he ES90 is built on Volvo’s SPA2 electric architecture and introduces an 800-volt electrical system aimed at improving charging speed and efficiency.
Image: Supplied
It’s refreshing to see that in a world dominated by SUVs, sometimes there’s a manufacturer that’s prepared to swim upstream and defy the trend with the launch of a sedan or in the case of the new fully electric Volvo ES90, a D-segment fastback.
Volvo was initially adamant that by 2030, its entire line-up would be electric, but reality soon set in as, among others, incentives were withdrawn, range anxiety, and pricing saw electric uptake significantly slowed down.
So, like any business, the model needed to be adapted, which will now see a combination of Battery electric vehicles (BEV), mild hybrid (MHEV), plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and range extending vehicles (REEV) where the internal combustion engine acts as a generator, on offer.
The ES90 is built on Volvo’s SPA2 electric architecture, which it shares with the EX90, and introduces an 800-volt electrical system aimed at improving charging speed and efficiency.
For now, South Africa gets a single-motor rear-wheel drive version, with a twin-motor powertrain option expected at a later stage.
The line-up opens with the core derivative, which comes well specified with standard features including four-zone climate control, a panoramic roof, Nordico upholstery, heated and power-adjustable front seats, a head-up display, park assist pilot and a powered tailgate.
The plus adds more comfort and convenience items, including an air purification system, extra trim and upholstery options, four-way lumbar support, front-seat cushion extensions and upgraded interior lighting.
The range-topping ultra adds adaptive air suspension, tinted windows, laminated glass, an electrochromatic panoramic roof, soft-close doors, massage front seats and HD headlamps. A 360-degree camera system is standard on this model.
The rear gets C-shaped LED lights that go into the D-pillars providing an interesting rear view at night or when the brakes are applied.
Image: Supplied
At 5,000mm in length, 1,546mm in height and 2,120mm in width, including the mirrors and a 3,102mm wheelbase, the ES90 is a large executive sedan with stunning lines and proportions. The design is clean and restrained, making it a sleek, understated sedan with a strong road presence.
The boot offers 446 litres of luggage space, which expands to 1,427 litres when the rear seatbacks are folded. There is also a 27-litre front luggage compartment.
The 21-inch alloys fill the wheel arches perfectly, but customers can select either 20 or 22 inches in diameter.
The front Thor’s Hammer LED DRL headlights have been redesigned and light up as you approach the vehicle, almost like a dog happily jumping up and down when you come home.
The rear gets C-shaped LED lights that go into the D-pillars, providing an interesting rear view at night or when the brakes are applied.
Inside, the ES90 has Volvo’s minimalist approach with a cabin focused on space, simplicity and technology.
The layout is uncluttered, with premium recycled materials, but I’m not convinced that almost all settings are done via the large 14.5-inch touchscreen running a Google-based operating system is ideal.
That includes the rake and reach adjustments of the steering wheel.
The compact digital display is attached to the steering column, allowing you to glance at the screen without being hindered by the steering wheel.
A panoramic roof is standard across the range, while the ultra gains an electrochromatic version that allows the transparency to be adjusted electronically.
As you would expect, technology is central to the ES90. It runs Volvo’s latest superset computing platform and supports over-the-air software updates, allowing the car’s systems and features to be updated over time.
The Volvo Cars app also forms part of the ownership experience, giving drivers access to charging status, cabin pre-conditioning and other remote vehicle functions.
Higher-specification versions add further comfort and luxury touches, with features such as massage front seats and the option of a Bowers & Wilkins audio system that provides unbelievable sound quality.
The ES90 has Volvo’s minimalist approach with a cabin focused on space, simplicity and technology.
Image: Supplied
At launch, the local ES90 is offered in rear-wheel drive form with a single electric motor mounted on the rear axle. It produces 245kW and 480Nm, which is enough for a claimed 0-100km/h sprint of 6.6 seconds. Top speed is limited to 180km/h.
The battery has a usable capacity of 92kWh, and Volvo claims a driving range of up to 755km on the WLTP cycle. Claimed energy consumption is listed at 15.9kWh/100km.
Expect real world range of between 600-650 kilometres.
The ES90’s 800-volt electrical system allows faster charging on compatible DC fast chargers. Volvo says the battery can be charged from 10% to 80% in 25 minutes.
It also has battery thermal management systems designed to maintain performance and efficiency in varying temperatures, something South Africans will appreciate.
Rear space is significant, thanks in part to the flat floor, and with them being electrically adjustable, I spent a comfortable hour or two watching the KZN Midlands sweeping by.
Like the exterior and interior, the Volvo ES90 is not only lovely to look at, but it drives wonderfully as well.
The single electric motor provides smooth acceleration, and to be honest, I don’t think the twin motor they are looking to bring in is really necessary.
Throttle calibration is spot on, and the transition from brake regeneration to acceleration is close to perfect, whether you’re inching along in traffic or giving it full power in the twisties.
Feedback and weighting are just so, and with the low centre of gravity, it revels in sweeping bends and turns.
The air suspension adds dollops to the overall feel of the car and handles road imperfections and speed bumps with aplomb.
The seats are wonderfully comfortable, providing decent lumbar support and keeping you planted while scything through tight bends.
From the seating position, tastefully designed interior and handling, Volvo have done the ES90 much justice.
With safety being Volvo’s core mantra, you can expect a plethora of active and passive systems.
The core model comes with adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring with cross traffic alert, lane keeping aid, collision avoidance and mitigation, a rear parking camera, rain sensing wipers, road sign information and connected safety services.
The plus model adds pilot assist with steering support, along with upgraded park assist functionality using 12 ultrasonic sensors.
Ultra models include the full suite and add a 360-degree camera system as standard.
Passive safety provisions include nine airbags, ISOFIX child-seat mounting points, and Volvo’s established structural protection systems.
The Volvo ES90 comes with a five-year/100,000km warranty and maintenance plan, an eight-year battery warranty, five years of roadside assistance, a GridCars wallbox with installation, three years of in-car data and two years of free public charging.
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