Volvo launches its flagship ES90 battery-electric vehicle not, as previously trumpeted, as a sedan but as a 5-door fastback accentuating its versatility and interior space.
The model, the automaker says, boasts the quietest cabin space of any Volvo to date and sets the tone for its future lineup of BEV models.
Nonetheless, that range will be marketed alongside by a sister range of hybrid-powered models, Volvo’s CEO Jim Rowan confirms during the car’s global debut in Stockholm.
As previously revealed, the ES90 is Volvo’s most sophisticated software-defined vehicle with the greatest compute power so far and the first to employ 800V powertrain technology, for a longer range and faster charging.
Its fast charging claims a 186-mile (300-km) range from a 10-minute 350 kW fast charge and also a maximum driving range of up to 435 miles (700 km) under the WLTP testing cycle.
Every component in the electric system has been upgraded including the battery cells, e-motors and inverter as well as climate and thermal systems to boost charging, efficiency and performance. It generates less heat than a 400V system, meaning the battery can be charged up to 350kW without becoming overloaded.
Volvo says its 800V system also contains lighter e-motors and other components reducing the car’s overall weight, enhancing efficiency and boosting acceleration and driving range. At the same time, faster battery charging is boosted with the software and the car claims charging from 10% to 80% taking just 20 minutes.
To boost efficiency and performance, the ES90 boasts the best aerodynamics of any Volvo to date boasting a drag coefficient (Cd) of 0.25.
The ES90 boasts sustainability credentials, claiming 29% of all aluminum and 18% of all steel used in the car is recycled, while it also contains 16% recycled polymers and bio-based materials. The wood panels inside the ES90 are made from FSC-certified wood.
It also employs Volvo's battery passport where blockchain technology allows the automaker to track raw materials from the source, highlighting the CO2 footprint of the full battery pack.
Design features include the front ‘Thor’s Hammer’ headlight design and new C-shaped LED rear lamps complemented by LED lamps in the rear window. Customers can choose from seven exterior colors and four wheel options that vary from 20 to 22 ins. in size.
The large and wide tailgate hatch provides access to up to 424L (15 cu.-ft.) of loading space. Fold down the three rear seats, all of which can be folded down individually, and the loading space expands to 733L (26 cu.-ft.). The 22L (0.77 cu.-ft.) -capacity frunk at the front is designed to stow charging cables.
The ES90 also comes with a panoramic roof that provides UV protection of up to 99.9% and there’s the option of a electrochromic version with selectable dimming.
An advanced new in-cabin air purifier claims to stop up to 95% of PM 2.5 particulates from and to remove 99.9% of grass, tree and pollen allergens.
Sound systems come in three levels led by a top-of-the-line Bowers & Wilkins audio system with 25 separate high-fidelity speakers throughout the cabin, including headrest and ceiling speakers.
The system also features the spatial audio of Dolby Atmos and claims an exclusive mode replicating the sound capabilities of London’s legendary Abbey Road Studios.
Prices have yet to be announced but are expected to be from about $70,000. It is available to order now in the European countries of Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the U.K. Other markets will be added later this year and into 2026.
Rowan says: “The Volvo ES90 combines our most advanced technologies with Scandinavian design and superior comfort, creating a true premium Volvo car designed to elevate your quality of life. It joins the EX90 SUV as one of our flagship models and cements our position as an industry leader in software-defined cars that harness the power of core computing."
