Volvo ES90

First Impressions

Walking up to the Volvo ES90 for the first time, I immediately felt this was something different from Volvo. It's youthful, sporty, and far more aggressive than anything they've done before. The Thor's Hammer LED signature has evolved into something sharper and more dynamic. This is Volvo deliberately shedding its conservative image, and honestly, it works.

Built on the SPA2 platform — Volvo's latest dedicated EV architecture — and designed in Sweden, this feels like a proper next-generation product rather than an electrified afterthought.

Design & Exterior

The fastback silhouette is striking. It's a proper sedan shape with a liftback tailgate that opens electrically, taking the entire rear glass with it. The rear LED light bar stretches across the full width, giving it a modern, premium presence that can genuinely stand alongside a BMW i5 or Mercedes EQE.

Those 22-inch wheels wrapped in Pirelli P Zero E tyres developed specifically for EVs look absolutely massive and fill the arches beautifully. Frameless door glass, flush door handles, and a black-trimmed lower body all add to the sporty character. Every panel gap I checked was tight. The fit and finish is seriously impressive.

Interior & Tech

Step inside and the quality hits you immediately. The wood trim running across the dashboard and door panels gives it a warm, natural Scandinavian feel that sets it apart from the clinical German competition. The leather is genuinely luxurious, and every surface you touch feels considered and premium.

The 14.5-inch central screen runs Google Built-In with Google Maps natively, plus there's a 12-inch driver display and head-up display. Four-zone climate control, wireless charging, USB-C ports everywhere, and a Bowers & Wilkins sound system are all standard. The panoramic roof features electronic tinting — press a button and it goes from clear to opaque. That's a feature even some upcoming competitors don't offer yet.

The rear seats deserve special mention. They're electrically adjustable, which is rare in this class. Legroom is enormous — I'd say it feels more spacious than both the i5 and EQE. There are dedicated rear air vents at the B-pillar, heated and ventilated seats, and a proper armrest with cupholders. The only gripe is the rear side windows feel a touch narrow, which can make it feel slightly enclosed despite all that legroom.

Tech & Charging

The 800V electrical architecture is the headline here. DC fast charging peaks at 350kW, which means incredibly short charging stops. The 92kWh battery delivers a substantial real-world range that should comfortably handle long-distance travel without anxiety. Among D-segment luxury EVs, this puts the ES90 right at the top for range capability.

Safety tech is comprehensive: adaptive cruise control that works down to a standstill, automatic emergency braking front and rear, lane keep assist with active steering correction, and 360-degree cameras. Volvo's reputation for safety clearly extends into their EV lineup.

Comfort & Practicality

Soft-close doors on all four corners give the ES90 a vault-like feel. The doors themselves are heavy and solid — the kind of satisfying thunk that screams quality. Front seats feature massage functions and extendable thigh support for long drives, which I absolutely love.

The fastback boot is well-organized with hooks on both sides, LED lighting, and a dedicated compartment for charging cables with a proper cover. Volvo even illustrates how the cargo area can handle everything from guitars to child seats to pet carriers. Practical luxury done right.

Final Verdict

I haven't driven the ES90 yet, and that's the one crucial piece of the puzzle still missing. But everything I've seen and touched tells me Volvo has built something special here. The build quality is exceptional, the feature list is remarkably generous, and the 800V fast charging capability puts it ahead of several established competitors.

If the driving dynamics match what the air suspension and platform promise, the BMW i5 and Mercedes EQE should be very worried. This is the most excited I've been about a Volvo in years.