Volvo ES90: A New Era for Electric Saloons Begins in 2025

Published 11 November 2024

Volvo is poised to revolutionise the electric vehicle landscape with the upcoming ES90, a flagship electric saloon set to rival the BMW i5 and Mercedes-Benz EQE. This marks the first of five ambitious new EV models from Volvo, signalling the brand’s dedication to cutting-edge technology and premium automotive design.

A Technological and Market Milestone

Set for a grand reveal in March 2025 at a special event in Stockholm, Sweden, the ES90 is more than just another addition to Volvo’s line-up—it’s a strategic move that positions the company at the forefront of premium electric saloons. As a replacement for the S90, the ES90 is designed to cater to global markets, with a particular focus on satisfying the high demands of Chinese consumers, who value spacious interiors and advanced tech features.

Design and Engineering Excellence

Volvo’s design ethos, as seen in the ES90, borrows heavily from its electric SUV siblings, the EX30 and EX90. This includes signature elements such as a high beltline, ‘Thor’s Hammer’ LED headlights, and a sleek, fastback-style roofline that enhances its aerodynamic profile. The teaser images suggest a car that maintains Volvo’s minimalist yet luxurious aesthetic, embodying modern Scandinavian design principles.

The ES90 will be built on the SPA2 platform, shared with the EX90, highlighting the advanced engineering and modularity at the core of Volvo’s next-gen models. This platform supports a robust suite of technology, including over-the-air updates, enhancing user experience through continuous improvements.

Power and Performance

While full technical details remain under wraps, it is anticipated that the ES90 will come with a 111kWh battery. A vehicle of its size and design could potentially deliver a range of up to 373 miles on a single charge. The ES90 is expected to offer both single-motor rear-wheel-drive and dual-motor all-wheel-drive versions. The all-wheel-drive variant could feature power outputs starting at 402bhp, with a high-performance version pushing up to 502bhp, paralleling the capabilities of the EX90.

The car’s size—approximately 4999mm in length with a 3100mm wheelbase—aims to optimise cabin space, aligning with the demand for premium saloons that combine luxury and practicality. Notably, the ES90 may incorporate lidar technology, enhancing its advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) for superior safety and semi-autonomous driving capabilities.

Market Strategy and Future Prospects

Despite Volvo’s earlier target of becoming fully electric by 2030, CEO Jim Rowan has highlighted the complexities of a global transition to EVs. The company now aims for 90–100% of its sales to come from electric and plug-in hybrid models by the end of the decade, acknowledging differing paces of EV adoption worldwide. Nonetheless, Volvo remains committed to leading the charge in sustainability and electrification.

The ES90 is poised to anchor this strategic pivot, not as a mass-market powerhouse but as a technological flagship. It sets the stage for upcoming models, such as the anticipated EX60 in 2026, which will expand Volvo’s reach in the competitive medium SUV segment. This new platform will also allow Volvo to explore diverse body styles, potentially reintroducing electric estates—further enriching their EV line-up.