Update 11-12-2024: Volvo has confirmed that the ES90 will be revealed in March of 2025 at an event in Stockholm, Sweden. The ES90 was developed with a focus on the Chinese market, but it will be sold worldwide.
A few years ago, Volvo became one of many brands to declare all-in on an electric-only future. The automaker has since backpedaled on that electric-only promise. However, the Chinese-owned Swedish manufacturer has already eliminated gas-only vehicles for the U.S. Starting with the 2023 model year, every Volvo sold here was either a mild hybrid, hybrid, or EV. Volvo also ceased production of its diesel engine in other parts of the world.
So, we know the EVs are coming, but Volvo has kept mum on the what and when. The ES90 is one of those secrets, and it's allegedly the heir apparent to the S90. Currently available in the U.S. as a mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid (PHEV), the writing on the wall says the S90 might not be around much longer.
The U.K. dropped the midsize luxury sedan from its lineup last summer along with the S60, V60, and V90. Even though S90 sales were up 13.3% last year, that amounted to just 1,451 units out of 128,701 total U.S. sales. The XC crossovers, however, combined for 84% of Volvo's year-end numbers. Nevertheless, if that sales jump, even in small increments, is any indication, there is still interest in luxury sedans. Perhaps more so when sufficiently electrified.
What Will The Volvo ES90 Look Like?
Volvo’s recent 90/90 livestream provided us with the very first teaser (seen above) of the ES90. At the end of the video (see below) stream—time stamp 1:10:58—a shrouded silhouette appeared on one side of a balancing see-saw. The words “Volvo ES90” and “Coming Soon” appeared before the video ended. In typical teaser fashion, Volvo didn’t elaborate on any details whatsoever on the vehicle. But, given the use of the “ES” moniker instead of “S,” it’s safe to assume that this will be a fully electric sedan sitting at the top of Volvo’s lineup.
Interestingly, although we can’t see much in the outline, the ES90’s glass area only looks somewhat similar to Volvo’s current crop of sedans. The high-deck, short trunk lid of the gas-powered S60 and S90 are here, but the vehicle’s A-pillar appears substantially further forward than the designs of Volvo’s existing ICE sedans. Unfortunately, Volvo did an excellent job ensuring we can’t see much of anything.
Gallery: Volvo Concept Recharge
Previously, Volvo said the 2021 Concept Recharge (gallery above) was the "manifesto" for its next generation of BEVs, so we can take some cues from that. The concept uses an EV-specific global platform that allows a large battery pack to fit under a flat floor. This creates flexibility in manufacturing as the wheelbase can be extended, the wheel sizes can vary, and the overhangs can be designed shorter. We can see these design elements translated into a production vehicle, like the all-new EX30 small crossover.
What Will Power The Volvo ES90?
Since Volvo is part of the Geely group, the ES90 will likely use a variant of the SEA (Sustainable Experience Architecture) platform used on the Polestar 4 and a whole gaggle of other Geely group products. That platform is fairly modular, seeing service on relatively affordable models like the Volvo EX30, but also altered substantially for use in super sedans like the Lotus Emeya.
Referring to Chinese documents released in spring 2022, the ES90 will feature the same 111-kWh battery available in the EX90. In the dual-motor, all-wheel-drive EX90, the battery pack produces up to 510 horsepower and 671 pound-feet of torque. Given that a midsize sedan should weigh less than a large three-row SUV, the ES90 can easily offer the same performance, if not more.
What Will Be The Range Of The Volvo ES90?
Preliminary numbers for the EX90 show a range of 300 miles with the 111-kWh battery pack. We can expect at least that with the ES90. Charging from 10 to 80 percent can also take as little as 30 minutes when utilizing a 250-kW DC fast charger.
How Much Will The Volvo ES90 Cost?
The 2024 S90 mild-hybrid starts at $57,700, while the PHEV starts at $65,650. The destination fee adds another $1,195. If the ES90 is equipped with the twin-motor powertrain of the EX90, which starts at $76,695, a safe bet is the EV sedan will have a starting MSRP of around 70 grand. If a single-motor variant is offered, it's possible it starts where the S90 Recharge price point currently is.
As far as the competitive set, it's a small group. The Germans include the BMW i5 and Mercedes-Benz EQE. The base Bavarian eDrive40 RWD starts at $66,800, while the Stuttgart sedan has an entry price of $74,900 for the EQE 350+ RWD. American rivals would be the Lucid Air ($69,900 for the Pure RWD) and the Tesla Model S ($66,490 for now). The Korean-built Genesis G80 has a higher starting MSRP, but in typical South Korean fashion, the vehicle is essentially fully loaded, as only one package add-on is available. Everyone else can easily hit six figures thanks to premium paints, package options, and other accessories.
When Will The Volvo ES90 Debut?
We don't expect the production ES90 to go on sale anytime soon. 2026 seems to be the target date for its arrival, though it will be revealed earlier in March of 2025. We do expect to see more teasers, though, and should have more concrete info on a launch schedule, most likely by early next year.
