Review: Volvo ES90 EV

Volvo’s push further up the premium sector with its new ES90 has me questioning what room is left for automotive’s established luxury brands.

At £79,100 as tested, the giant Swedish hatchback is at the top end of what was once considered acceptable for a premium car.

But it was hard to comprehend exactly how much might be gained from spending twice as much, or even more.

Volvo’s non-SUV flagship is five metres long, with a vast 3.1m wheelbase liberating impressive cabin space.

Prices start at £67,560 for the 329bhp, rear-wheel-drive Single Motor Extended Range version in Plus trim, with the Ultra tested here available from £77,260.

There are also 443bhp Twin Motor and 671bhp Twin Motor Performance all-wheel-drive options.

The ES90 sits on a new EV platform that allows for 350kW rapid charging. On top of a 413-mile range, that makes it a feasible long-range travelling companion.

The cabin is certainly a space that most would be content to spend an extended amount of time in.

Occupants will revel in its soothingly understated and clutter-free ambience.

Volvo’s sustainable approach to EV production means all ES90s are made using recycled materials and, inside, upholstery made from recycled PET bottles, continues this theme.

The interior materials are tactile and perceived build quality impressive.

The dashtop tweeter of the 14-speaker Bose sound system and its roller-style volume dial forming eye-catching centrepieces, while a large panoramic sunroof bathes the cabin with light.

Rear knee room is plentiful, albeit the ES90’s large underfloor battery leaves no space for occupants to slide their feet under the front seats.

The ES90’s dynamics are focussed on comfort rather than offering BMW levels of engagement.

The steering and brakes are reassuringly weighted and progress is extremely refined, a 6.6-second dash to 62mph and effortless mid-range urge making the single motor version plenty fast enough for most.

My week with the ES90 was not entirely quibble-free.

The Ultra’s air suspension provided cocooning ride comfort on most surfaces but was slightly undermined by the optional 22-inch alloys of our test car (£200), which could jolt into potholes.

A tiny rear window may also confound some potential buyers. Volvo’s sister brand, Polestar, forgoes a rear window in its ‘4’ but replaces its rear-view mirror with a camera display.

Finally, Volvo’s Google-powered 14.3-inch infotainment system is beautifully rendered and quick in its responses, with Google Maps providing useful guidance on EV range and charging options.

However, Volvo’s bid to rid the cabin of clutter leaves it too reliant on the touchscreen.

Want to adjust the steering wheel, mirrors or open the glovebox? You will be delving into the on-screen menus.

Overall, though, I was left hugely impressed by what is an extremely polished premium EV.

Volvo ES90 Single Motor Extended Range

Price: £79,100 (as tested)

Engine: 92kWh battery

Power: 329bhp

Torque: 480Nm

Transmission: single-speed

Top Speed: 112mph (limited)

0-62mph: 6.6 seconds

Range: 413 miles (WLTP combined)

CO2 emissions: 0g/km