Volvo ES90 Single Motor Ultra (2026) Review

The XC40 Recharge was launched in 2020 and was the first fully electric model you could buy from the Scandinavian automaker. However, the model was developed to accommodate both battery-electric and internal-combustion configurations. The ES90, on the other hand, was fully developed to be an EV, and you can feel it.

Related: Volvo EX30 Plus Twin Motor Performance (2024) Video Review

Before we get into the details, remember that you can sell your vehicle quickly and easily on our website here, and you can also search for new or used electric Volvo models on AutoTrader here.

Pros

• Suspension tuning is incredible
• Sound system is of the highest standards
• A lot of car for the money

Cons

• Can't see much out of the rear windscreen
• HVAC controls on the touchscreen
  

Styling

Styling is a rather subjective matter; however, to my eye, the ES90 has been attractive since its first online reveal. Sure, it is not an SUV, but the Ultra derivative we tested comes standard with adaptive air suspension and, with the push of a button, increases ground clearance from 18,8cm to 20.3 cm in a few seconds. 

And it is rather big, too, because it shares the core SPA2-dedicated EV platform with the flagship EX90 SUV. For those still inclined to purchase a luxury sedan, the ES90 is intimidating in its size yet understated in its design. Speaking of size, it stands 1 550mm tall and measures 2 120mm wide, including the mirrors. If your garage is shorter than 5 000mm, you might have to park outside.

Upfront, there isn't a large gaping grille; there is a smooth surface with the traditional "Iron Mark" badge and the diagonal ribbon. The badge incorporates the forward-facing camera and park distance control sensor. This is flanked by HD Pixel Headlamps and the "Thor's Hammer" daytime running lights.

Lower down, you get an "active grille" in which the three sections remain closed when locked or not needed for cooling, but open when the vehicle requires additional airflow for cooling. Down the sides of the car are large 21-inch "Aero"- style alloy wheels, and they don't look too large for the car either. When locked, the door handles recess into the doors for a smooth surface. 

Move over to the rear, and the fastback-style tailgate comes to an abrupt end. On each side of the rear windscreen, vertical taillamps lead your eyes down to the C-shaped tail lamps on the boot lid. Overall, the design is uncluttered, clean, and seems like it will age rather well, but only time will tell. The fastback means that there is a 446-litre boot, but the front also offers a 27-litre trunk for charging cables or a small luggage bag.

Space and comfort

This is the area where the ES90 truly shines. Like with the exterior, the interior is rather clean and uncluttered. There is a strong horizontal theme in the dashboard and doorcard layout, with the dark leather upholstery interrupted only by brushed metal and imitation wood panelling. The interior design is elegant and matches the relaxed mood of the ES90. 

Because of the uncluttered layout, most features, including opening the glovebox or activating the Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal in the panoramic sunroof, are controlled via the vertically oriented 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The latter offers built-in 5G and is compatible with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto; it also includes a wireless charging pad for your phone. Although the system offers shortcuts to commonly used vehicle functions and the menus are intuitive, we would still prefer a few additional HVAC buttons, for instance. 

Behind the steering wheel, there is a 9.0-inch digital instrument cluster that can be configured to show your navigation map or a "Surround" mode, which provides a digital depiction of the car and its immediate positioning on the road, alongside essential driving data. Our favourite was the "Calm" mode, which only shows the most essential information, such as your speed, current battery range and warning and indicator symbols. 

In the tested Ultra guise, the infotainment system is paired with a 25-speaker, Dolby Atmos  Bowers & Wilkins audio system. This system is probably one of the best this reviewer has come across, as it beautifully separates the vocals and instruments. Go into the audio settings, and you can optimise the audio rendition for specific areas in the car, great for when you often commute or travel alone or with an additional passenger. 

Combine the tech and elegant interior design with the very comfortable, massaging, ventilated and heated seats and the massive amount of space for both the front and rear occupants, due to those dimensions and flat floor, and you get a car that you want to circle around the neighbourhood a few times before you park it for the night. The adaptive air suspension also does well to iron out the road surface, even with those 21-inch wheels fitted. To say the Volvo ES90 is a comfortable drive is an understatement.

Performance

The Volvo ES90 test unit we had came with a single electric motor motivating the rear wheels. And when you called upon the 245 kW and 480 Nm of torque, the acceleration was linear and powerful, as expected from an electric vehicle. However, you get the sense that this car was designed to just effortlessly cover the kilometres rather than execute the perfect powerslide. 

With a kerb weight of 2,410 kg, sprinting from 0-100km/h in 6.6 seconds and reaching a top speed of 180 km/h. 

The Drive

Walk towards the Volvo with the tiny key fob in your pocket, and the LED "Thor's Hammer" daytime running lights will activate, the door handles will raise, and the ES90 will ready itself for a trip. Climb in, and you will find yourself in one of the quietest and most comfortable environments you have been in. This writer has had the privilege of driving some of the most comfortable vehicles, from the Mercedes-AMG S-Class to the Rolls-Royce Ghost, and he believes that this ES90 will comfortably hold its own against both.

The adaptive air suspension is stiff enough to deliver a good driving feel while remaining compliant over speed bumps and uneven road surfaces. It gives a rather good balance, especially with the comfortable seats. The build quality is very high, with no rattles, squeaks, or exterior noises entering the cabin. As a result, the noise, vibration, and harshness are rated extremely high. 

Because of the comfortable drive and the good balance of power from the single-motor configuration, this really is a car you want to spend more time in. And because of the large battery and high claimed range, it is one you can drive for longer distances without getting range anxiety.  

Fuel Consumption

Volvo claims that the ES90 should return an average charge consumption of 13.5-18.5 kWh/100 km. This obviously depends on the driving inputs and conditions. In my testing, I drove only in urban environments, but mostly commuted between Pretoria and Johannesburg in start/stop traffic, and, counterintuitively, the ES90 returned 14.0 kWh/100km because electric vehicles actually perform better in traffic than on open roads when it comes to energy consumption.

Speaking of covering kilometres, the ES90's battery capacity is 92 kWh gross, with 88 kWh usable. The battery is constructed on an 800 Volt architecture using Lithium-ion Nickel Manganese Cobalt cells. This battery offers up to 300 kW fast charging, which will take it from 10% to 80% in approximately 22 minutes using a 300 kW+ DC charger. Charging at home with AC charging up to 11 kW, the Volvo should go from 0% to 100% in approximately 9.5 to 10 hours.

Safety

The ES90 comes loaded with Level 2 driver-assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. But it is not all bings and bongs as you drive; the systems quietly do their job without constantly notifying the driver. The systems are well-integrated and genuinely helpful rather than intrusive.

While it's yet to be Euro NCAP-tested, based on the included systems and the 5-star rating achieved by the model, it shares technology and a platform with its sibling, the EX90. We are confident, like its sibling, which scored highly (92% for adult occupants and 93% for children) in Euro NCAP safety tests, the ES90 should achieve the 5-star rating too.

Price

The Volvo ES90 purchase price includes a 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan, a 5-year/100 000 km vehicle warranty, an 8-year/160 000 km EV battery warranty, and 5-year/Unlimited km roadside assistance. 

*Pricing correct at time of publishing and is subject to change without prior notice.

Rivals

• BMW i5
• Mercedes-Benz EQE

Verdict

The Volvo ES90 really changes the focus for EVs locally. While most automakers focus on pushing performance, the ES90 plays to the strengths of what an EV should be: quiet, comfortable, luxurious, and intuitive. The larger battery also removes another concern for potential buyers: range anxiety. If you can forgive the pun, the ES90 effortlessly just plugs into your lifestyle.

While, indeed, with the increasing adoption of BEVs and PHEVs locally, there should be a stronger push for local charging infrastructure, we still highly recommend the ES90. Once you start driving, you might find yourself in the same predicament we were in: you don't want to stop.