By Alex Andersson

Hey, car enthusiasts! I’m Alex Andersson, your go-to car reviewer, and I’m beyond excited to share an exclusive first look at the 2025 Volvo ES90—a breathtaking electric sedan unveiled at its world premiere on March 5, 2025. As Volvo’s second model on the advanced SPA2 platform (shared with the EX90), this isn’t just another EV—it’s a bold leap in design, technology, and performance. I got early access to this stunner a week and a half before its launch, spending hours digging into every detail. From its sleek lines to its plush interior and jaw-dropping specs, let’s take a full tour of the ES90. Buckle up—this is going to be a ride!

Specs First: Power, Range, and Pricing

Before we admire its looks, let’s break down the numbers that make the ES90 tick. Volvo offers three flavors, each with unique appeal:

• Single Motor (Core):
  • Battery: 88kWh usable
  • Power: 333hp, rear-wheel drive
  • 0-100km/h: 6.9 seconds
  • Range: 650km WLTP (315 miles EPA)
  • Charging: 300kW peak (10-80% in 20 minutes)
  • Price (Norway): 660,000 NOK (~ USD 62,000, TBD for US/EU/UK)
• Twin Motor (Ultra):
  • Battery: 102kWh usable
  • Power: 449hp, dual motors (AWD)
  • 0-100km/h: 5.5 seconds
  • Range: 700km WLTP (330 miles EPA)
  • Charging: 350kW peak (10-80% in 20 minutes)
  • Price (Norway): 855,000 NOK
• Twin Motor Performance (Ultra):
  • Battery: 102kWh usable
  • Power: 680hp, dual motors (AWD)
  • 0-100km/h: 4.0 seconds
  • Range: 700km WLTP (330 miles EPA)
  • Charging: 350kW peak (10-80% in 20 minutes)
  • Price (Norway): 920,000 NOK

All models cap at Volvo’s usual 180km/h and run on an 800-volt architecture, delivering some of the fastest charging speeds in the class. That 650-700km WLTP range outshines rivals like the Mercedes EQE and Audi A6 e-tron, especially at a lower entry price in Norway. US, EU, and UK pricing is still TBD (I’ll update when I get it), but Volvo’s gunning for value in the premium EV sedan space.

Exterior Design: Volvo’s New Face Shines

The ES90 flaunts Volvo’s latest design language, which debuted with the EX90 in 2022 and honed on the EX30. The front rocks the Thor’s Hammer LED headlights—a pixelated evolution with a sleek DRL strip slashing downward. It’s simpler than the EX90’s shutter-style lights but sharper than the EX30’s, perfectly suiting a sedan. The grille-less face, stamped with a fresh Volvo logo, keeps it clean, while bumper vents open for battery and AC cooling. Its drag coefficient sits at 0.24-0.25—not the best (some rivals hit 0.20), but at 1.55m tall, it prioritizes style over slipperiness.

From the side, the ES90 screams elegance. It’s perched on four-corner air suspension (set to its lowest during my tour) and rolls on stunning 22-inch wheels—255s upfront, 285s at the rear. They’re not efficiency champs, but they’re gorgeous. A sharp shoulder line, black cladding, and flush door handles give it a muscular yet refined profile. A LiDAR sensor juts from the roof—functional, if not pretty, and less taxi-like than the EX90’s. The rear, with hook-shaped taillights and a vertical strip on the hatch, echoes the Volvo P1800 and Polestar 1. Coated in Aurora Silver—a blue-purple shimmer—it’s one of 2025’s most striking designs. Love it or not? Drop your take below!

Practicality: Frunk, Trunk, and Hatchback Vibes

The ES90’s a hatchback, not a classic sedan, boosting its utility. Pop the frunk, and it’s small—room for cables and washer fluid (6L capacity), but not much else (exact size TBD). The trunk offers:

• Capacity: 446L VDA below the beltline
• Features: 12V port, side storage, hook
• Misses: No grocery dividers or seat-fold buttons

It’s decent, not massive, but the hatchback shape makes it practical. I’d kill for a station wagon version (an EV90, maybe?)—Sweden’s wagon fans would go wild.

Interior: Cozy Luxury with a Few Quirks

Step inside, and the ES90 ups the ante over the EX90. My test car had Dawn Nordico—Volvo’s synthetic leather that’s more wetsuit than hide. It’s decent, but at this price, I’d want Napa leather as an option. The dash boasts full leather, soft-touch plastics, and backlit wood trim, crafting a cozy, premium vibe. The 15-inch vertical touchscreen is snappy (if buggy in this pre-production unit), with driver monitoring locked on (unlike the EX30) but lane-keep and speed alerts toggleable. Software updates should polish it.

The seats are Volvo’s hallmark—ventilated, perforated, and adjustable with side bolsters. At 5’11” (180cm), I dialed in a comfy driving position, though taller folks might crave a lower seat. Rear passengers enjoy:

• Space: Epic knee room from a 3.1m wheelbase
• Perks: Reclining seats, heated/ventilated options, dual climate zones, USB-C ports
• Quirk: High floor from the battery limits foot room—knees ride high vs. the Audi A6 e-tron

It’s plush but not flawless—still, a solid cockpit feel.

Sound System: Bowers & Wilkins Bliss

The Bowers & Wilkins sound system (matching the EX90’s spec) is pure joy. I cranked it up, and the clarity and depth blew me away—ideal for a premium EV. It’s a standout that justifies the Ultra trim’s price tag.

Pros and Cons

• Pros:
  • Competitive pricing (especially Single Motor)
  • Stellar range (650-700km WLTP)
  • Lightning-fast charging (350kW max)
  • Gorgeous, distinctive design
  • Luxurious, cozy interior
• Cons:
  • High rear floor cuts foot room
  • Frunk and trunk aren’t huge
  • Software still buggy (pre-production)
  • LiDAR roof hump isn’t pretty

Verdict: Is the Volvo ES90 a Game-Changer?

So, what’s my take on the 2025 Volvo ES90? It’s a winner. The base Single Motor is a bargain—650km range, 300kW charging, and a price that undercuts rivals. The Twin Motor (my sweet spot) blends power, 700km range, and luxury for 855,000 NOK in Norway. The 680hp Performance version is fun but overkill for most. The design is drop-dead gorgeous, the interior is plush (despite that floor quirk), and the tech is top-tier. If it drives as well as the EX90—or better, given its sedan stance—it’ll shake up the segment.

Production kicks off in Q3 2025 in Chengdu, China, with Europe seeing deliveries by Q1-Q2 2026. Volvo’s EV delays (looking at you, EX90) are a slight concern, but the ES90 feels worth it. What’s your verdict? Comment below! If you loved this review, hit that thumbs-up and subscribe—I’m chasing 75,000 subscribers in 2025, and you’re the key. I’m Alex Andersson, signing off—see you next time!

Key Specs Recap

• Base Price (Norway): 660,000 NOK (Single Motor)
• Battery: 88kWh or 102kWh
• Range: 650-700km WLTP
• Charging: 300-350kW (10-80% in 20 mins)
• Power: 333-680hp
• Wheelbase: 3.1m
• Trunk: 446L VDA