World premiere Volvo's luxury model ES90

Related Vendors

FAULHABER Drive Systems

Wuxi InfiMotion Technology Co., Ltd.

With the ES90, Volvo aims to elevate electromobility to a higher level. The fastback sedan offers understated luxury, plenty of space, and above all, high charging speed.

Two key things stand out when following developments at Volvo. First: Why does the manufacturer, which can't transition to electric drives quickly enough, not yet offer fast charging? And second: Where are the station wagons? Now Volvo comes around with the ES90, available from 72,000 euros (78.076,80 USD), a stately, exactly five-meter-long sedan. And not that it would be unaesthetic—the opposite is true—but the station wagon is actually embedded in Volvo's DNA. It's outrageous that there's no restocking in sight here.

Perhaps one simply needs to think more globally, as Volvo sells particularly in the non-wagon markets of the world. And the reason why Volvo is evasive in answering questions about demand for wagons likely lies exactly in this global activity. It's no coincidence that the ES90 is produced in China, specifically in Chengdu.

Plenty of space for vacation trips

So, one must console oneself with the fact that the four-door sedan at least appeals to the senses with its ample, stylish glass roof and high beltline. The trunk holds 500 liters, providing enough space for a holiday trip. Folding down the backrests increases the volume to 1,256 liters. It's good that the Swedes chose the "fastback" concept, even if this category tends to be generally difficult to market in this country.

And what will it be like to travel in the ES90? Driving is not yet allowed today. But a seating test is possible. Since the wheat from the chaff often separates in the back, the second row wants to be inspected. Here, alongside a control panel and comfortable seats, there is so much legroom (3.10-meter (approx. 10 ft) wheelbase) that the second row may well be called First Class. However, the absence of grab handles is an indication of cutting costs in the wrong place. Otherwise, the interior delights with fine wood décor elements and a restrained design language. Yet, the touch craze is rampant here too. A glove compartment should always be opened with a physical button.

Gallery

Let's return to the topic of travel, or rather vacation, which typically takes place farther away from home. Long breaks along the way to the holiday destination are particularly annoying. In the ES90, long forced breaks should become a thing of the past because the engineers have equipped it with fast-charging capability appropriate for its class. As the first model of the brand, the large sedan enjoys an 800-volt electrical system. The result is reflected in the data sheet: charging from 10 to 80 percent now takes only 20 minutes (instead of 30). In other words, the Volvo can recharge 300 kilometers of range in just 10 minutes. A total of 700 kilometers (WLTP), approx. 434 miles, is theoretically possible on a single battery charge.

Three drive variants

Performance is generally a topic with the ES90, not just in terms of charging capability. Three different drive variants are listed in the price list. The base with a permanent synchronous motor on the rear axle comes with 245 kW. The China-Swede, with 480 Newton meters of torque, is expected to reach 100 km/h (62 mph) in 6.9 seconds. Two all-wheel drive versions (330 kW and 500 kW) complement the portfolio. The two-and-a-half-ton vehicle then takes 5.5 or four seconds to reach 100 km/h, respectively. Additionally, 670 or 870 Newton meters should provide a very special sovereignty. The top speed is always 180 km/h (approx. 112 mph).

The latest representative of the SPA2 architecture, of course, comes with countless assistants and high computing power. The safety sensors leave their mark on the roof in the form of a not-so-stylish bulge for the Lidar unit. How well all the assistance functions in practice will be revealed at the driving presentation. The ES90 is expected to reach customers by the end of this year, so there is still some time to come to terms with the absence of the station wagon.

Smart-Factory

Access solutions for the Smart Factory - Industry 4.0