All-new Volvo ES90 electric saloon to get 435-mile range

• Electric saloon with range of up to 435 miles
• “Software defined car” with “safety at the forefront”
• Full reveal on March 5th

Electric carmakers seem to be locked in a heightening range war, and the all-new Volvo ES90 is the latest model to launch its attack. The premium electric saloon isn’t set to be unveiled until March 5th, but the Swedish brand has already confirmed that it will have a range of up to 435 miles, trumping the likes of the BMW i5 and Porsche Taycan.

We’re still a week away from the full reveal of the ES90, but Volvo has released a few shadowy teaser images to whet our appetites. The images don’t give away much beyond a few design details here and there, but what will be most apparent is the sleek saloon body of the ES90; something that has become a rarity on today’s SUV-crazed roads.

Besides the range figure, Volvo has confirmed very few technical details, but it’s keen to hammer home that the ES90 is a “software-defined” vehicle, using all sorts of cutting edge tech under the skin to improve safety and connectivity. In fact, it’s gone as far as to claim that the ES90 is the “most powerful car we have ever created” – but not in terms of horsepower.

What do we know so far about the Volvo ES90?

First things first, the ES90 is the spiritual successor to the Volvo S90 that was discontinued in 2023, but – as the E in its name indicates – it will be fully-electric this time around. The name follows the convention set up by the EX30 and EX90 SUVs that have recently hit the market, with ‘X’ models being SUVs and ‘S’ models being saloons.

The ES90 will have more in common with the EX90 than just a name, though. The two cars will share Volvo’s electric ‘SPA2’ platform, which is also the foundation for the Polestar 3. As expected, the ES90 will inherit the 107kWh battery and dual-motor, all-wheel drive configuration from those cars, but we wouldn’t be surprised if a more affordable single-motor model appears at some point.

While the EX90 has a range of 375 miles, the sleek, saloon shape of the ES90 has seen that increase to 435 miles. It will also be the first Volvo to use an 800-volt electrical system, an upgrade over the EX90’s 400-volt system. This has unlocked faster charging speeds for the ES90, which top out at 350kW – Volvo says you’ll be able to add 186 miles of range in just 10 minutes using a compatible charger.

The 800-volt system has also allowed Volvo to fit lighter electric motors and other components, helping to reduce the vehicle’s overall weight and improve efficiency. This has had a beneficial impact on acceleration and range according to Volvo.

What will the Volvo ES90 look like?

So what can we see in these new images? At first glance, the ES90 doesn’t look all that different from the S90 in profile. It still has a sleek silhouette with a roofline that slopes down to the short rear decklid. It does look a bit longer, though – the side glass appears to have been stretched and the windscreen pushed further forward, which could result in a more spacious cabin in the ES90.

The rear-view angle gives us a clear view of the ES90’s tail-light design. The main claw-shaped units look similar to what we’ve seen fitted to the EX30 and EX90, but they hark back to the old S90 saloon, too. Like the brand’s latest electric models, the ES90 has also picked up a set of tail-lights integrated into the rear pillars, made up of several individual segments.

Also pinched from the EX90 is the hump above the windscreen which is used to house the various driving aid sensors. These are part of what Volvo calls its “Safe Space Technology”, a suite of tech features that “help avoid accidents and hazards on the road, with the aim of making your everyday journey safer and more enjoyable”.

What does Volvo mean by “software defined car”?

“Software-defined” is an expression that’s being thrown around in the car industry these days, especially when it comes to the latest EVs. Essentially, the ES90 has been designed from the ground up around the latest computing technology, which has led Volvo to describe it as its “most powerful car” ever.

"Powerful" meaning computing power, not horsepower – sorry, driving enthusiasts. That means the new Nvidia chips that power the car are more advanced than ever and have better connectivity capabilities for over-the-air updates. There’s even some AI tech baked in, which will power some of the car’s safety systems.

Volvo’s Chief Engineering and Technology Officer, Anders Bell, explains: “The Volvo ES90 is one of the most technically advanced cars on the market today and is designed to be improved further with time. Built on our state-of-the-art Superset tech stack, the ES90 puts safety at the forefront.”

How much will the Volvo ES90 cost and when can I buy one?

More details, including price and range and performance specs, will be revealed following the ES90’s debut on March 5th. It will compete with cars like the Audi A6 e-tron and BMW i5, but it’s likely to be more expensive. The Volvo EX90, with which the ES90 shares its platform and tech, starts from over £96,000, so we wouldn’t be surprised if the ES90 commanded a similar amount.

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