Volvo ES90 review

The ES90 is the second Volvo to be launched that uses the SPA2 electric architecture, and we’ve been very impressed with that so far. The refinement’s the thing here. There’s almost no trace of any wind or tyre noise, to the extent that it’s almost a little spooky. This is the way of things with electric cars, of course, especially at the high end. The ES90 glides imperiously down the road and has an authority and condescension for the usual disrupting factors. 

It reminds us of a Rolls-Royce Ghost, in fact. It’s soft and well-damped without being lollopy or losing control, although bad surfaces can stretch the suspension’s capabilities a bit. 

Anything else of note? 

The slippery aerodynamics help that sense of serene progress, and the car’s weight deepens that feeling, too. This calmness extends to the absence of the egregious bongs and chimes that makes modern motoring such a nuisance. The ES90 may be rammed to the gunwhales with advanced driving assistance tech, but it seems that Volvo has figured out how to make this stuff work seamlessly rather than dangling you over a precipice of existential despair. Although you can still turn it all off by delving into the on-screen assistance menu. Note also that Volvo’s Intelligent Speed Assist limits the response from the accelerator if you exceed the limit. A warning chime isn’t enough for these guys. 

Sounds good, overall...

It all adds up to a car of class-leading refinement and atmosphere. Whether it’s fun to drive is a different question, but then buyers in this sector aren’t chasing steering feel or interactivity. They want competence and authority. The character that was once located in a car’s powertrain is now to be found in its cabin ambience and overall sense of well-being. In this regard, the ES90 aces it.

Dive into the on-screen menu and there’s much adjustment to be had, beefing up the steering and throttle response, but the most emollient settings suit the car best. We found the one-pedal drive mode rather aggressive, but that’s a personal thing and easily modulated.

In single-motor guise, this isn’t a car that particularly wants to be hurried. But as a device in which to filter out the noise and content overload of the modern world, it’s exceptional. Volvo claims 3.9 miles per kWh for the single motor car. Our test route was a bit fiddly but we’d expect more like 3.2 mpkWh.