto both the driver display and the head-up display.

The Bowers & Wilkins 25-speaker system is phenomenal. Volvo consistently delivers outstanding audio across their range, and the ES90 takes it up another notch. I also appreciate the digital key functionality — use your phone, ditch the fob.

My one big gripe? The panoramic roof has no physical sunshade. The electrochromic dimming helps, but in our tropical heat, it still lets too much warmth through. An aftermarket blind is available as an accessory, but it really should have been standard.

Rear Seat Experience

This is where the ES90 truly shines. The rear seats recline electrically, offer heating and ventilation, and the leg room is absolutely massive. The armrest is thoughtfully designed with cupholders that rise up when needed and fold away when not. There's even a pass-through to the boot for grabbing items.

The seating position is unique though — you sit low and reclined, almost like sinking into a sofa. Some might find their knees angled up a bit high, but once you commit to the laid-back posture, it's blissfully comfortable. I'd say it's noticeably more comfortable than the BMW i5's rear seat, though less upright and formal. Think lounge chair rather than office chair.

Driving Experience

Power from the single rear motor is more than sufficient — instant torque delivery makes overtaking effortless without ever needing a sport mode, which Volvo wisely doesn't offer because it would contradict this car's entire personality. The steering in firm mode is weighted and pleasant but never sharp or communicative. In soft mode, it's featherlight and perfect for city manoeuvring.

The air suspension is the defining characteristic here. Even in firm mode, it's softer than most competitors. It absorbs road imperfections beautifully and keeps things serene at moderate speeds. Push harder though, and there's noticeable body sway that might unsettle rear passengers. The soft mode is genuinely sofa-like at low speeds but becomes floaty once you pick up pace. I'd recommend leaving it in firm for highway use — it's still plenty comfortable.

Noise isolation is exceptional. Tyre roar from those 22-inch wheels is virtually nonexistent, and wind noise is minimal. This is one of the quietest EVs I've driven.

Range and Efficiency

Real-world range landed around 530-550 km on the 92 kWh battery, which is respectable but falls noticeably short of official claims. I averaged about 15 kWh per 100 km on a mixed route including highway and congested roads. The large 22-inch wheels likely eat into efficiency — downsizing to 21-inch options could meaningfully extend range. The 800V architecture supporting 350 kW fast charging is a genuine highlight for long-distance convenience.

Final Verdict

The Volvo ES90 is a car that knows exactly what it wants to be — and it's not a sports sedan. It's a refined, comfortable executive cruiser with a rear seat that embarrasses much of the competition. The tech is comprehensive, the audio is sublime, and the ride quality at city speeds is exceptional.

If you want engagement behind the wheel, the BMW i5 is the better pick. But if your priority is rear-seat luxury, a whisper-quiet cabin, and effortless cruising, the ES90 delivers in spades. Just budget for that roof sunshade accessory — you'll need it.