Volvo ES90

Comfort and electric perfection

Volvo ES90 is ita natural successor

The Volvo ES90 is the natural electric successor to the Volvo S90, Volvo's large premium saloon. At the same time, it feels like much more than just a replacement. The ES90 represents the next step in Volvo's electric push and shows how well electric power suits this segment.

In recent years, I've had the opportunity to drive, photograph, and write about several of Volvo's most important models. I've previously published features on both EX90 and the updated XC90, taken part in the international test drive of EX30 Cross Country under 2025 and travelled in May 2026 to Barcelona for the international launch of EX60.

Despite the models differing, there is a common denominator: the feeling that the cars are built to make every journey as relaxed and comfortable as possible. The ES90 feels like perhaps the clearest representative of that philosophy so far.

ES90, a car built for long journeys

What impressed me most during my time with the ES90 was the overall experience behind the wheel.

The coupe is quiet, the suspension works smoothly, and the car feels stable regardless of speed. Everything works together to create a relaxed and natural driving experience where the car never tries too hard to impress. Instead, it lets its qualities speak for themselves.

Just like the EX90, the ES90 feels built for long journeys. However, the saloon format gives the car a more understated and elegant character that suits the model's role as Volvo's new electric flagship.

Electric driving at its best

In a large premium saloon like this, electric power feels like the obvious choice.

The direct response, low noise level, and smooth power delivery are a perfect match for the car's character. The ES90 clearly demonstrates how well electrification works in this segment and how naturally the technology can be integrated into a car primarily built for comfort and long-distance cruising.

After a few days behind the wheel, it's hard to see any other drivetrain that would suit the car better. The ES90 simply feels like a model that was developed with electric power as its starting point from the very beginning.

ES90 has a modern design with a clear Volvo identity

From a design perspective, the ES90 is modern without feeling over the top. The lines are clean and elegant, while the car still has a strong presence on the road.

Despite the model representing the next step in Volvo's electric evolution, there is no doubt which brand the car comes from. The design language is immediately recognisable, while the details signal that this is a model developed for a new era.

The interior is also characterised by the same philosophy. The choice of materials feels well-considered and the minimalist design contributes to the calm atmosphere within the cabin. Here, one finds the Scandinavian design that Volvo has become known for, where function and aesthetics go hand in hand. The advanced sound system from Bowers & Wilkins is another detail that enhances the premium feel and contributes to the onboard experience.

Back to Steam Hotel

The photos for this article were taken at the Steam Hotel in Västerås. It wasn't actually the first time I'd visited the place with one of Volvo's electric cars.

A while ago I photographed the EX90 Here, and when it was time to photograph the ES90, it felt natural to return. The old industrial building on the shores of Mälaren offers a setting that suits Volvo's modern design language unusually well.

The raw industrial environment and modern architecture create a setting that suits the ES90 very well. Much like the hotel bridges different eras, the ES90 feels like a model that carries Volvo’s traditions forward into the electric future.

A place I like to return to

Steam Hotel is also a hotel I'd gladly return to even when my camera stays at home. I've been here during autumn, winter, and spring, and the experience has been just as appreciated each time.

The building was originally built as the Steam Power Plant in Västerås and played an important role in the city's industrial history for many years. Today, it has been transformed into one of Sweden's most unique hotels, where much of the original character has been preserved.

One of the highlights is the spa and relaxation area at the top of the building. The pools, saunas and view of Lake Mälaren make a visit feel just as pleasant regardless of the season. After several visits over the years, it's easy to understand why the hotel has become a popular destination even for guests who have no business in Västerås.

For me, Steam Hotel was a natural setting for the ES90. The combination of brick, steel, and modern design provided a fitting backdrop to Volvo's new electric premium saloon and helped to highlight the car's character in the photos.

Executive summary

The Volvo ES90 might not be the electric car that focuses most on extreme performance figures or spectacular solutions. Instead, Volvo concentrates on what truly matters in everyday life.

Silence. Quality. Harmony.

After my time with the car, it's the overall experience I'll remember most: the low noise level, the compliant driving feel, and how naturally the electric drive suits the car's character.

Volvo hasn't just built an electric successor to the S90. They've built a car that shows why the premium saloons of the future may very well be electric.

Volvo ES90 Twin Motor Performance

Price: From approximately SEK 1,099,000*
Motor: Electric
Power: 680 hp, 870 Nm
Powertrain: Front and rear engine, four-wheel drive. Single-speed transmission.
Acceleration: 0-100 km/h 4.0 s
Top speed: 180 km/h
Consumption (WLTP): approximately 1.7 kWh/10 km
Range (WLTP): up to 700 km
Battery: 106 kWh (gross)
Service weight: approximately 2,580 kg
Dimensions (length/width/height): 5,000 / 1,942 / 1,549 mm