Welcome to the first ever installment of a two part review which will be done by both in-house editors. Both editors are quite the different individual so the experience should be broad in perspective, what better car to quick start this segement than the most technologically advanced vehicle we have ever received in the garage.
Volvo gave us a go at the impressive ES90 in its Single Motor Extended Range variant that is rich in technology, consists of an intelligent eco friendly materials and positioned as the future of the Swedish stable.
Exterior looks
The executive sedan is becoming an endangered species in South Africa, and I genuinely miss it. Before SUVs took over every parking lot, this was the shape that made me fall in love with cars. Long bonnets, elegant proportions and just enough presence to make you slow down for a second look. The Volvo ES90 reminded me why.
Volvo has mastered something many manufacturers struggle with: restraint. Rather than chasing trends, the Swedish brand has built its reputation on clean, understated designs that age remarkably well. The ES90 continues that philosophy. The ES90 proved to be a hit on the road with many not only noticing its design but coming close to take selfies. The Thor hammer LED daytime lights lights are neatly integrated with lower bumper mounted LED lights for a very catchy look. The no vent front fascia is typical EV with no open grille whilst the Volvo logo breaks the blandish mid front design. The lower air intake gives the lower front a dynamic look whilst also cooling batteries mounted on the floor.
Even though the Ultra spec of the ES90 on test didn't come with the Pixel-LED headlights as on the EX90, the standard HD headlamps light the night with advanced adaptive technology that can have high beam on the sides whilst not distracting oncoming traffic. Besides being a wonderful to watch feature, its definitely one of the real world safety highlights.
Scandinavian opulence and luxury is personified by 21-inch alloy wheels which come standard on the Ultra spec, flush door handles for a reduced drag co efficient, and the expansive electrochromic panoramic sunroof which now features a sun protection curtain.
I am very happy with something which I am not sure whether is a coincidence or a deliberate act. The S90 which the ES90 takes over from, has always controversially had a chat centered around the front design of the vehicle not matching that of the rear. Thus making it feel like the person who designed the front, was not the person who designed the rear of the car.
The same can be said for the ES90 which features a fastback profile with a "bluff" vertical termination, wide "hips," and a gracefully narrowing body to reduce drag. It incorporates animated C-shaped taillights that sweep upwards, an integrated spoiler, a gloss black bumper, and a hatchback-style electronic tailgate for convenient cargo access
It's a big boy too, the executive sedan measures at 5,000 mm in length, 1,942 mm in width (excluding mirrors), and 1,546 mm to 1,550 mm in height. The curb weight (running order mass) of the Volvo ES90 ranges from 2,410 kg to 2,628 kg, depending on the powertrain and trim.
The interior of the ES90
The interior is what we have always expected from the Scandinavian car maker with quality fit and finish complemented by practical layout and design. The minimalistic layout proved a hit with many passengers who immediately had positive comments when entering the ES90. Everything about the interior shouted class and premium look.
The interior handles for closing the door take some getting used to whilst the door opening switch proved to be a challenge for some passengers but once one sends more time with the car, it proved natural to use. One will have to be careful of the bright leather colours on this item as it will definitely get dirty easily over time.
The 14.2 inch infotainment screen controls all audio, climate and car set up functionality which looks awesome but in practice (especially whilst driving) can be distracting. One does get used to operating it though. Linked to an onboard internet dongle, the ES90 system proved a wonderful tech feast for the young ones and allowed one to tailor-make the system to suit ones lifestyle (you can download apps you like). The instrument cluster screen is small in front of the driver but conveys all the info one needs when driving whilst the Heads Up Display complements the conveying of driving info.
The 1610 Watts Bowers and Wilkins sound system features 25 speakers placed around the cabin and its one of the highlights of driving the ES90. One will never understand how great this system is until one experiences it first hand.
Some of the speakers are integrated into the headrest. Safety warning sounds are also conveyed via these speakers making the driver much more aware.
The interior space is an executive place to spend time with enough space for 5 adults to travel in comfort however the high floor has the effect of your knees being higher than in normal cars. This is partly due to the batteries placed underneath the ES90 platform.
The Drive
Everyone and I mean everyone who travelled inside the ES90 had positive comments about its comfort and ride quality. Even with the 21inch wheels, the Ultra ES90 we had on test proved a pure relaxing drive. The EV benefits of no mechanical sound intrusion into the cabin is there but the sound insulation around the A pillars is so good one tends to feel the car is not moving. When one puts the car into sport - dynamic, you feel that you are putting the ES90 outside of its comfort zone. Its bulk is also apparent when pushed in corner. The 245kW/480Nm single motor that drives the rear wheels gives a claimed 0-100km/h sprint of 6.6 seconds topping at 180km/h. Volvo claims around 700km range but we averaged 500km with a full charge. That makes it one of the highest range EVs in the real word (only the BMW IX50 we drove a few years back gave us more) but when one looks at the Total Cost of Ownership, the ES90, like most EVs, is in a class of its own. Charging costs are far lower than petrol or even diesel. Range anxiety is still there largely due to lack of charging infrastructure across long distances but for a car to use around town, the ES90 is peerless. When one takes the price of R1 795 000 for the Ultra ES90, the actual cost one spends per month is much lower than an equivalent priced sedan. Add to that the full maintenance plan and battery warranty and peace of mind is guaranteed.
Overall the ES90 is a great package which can only be bettered by the EX60 EV SUV which will likely give us the same positives in an SUV package.