Review: Volvo ES90 Ultra

Volvo’s flagship electric saloon gives more for less than rivals.

The ES90 sits taller in person than you'd expect from photos.

I have always been a fan of Volvo’s flagship sedan, the S80, that spanned from 1998 to 2006 (first generation) and 2006 to 2016 (second generation). A less shouty flagship than the equivalent Mercedes E-Class or BMW 5-Series, it went all-in on comfort and focused on lowering your heart rate. It was succeeded by the S90 that went a bit more upmarket, but still largely stuck to the same playbook.

Rear legroom is absolutely divine in the ES90.

Continuing the lineage as an all-electric vehicle, the ES90 now is offering even more - it’s priced lower than the E-Class/5-Series, but offers as much space, features (and arguably luxury) as a S-Class or 7-Series. Its wheelbase of 3.1-metres equals the standard wheelbase S-Class. You know the ES90 means business and is competing in the big leagues. Now you know why I brought along a W126 to the photoshoot. 

The roofline is pretty, while the overall design is well-proportioned.

Volvo went for conservative but handsome design with the ES90, so it features the now-famous Thor’s Hammer headlights and simple, minimalist lines. There is a useful 22-litre frunk, and the 424-litre rear boot opens as a fastback, so loading/unloading is made super easy but it does mean an abruptly cut-off rear design rounded off by C-shaped LED rear lamps. It looks a little off in an otherwise very resolved design. And before you ask, Volvo says the ES90 could be a sedan, fastback or even an SUV - you be the judge. I personally feel it looks like a sedan. 

The Thor's Hammer headlamps are a key Volvo visual identity.

Built on the SPA2 platform like the EX90, Volvo has left no stone unturned to make sure the ES90 is at the cutting-edge of electric vehicles. Powered by core computers that are said to be an eightfold improvement over the previous S90, this Volvo is very techy. It stands out among Continental brands because while most of them have been left behind, Volvo benefits from being part of Geely Holding Group, which is a major manufacturer of EVs. So the ES90 comes as standard with a 800V platform - impressive base from which to start with. ES90s bound for Singapore are capable of 310 kW DC and 11 kW AC charging speeds, but the dual-motor variant (not available here) can charge even faster at 350 kW DC. There is a rather large 92 kWh battery that gives up to a very usable 661 km of range on the WLTP cycle.

The short rear overhang looks a little odd.

You could say Polestar is also in the same boat with its EV technology. However, unlike the closely related Polestars, Volvo got the execution right with the ES90. There is no pretense in trying to be sporty here; it’s all about comfort and refinement, which showcases the chassis and platform in its best light. In the Ultra version, air suspension is standard which gives a sublime ride. Power is in abundance with 333 hp and 480 Nm, which gets the car from 0-100 km/h in 6.6 seconds. As with Volvos of the past, it’s not the best handling car around, but that’s really alright. It is still tidy to drive; being rear-wheel drive does help make it feel more dynamic, while the stiff chassis makes the car respond like it is hewn-from-stone. It’s a true luxury car of the highest order.

Generous boot space with a fastback opening that aids in access.

Noise levels are unprecedentedly low (drag coefficient (Cd): 0.25); I’ve never driven a more refined Volvo. With this, the Bowers & Wilkins 25-speaker, 1610W sound system can be fully enjoyed. Features like Dolby Atmos, headrest & ceiling speakers and Abbey Road mode (replicating the sounds of London’s Abbey Road Studios) are deeply impressive, especially with the whisper-quiet cabin. 

The sound system is fully enjoyed thanks to the quiet cabin.

The interior technology of the ES90 is also a win. Again, even though it is somewhat similar to Polestars, it works far better, which is snappy, quick and intuitive thanks to the Snapdragon platform. The 14.5-inch centre display screen is Google-based, so there’s seamless integration with the whole Google ecosystem. In a nod to well-being, an advanced air purifier comes as standard that stops up to 95% of PM 2.5 particulates from entering the cabin and removes 99.9 per cent of grass, tree and pollen allergens.

Minimalist, without being overly so.

Interior quality is worth mentioning. Besides soft-touch materials in almost everywhere you touch, there are also proper luxury options like ventilated seats (front and back). If you opt for the Ultra like the press car here, you even get an electrochromic panoramic sunroof, reclining rear seats, soft-close doors and front massage seats that actually feel like a proper good relaxing sesh instead of feeble hands. If you can’t tell by now, I’m really impressed. 

Range is pretty impressive at over 600 km.

As a Volvo, safety remains a primary USP so there is a strong safety cage, optimised deformation zones and a plethora of sensors that help guide active safety systems. One such sensor in the cabin can even sense submilimetre movement in the car, like the soft breathing of a sleeping baby - just in case you forgot to take your loved one out of the car.

Strange parallel? A lot less than you think.

When I think of the ES90, I probably could surmise it being a fantastic combination of Scandinavian luxury and wellness. This is easily my favourite Volvo I’ve driven in the last few years. 

Photos by Sean Seah