SUV meets saloon: we’ve driven the new Volvo ES90

The new Volvo ES90 made quite the impression on my first test drive, winning me over with its high levels of comfort and lovely interior.

The ES90 is aimed at those looking for an electric car that isn’t just stylish, but also practical and comfortable for daily life. Despite its swoopy saloon shape, it has ground clearance similar to an SUV which makes it easy to get in and out.

Once you’re behind the wheel, that high seating position gives you a commanding view of the road ahead. The only downside is the view behind; a small rear window means visibility out the back is somewhat restricted. The drive itself is serene thanks to the excellent sound insulation. The only slight fly in the ointment is some wind noise around the mirrors when you’re up to motorway speeds.

Pricing: the top model is a steal

With a starting price of around £68,000, the entry-level ES90 offers a range of up to 402 miles, which is over 20 miles more than the similarly-priced BMW i5.

The real eye-opener, however, is the top-spec model. It packs a massive 680hp and costs just over £86,000. When you consider the German competition often charges six figures for that kind of performance, it’s a bit of a bargain.

Efficiency and range: good for its size, but not perfect

During our test, we found the ES90 wasn’t quite as efficient as official figures claim. While the Single Motor version is officially rated at 3.8 miles per kWh, we saw an average of around 3.1 miles per kWh on our route, which mainly took in city streets and country roads.

Still, that’s a solid result when you consider this is a five-metre-long car weighing 2.5 tonnes, and it still works out to a real-world range of almost 273 miles. That’s 70% of the official claimed figure, which in my books is pretty good going.

Performance: the base version is plenty

The ES90 is available in three power levels:

• Single Motor: 333hp
• Twin Motor: 456hp
• Twin Motor Performance: 680hp

We tested the 333hp model, and it didn’t disappoint. It has more than enough poke for everyday driving, hitting 0-62mph in 6.6 seconds. Interestingly, every version is electronically limited to 112mph regardless of which power level you choose.

The main reasons to upgrade to the Twin Motor are the bigger battery – 102kWh vs 88kWh, which gives it the longest range at 420 miles – faster charging (350kW vs 310kW), and all-wheel drive.

If you do go for the 680hp range-topper, you’ll be hitting 62mph in just four seconds, which is enough to make many sports cars look a bit slow.

Comfort and handling

The ES90 is all about comfort. It handles potholes and bumps with ease, even with the massive 22-inch wheels fitted to our test car. If you aren’t fussed about the looks, you can opt for 20- or 21-inch wheels depending on the model which will make it even more relaxing to drive.

For the smoothest ride, there is optional air suspension, which is only standard on the top-tier ‘Ultra’ trim. You can adjust the steering and suspension across two settings, though we struggled to tell them apart on our drive.

However, the One-Pedal-Driving mode, especially in its automatic setting, is great. The car adjusts the regenerative braking based on the traffic in front of you, making city driving much more relaxed.

Interior: Scandinavian luxury

The cabin is where the ES90 really shines. While even some premium brands are starting to cut costs on materials, the Volvo feels high-end and expensive. You get a soft-padded dashboard, elegant stitching, and materials that feel great to the touch.

Those in the back get loads of legroom. However, like many EVs, the floor is high, meaning there’s a bit less thigh support than you might want. Tech-wise, there’s a 14.5-inch touchscreen that’s fast and intuitive to use. It runs Google Maps for navigation, which is a big plus. You also get a head-up display which keeps all the important information in your direct eyeline.

Boot space: enough, but not a record breaker

The boot offers 424 litres of space, which is plenty for a weekend away or the weekly shop. You can fold the seats down to expand that to 1,427 litres, and there’s a handy 27-litre ‘frunk’ under the bonnet for your charging cables.

While it’s a good size, it trails slightly behind the BMW i5 (490 litres) and the Mercedes EQE (430 litres). On the plus side, the ES90 features a liftback design, which makes the boot much easier to access than a traditional saloon boot lid.

Conclusion: A genuine alternative to German rivals

The Volvo ES90 is a cracking electric saloon that deserves its spot in the luxury class. By mixing long range, great comfort, and top-tier build quality, it’s a very tempting alternative to the usual German suspects. Whether you need a business cruiser, a family car, or a long-distance mile-muncher, the ES90 fits the bill while offering high safety standards. Plus, that SUV-style entry height might just win over a few people who thought they only wanted a 4×4.

Car change? Carwow!

Looking for a new set of wheels? With Carwow you can sell your car quickly and for a fair price – as well as find great offers on your next one. Whether you’re looking to buy a car brand new, are after something used or you want to explore car leasing options, Carwow is your one stop shop for new car deals.

Click here to follow us on WhatsApp, where you can keep up-to-date with all the latest news, reviews, advice guides and videos.