Volvo

ES90

The Volvo ES90 is an all-electric executive car that boasts dynamic styling. It’s packed with high-end technology, covers practicality needs well and also has an impressive driving range between charges.

Test Drive

Volvo ES90 – First Drive (2026)

If you’re looking for an executive car that stands out from the crowd for all the right reasons, then the all-new, all-electric Volvo ES90 could be the answer to your prayers.

It’s a bold and slightly unconventional executive car that blends elements of a saloon, fastback and SUV into a single, cohesive model. Sounds strange, but it actually works rather well.

With prices starting from £67,560, customers can select from two generously-equipped trim levels called Plus and Ultra. Additionally, there is a choice of three powertrains built around two batteries. The smaller Single Motor Extended Range model features the 92kWh battery producing 333hp and 480Nm of torque, and this can achieve between 341 and 411 miles of range on a single charge.

Alternatively, the larger Twin Motor all-wheel drive version has a 106kWh battery pack with the output rising to 456hp and 670Nm of torque – the range on this powertrain increases to between 348 and 426 miles. Finally, offering maximum firepower is the Twin Motor Performance model that boasts 680hp and 870Nm of torque. This is the fastest of the line-up with the 0-62mph dash ticked off in just 4.0 seconds.

However, we tested the Single Motor Extended Range ES90 in high-end Ultra guise costing £77,260, increasing to £78,105 with upgraded paint. This model could reach 62mph from a standing start in a very respectable 6.6 seconds and like all other versions, topped out at 112mph.

But first things first, we need to take a good look at the design of the ES90 because it is quite unusual, but in a positive way. It’s Volvo through and through with the signature Thor’s Hammer lights that are now seemingly banging in an LED nail. The company crest sets proudly on the front of the car and there are tinted rear windows, C-shaped tail lights, flush door handles, a panoramic electrochromic sunroof and 21-inch alloy wheels.

The tail end tapers away and there is a traditional tailgate as opposed to the letterbox-style lid on standard executive saloons. That makes it much easier to load items.

The interior oozes Volvo’s minimalist, calming and plush design philosophy with high-quality fixtures and fittings throughout, along with sumptuously-comfortable seats that are powered, heated, ventilated and even offer a massage function. The steering wheel and outer rear seats can also be warmed against the winter chill.

The main focal point is a 14.5-inch portrait touchscreen which is the nerve centre of the car and offers access to the wealth of on-board technology. Expect to find Google-based services including navigation, plus full smartphone connectivity via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Additionally, music lovers are treated to a pitch-perfect 25-speaker Bowers & Wilkins sound system.

The vital driving data is clearly shown on a customisable nine-inch driver screen and the head-up display is a nice touch too. Look closely and the Volvo name is written in Morse Code on the dashboard, while ambient lighting can be configurated to suit any mood with themes such as Restful, Soft Pastels and Winter Bliss to choose from.

Everything works well enough, but the set-up is very touchscreen-dependent, even to the extent of opening the glovebox. This may prove quite a culture shock to regular Volvo owners.

But when it comes to performance, the ES90 scores really well with punchy performance, quick acceleration and composed, confident handling. It’s a car that will cruise with ease at 70mph eating away at those long motorway miles, but is also willing and able to turn on the pace when faced with more testing country lanes full of tight twists and turns. The steering is perfectly weighted and the car is nicely grounded with no sign of body sway. We should also compliment the air suspension set-up that helps smooth out even the roughest bumps and dips along the way.

Then, in busier towns and villages, the EX90 proves deceptively agile for a vehicle stretching five metres in length. It’s easy to weave through the traffic and has all manner of parking aids to make you look like an expert when squeezing into a very tight parking space. The driver visibility is great forwards or sideways, but the rear view is almost non-existent due to the vehicle’s tapering roof design, plus a trio of large rear headrests.

There are drive modes called Standard and Off-Road, as well as the option to alter the steering and suspension settings between soft or firm, but these, along with regenerative braking adjustments are all found in the touchscreen menus, so are unlikely to be explored too often.

The cabin is generously sized with ample room for four adults to sit comfortably, or five at a bit of a squeeze. And the boot, opened via that large tailgate can swallow 424 litres of luggage. Drop the 40:20:40 rear seats into what Volvo calls ‘IKEA mode’ and the capacity increases to 1,427 litres. Additionally, there is a small 22-litre frunk beneath the bonnet too.

Expect to find all the usual storage compartments scattered throughout the vehicle, including a wireless charging pad, glovebox, deep cubby, front and rear cup holders, plus door bins. And the car boasts Vehicle-To-Load capabilities too. This means it can power up external appliances such as laptops and e-bikes. It can also send power back to the grid or keep white goods appliances charged during a power cut.

And speaking of charging, the ES90 has 800V architecture which results in fast charging up to 310kW for the smaller battery and 350kW for the larger unit. To sum up that means the ES90 can gain a 10 to 80 per cent boost in just 22 minutes. However, most owners will look to charge at home for convenience and to save money, with times ranging from 16 to 18 hours on a 7.2kW charger from zero to 100 per cent, or 10 to 11 hours if using an 11kW box.

Safety is another area Volvo prides itself on and, despite not being tested for its Euro NCAP rating yet, the EX90 was awarded a maximum five stars so the ES90, which shares the same SPA2 platform, should do equally well.

All in all, the Volvo ES90 is a highly accomplished executive car that perfectly blends comfort, style and advanced technology into a very appealing package. Yes, there are more engaging competitors out there and the reliance on touchscreen controls can be frustrating at times, but these are minor gripes in an otherwise well-rounded and attractively-priced new model.