Volvo's sleek ES90 is a fast-charging, long-range traveler
STOCKHOLM — The Volvo ES90 will charge faster and go farther than any electric vehicle in the automaker's lineup. It will also be the sleekest Volvo in the company's nearly 100-year history.
Volvo said the ES90 full-electric large premium car blends characteristics from three vehicle types: the elegance of a sedan, the flexibility of a fastback as well as the spaciousness and higher ground clearance of an SUV.
By catering to all three, Volvo says the ES90 'carves out a new space for itself' putting the car 'in a class of its own.'
When asked about the risks of trying to be three things at once, Volvo Chief Product and Strategy Officer Erik Severinson recognized the potential dilemma.
'Is it a car for everyone or a car for no one?' he said when considering the question.
'I think we have found a really good balance,' he told Automotive News Europe. 'Design-wise, we managed to keep it in a package that is appealing to sedan customers as well as a crossover or fastback customers.
The ES90's proportions translate into a drag coefficient (Cd) of 0.25, which is the best ever for an automaker. By comparison, the Porsche Taycan full-electric luxury sedan has a Cd rating of 0.22 (the lower number the better the aerodynamics).
Sign up for the Automotive News Europe Focus on Electrification newsletter, a weekly wrap-up of the latest electric vehicle news, including interviews and global EV sales data.
As a result, Volvo says the ES90 will have a driving range of up to 700 km (435 miles) under the WLTP testing cycle — and it will charge from 10 to 80 percent in just 20 minutes, using a 350-kilowatt fast-charging station. That is a 30 percent improvement over Volvo's flagship electric SUV, the EX90, which was launched last year and rides on the same SPA2 architecture.
The upgrade is partly because of the integration of adaptive charging software from Breathe Battery Technologies. Volvo is the first automaker to get access to the British startup's patented algorithm-enabled charging software, Breathe Charge.
The ES90 is also the first Volvo that can add 300 km [186 miles] of range in just 10 minutes. That is up from about 180 km in 10 minutes with the 400-volt system Volvo offers on the rest of its EVs.
By comparison, the Porsche Taycan can add 315 km of range in 10 minutes using a fast-charging station that offers at least 320 kW of power.
Along with the Taycan, the ES90's rivals will include the electric BMW i5 and Mercedes-Benz EQE, neither of which offer 800-volt charging.
Vehicles that have 800-volt charging capability include the Tesla Cybertruck, Lotus Eletre and Emeya, Audi E-tron GT, Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6.
Order books are open for ES90 in Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the U.K. More markets will follow.
The car will start at €71,990 in Germany.
Volvo will build the ES90 at its factory in Chengdu, China, where it also makes the EX90 electric flagship SUV. Production is scheduled to begin in the third quarter of this year. Deliveries will begin in the fourth quarter of this year and continue into the first quarter of 2026.
Severinson expects China to account for a leading percentage the ES90's sales, but he declined to give a percentage figure. He expects the U.K. to be another key market because there are no additional tariffs on cars built in China and solid in the country.
Volvo's China-built cars sold in the European Union are subject to the bloc's new higher tariff regime for Chinese BEVs. For Volvo, the tariff is 28.8 percent, comprising the EU's usual 10 percent import duty plus an extra 18.8 percent charge meant to offset the Chinese government's subsidies to EV makers.
Severinson said Volvo realizes that it can't pass along that entirety of the tariffs to customers, however, since it competes in the premium segment it has more wiggle room on price than a mass market automaker, but flexibility is highly dependent on the market.
Severinson said Volvo is evaluating whether to sell the ES90 in the U.S., where China-made cars face a tariff of 20 percent after the Trump administration imposed a 10 percent duty on Chinese imports on top of the 10 percent import tax it implemented in February.
CEO Jim Rowan said the ES90 underlines Volvo's position as 'an industry leader in software-defined cars that harness the power of core computing.'
The ES90 is the first Volvo with a centralized system powered by a dual Nvidia Drive AGX Orin configuration capable of more than 500 trillion operations per second. When Nvidia debuted Drive AGX Orin in 2019, it said the system-on-chip was developed to enable scaling from Level 2 advanced driver assistance to Level 5 full-autonomous driving.
The ES90's safety system includes seven cameras, five radars, 12 ultrasonic sensors and a lidar, which work together to help the driver avoid collisions.
Inside, the ES90 is equipped to make the rear-seat passengers as cozy as possible. The car's long wheelbase of 3100 mm meters – more than 10 feet – provides generous legroom for the rear passengers. People riding in the back also have power seats that can recline or be made warmer or cooler.
The ES90's electrochromic panoramic roof lets plenty of natural light enter the cabin while providing nearly 100 percent protection from ultraviolet rays. In addition, with a touch of a button the transparency of the glass can be adjusted to increase or decrease sunlight
The ES90 will compete in Europe's large premium segment, which after the first month of 2025 was led by the BMW 5 Series, followed by the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Audi A6.
The top-selling full-electric cars in the segment is the BMW i5, followed by the Mercedes EQE and the Audi E-tron. All three EVs are ahead of the combined sales of the Volvo S90 and V90 sedan and station wagon. After one month, large premium sales were up 29 percent to 16,008, according to market researcher Dataforce.
In 2024, large premium sales rose 9.5 percent to 188,262, led by the A6, followed by the E-Class and 5 Series. Combined sales of the S90 and V90 dropped 25 percent to 8,335, according to Dataforce.
In the U.S., the S90 is in the large luxury segment, where it finished 2024 in fourth place behind the BMW 7 Series, Mercedes S Class and Lexus LS. Sales of the S90 fell 6.5 percent to 1,896 last year, according to the Automotive News Data Center. Sales for the segment were down 7.5 percent to 28,288.
Vehicles that have 800-volt charging capability include the Tesla Cybertruck, Lotus Eletre and Emeya, Audi E-tron GT, Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6.
The ES90 is Volvo's first full-electric luxury sedan. It shares the automaker's SPA2 underpinnings with the EX90 flagship electric SUV. The ES90 and EX90 are the only models planned to use the company's SPA2 platform as Volvo will switch to the third generation of the architecture, SPA3, starting in 2026 with the EX60 midsize SUV.
The ES90 is the sixth full electric model in Volvo's range. The others are the EX90, EM90 luxury van, EX30 small SUV, EX40 compact SUV and the EC40 compact crossover. Volvo's electric models all start with an 'E' to distinguish them from combustion models, which start with XC for SUVs, S for sedans and V for station wagons.
Volvo previously aimed to be an electric-only brand by 2030, but last September it adjusted those plans, saying that battery-electric and plug-in hybrid cars would account for at least 90 percent of its sales by then. The remainder will be mild hybrids, which mostly rely on a combustion engine.
The ES90 luxury sedan is 5000 mm long, 1942 mm wide, 1547 mm tall with a wheelbase of 3102 mm and a maximum ground clearance of 184 mm
The ES90 will offer three electric powertrains: single motor, twin motor and twin motor performance.
The Single Motor, which is rear-wheel drive, offers 245 kilowatts, which is 329 hp. The maximum torque is 480 newton meters (354 pounds-feet). It can go 0 to 100 (62 mph) in 6.9 seconds and add 275 km of range in 10 minutes on a fast charger of at least 350 kW. This variant has a 92-kilowatt-hour, CATL-sourced lithium-ion battery. This variant has a WLTP range of 650 km.
The Twin Motor, which is all-wheel drive, offers a 333 kW (442 hp) and 670 newton meters (494 pounds-feet) of torque. It can go 0-100 kph in 5.5 seconds and add 300 km in 10 minutes on a fast charger. It has a 106-kWh battery from CALT. The range is 700 km on a single charge, according to WLTP.
The Twin Motor Performance drivetrain offers 500 kW of power (670 hp) and 870 newton meters (635 pounds-feet) of torque. It can accelerate from 0 to 100 kph in 4 seconds and add 300 km in 10 minutes on a fast charger. It has a 106-kWh battery from CALT. The WLTP range is 700 km.
The Volvo ES90 will charge faster and go farther than any electric vehicle in the automaker's lineup.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Motor Trend
4 hours ago
- Motor Trend
2026 Infiniti QX60 First Drive: Keeping It Fresh?
The current-generation Infiniti QX60 hit the scene in 2021 with a fresh new look, revamped trims, and an interior that turned more than a few heads. It's been a solid win for Infiniti, quickly becoming the brand's bestselling model. But when you stack it up against other heavy-hitters in the luxury three-row SUV game—like the Acura MDX and Volvo XC90—the QX60 still has some catching up to do. Indeed, Acura in 2024 sold more than 50,000 MDXs and Volvo more than 40,000 XC90s. Infiniti? Just shy of 28,000 QX60s. The updated 2026 Infiniti QX60 probably won't dethrone the MDX or XC90 in the sales race, but the latest upgrades keep it fresh. We spent a couple of hours behind the wheel of the new 2026 QX60 Autograph model, and while the changes are subtle, they're meaningful for people eyeing this three-row luxury SUV. Think of it as a light refresh that polishes up what was already a solid package. What's Changed? The Infiniti QX60 has always been a looker, and that's no accident. For 2026, the QX60 borrows a few stylish cues from its big sibling, the newly redesigned QX80. The grille now features tilted vertical slats inspired by bamboo forests, and the quilted leather seats are stitched in a pattern that echoes a kimono wrap. There's a larger Infiniti logo up front, a redesigned front fascia, and a striking new paint color called Deep Emerald that elevates an already outstanding design. And in the top-tier Autograph trim, you'll find laser-cut, open-pore wood with metal inlays on the dash and front doors—straight from the QX80. This is a thoughtful detail that demonstrates Infiniti is willing to experiment with materials in a way that feels fresh and upscale. The QX60 Autograph trim steps up its game with a brand-new Klipsch premium audio system, packing 20 speakers throughout the cabin—including a pair tucked into each of the front headrests. It's a trick borrowed from the QX80, and the setup can reroute phone calls through the driver's speakers only, giving you a little extra privacy without muting the whole car. Also new for 2026 is the addition of Google built-in, giving the infotainment system native access to apps like Google Maps and the Play Store with no phone required. Of course, if you prefer your own device, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard across the lineup. You'll also find a pair of 12.3-inch digital displays—one serving as the gauge cluster and the other handling infotainment duties—bringing the cabin a modern touch. Behind the Wheel Under the hood, every 2026 Infiniti QX60 is powered by a 2.0-liter variable-compression turbocharged inline-four, delivering 268 horsepower and 286 lb-ft of torque. This engine made it into the QX60 last year after the company ditched the 3.5-liter V-6, and even though we've had our fair share of gripes with it (it also powers the smaller QX50), we're glad to see Infiniti swapping out the CVT transmission in favor of a traditional nine-speed automatic. On the road, the 2.0-liter engine feels like a good match for the refreshed QX60. It provides enough punch, though it takes its time to react to deep throttle inputs like those used when merging onto a freeway or executing passing maneuvers. The transmission also doesn't always react quickly. We noticed some lag when asking for a quick downshift—especially when trying to merge into faster-moving traffic around 45–50 mph. The powertrain is a bit more responsive at lower speeds, but there's still room for improvement in how quickly it delivers the power when you need it most. While output from the 2.0-liter engine is perfectly adequate for daily driving, the variable-compression setup takes its time to launch the QX60. In our testing of a 2025 QX60 with the same setup, the SUV needed 7.9 seconds to reach 60 mph and completed the quarter mile in 16.2 seconds at 89.2 mph. That's a noticeable way behind the Acura MDX with the base engine, which hit 60 mph in just 5.7 seconds and ran the quarter mile in 14.4 seconds at 93.2 mph. Once we hit highway speeds, though, the latest QX60 settled in nicely. The Autograph's cabin was quiet on the freeway, keeping wind and tire noise at bay, while the ride felt smooth and composed. But when we switched to driving on Los Angeles' city streets, which are known for their broken pavement and potholes, the dampers had trouble soaking up all the choppiness. New for 2026, Infiniti's ProPilot Assist 2.1 brings hands-free adaptive cruise control to the QX60. We put it to the test on L.A.'s freeways, and it didn't have any issue letting us keep our hands off the wheel when we encountered driving conditions appropriate for such behavior. The system also supports automatic lane changes, but here you must keep your hands on the wheel. No surprises there, and the QX60 didn't struggle in this scenario. Meanwhile, in-dash graphics clearly indicate when you need to grip the wheel and when you can let go, while a camera perched atop the steering column keeps a watchful eye, making sure you stay alert and engaged. Although we only got behind the wheel of the top-tier 2026 QX60 in Autograph trim, it's great to see all versions benefit from the new infotainment system. The QX60 is solid when it comes to roomy first and second rows, with plenty of space and comfort for passengers up front and in the middle row. That said, the Autograph version we drove featured captain's chairs and a fixed center console in the middle—an option we'd skip because it's bulky; and we prefer to have more space between the seats. Getting in and out of the third row is straightforward: Just press a button on the side of the second-row captain's chairs, and the seat slides and reclines forward, opening decent space to climb aboard. Once you're back there, though, things do feel a bit cozy, though that's standard territory for midsize three-row SUVs. We were bummed to find hard plastics around the third row, which felt mundane compared to the rest of the cabin. On the bright side, third-row passengers get their own air vents, but there's only a single USB port to share, which might leave some charging needs unmet. The 2026 Infiniti QX60's updates might be subtle, but they land well. Infiniti hasn't announced official pricing yet, but we don't expect much change from the existing $51,550 starting point. Sure, tariffs on steel and aluminum could nudge prices up a bit, but since the QX60 is assembled in Smyrna, Tennessee—and its engine rolls out of Decherd, Tennessee—it should dodge most of those extra costs. The 2026 Infiniti QX60 is scheduled to arrive at dealerships later this summer.
Car and Driver
19 hours ago
- Car and Driver
2026 Volvo EX90 Review, Pricing, and Specs
Overview While Volvo's mid-size EV SUV is clearly inspired by its gas-powered predecessor, the EX90 is more than just an XC90 motivated by electrons. While the two could be mistaken for one another at a distance, the EX90's lack of a front grille hints at its sustainable source of motivation. A 402-hp electric powertrain comes standard, while a potent 510-hp upgrade is also available in Performance models. All EX90s come with all-wheel drive regardless of output. Offering between 300 and 310 miles of driving range, a near-silent contemporary cabin, a clean Scandinavian design, and cutting-edge driver-assistance features, the EX90 proves that Volvo knows how to build a formidable flagship. What's New for 2026? With the EX90 debuting just last year, it carries into 2026 unchanged. Pricing and Which One to Buy The price of the 2026 Volvo EX90 is expected to start around $82,000 and go up to $91,000 depending on the trim and options. Plus $82,000 (est) Ultra $86,000 (est) Performance Plus $87,000 (est) Performance Ultra $91,000 (est) 0 $25k $50k $75k $100k $125k $150k While the EX90 does carry a price premium over the gasoline-powered XC90 SUV, its starting price puts it at the affordable end of the spectrum for mid-size electric luxury crossovers. Two trims are available—Plus and Ultra—as well as a dual-motor powertrain in two strengths. The Twin Motor Performance model makes more power, but we'd recommend sticking with the 402-hp Twin Motor model and upgrading to the more luxurious Ultra trim, which adds massaging seats, 21-inch wheels, an air-spring suspension system, and thicker window glass to keep out more road noise. Want to compare the 2026 Volvo EX90 to other vehicles you're interested in? Our new compare tool provides a comprehensive, side-by-side look at up to five cars of your choice. Compare Cars EV Motor, Power, and Performance All EX90s come with a dual-motor all-wheel-drive powertrain, but the entry-level Twin Motor model makes 402 horsepower while the Twin Motor Performance variant makes 510 horsepower. In our initial test drive, we found the Performance model to be quick and responsive, but we haven't yet driven the base powertrain. The suspension is supple and provides good ride quality, and the steering is well-weighted. The air suspension is height-adjustable, and it combines with adaptive dampers to smooth out the road nicely. The cabin also remains remarkably quiet, even by the standards of an electric vehicle. 0–60-MPH Times Volvo says the Twin Motor model should be capable of hitting 60 mph in 5.7 seconds while the Twin Motor Performance should do the deed in 4.7 seconds. View Photos Volvo Range, Charging, and Battery Life Onboard is a 107.0-kWh battery pack that the EPA estimates will deliver between 300 and 310 miles per charge depending on configuration. DC fast charging capability is standard and is said to need as little as 30 minutes to juice the battery from 10 to 80 percent. The EV architecture used in the EX90 also allows for bi-directional charging, which means you can hook it up to your house to power appliances during a power outage or use it to charge another Volvo EV if needed. Fuel Economy and Real-World MPGe The EPA hasn't released any fuel economy information for the 2026 EX90 yet, but without any changes to its powertrain, it will likely achieve similar results as the 2025 model. Last year's most efficient EX90 with 21-inch wheels returned 86 MPGe city and 82 MPGe highway. Opting for the 20- or 22- inch wheels took a toll, reducing the estimates to 83 MPGe city and 78 MPGe highway. Those numbers are competitive with other luxury electric SUVs such as the BMW iX and the Rivian R1S. When we get a chance, we'll take the EX90 on our 75-mph highway fuel-economy test route and update this story with its results. For more information about the EX90's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website. Interior, Comfort, and Cargo A minimalist interior design puts most of the EX90's controls on a large touchscreen infotainment system. The look is clean and classically Scandinavian, but it may be irksome to drivers who prefer physical buttons and switches on their dashboards. The interior feels open and airy thanks to a large glass roof, and there's room for seven riders thanks to a standard third row of seats. Leather upholstery has been banished from the options sheet in the interest of eco-friendliness, but the materials used instead look high-end, especially the available wool fabric that's blended with plastic recovered from recycled bottles. View Photos Volvo Infotainment and Connectivity The EX90 features a large, portrait-style 14.5-inch infotainment display that runs the company's latest Google-based infotainment interface. It features in-dash navigation powered by Google Maps and has access to outside apps through the Google Play store. Wireless Apple CarPlay and a 5G cellular data connection are both standard. A Bowers & Wilkins stereo system is available as an option and features Dolby Atmos technology and 25 speakers, including ones embedded into the EX90's headrests. Safety and Driver-Assistance Features Volvo promises that new driver-assistance features will make their debut on the EX90, including the company's next-generation adaptive cruise control with lane-centering and active steering assist. But some of these features may be pushed via an over-the-air update later on. Basics such as automated emergency braking are included too, and the EX90 also features a novel in-car radar system that's intended to help prevent children and pets from getting left behind in a hot car. For more information about the EX90's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features are likely to include: Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist Standard adaptive cruise control with a lane-centering feature Warranty and Maintenance Coverage Volvo offers a well-rounded warranty package on its new cars, including a complimentary scheduled maintenance plan that spans three years or 36,000 miles. Limited warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles Powertrain warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles Battery components are covered for 8 years or 100,000 miles Complimentary scheduled maintenance is covered for 3 years or 36,000 miles Specifications Specifications 2025 Volvo EX90 Vehicle Type: front- and rear-motor, all-wheel-drive, 6- or 7-passenger, 4-door wagon PRICE Plus, $81,290; Ultra, $85,640; Performance Plus, $86,290; Performance Ultra, $90,640 POWERTRAIN Front Motor: permanent-magnet synchronous AC, 232 or 241 hp Rear Motor: permanent-magnet synchronous AC, 170 or 268 hp Combined Power: 402 or 510 hp Combined Torque: 568 or 671 lb-ft Battery Pack: liquid-cooled lithium-ion, 107.0 kWh Onboard Charger: 11.0 kW Peak DC Fast-Charge Rate: 250 kW Transmissions, F/R: direct-drive DIMENSIONS Wheelbase: 117.5 in Length: 198.3 in Width: 77.3 in Height: 68.8 in Passenger Volume, F/M/R: 58/51/21 ft3 Cargo Volume, behind F/M/R: 71–74/36/13–14 ft3 Front-Trunk Volume: 2–3 ft3 Curb Weight (C/D est): 5700–6000 lb PERFORMANCE (C/D EST) 60 mph: 4.5–5.5 sec 1/4-Mile: 13.0–14.3 sec Top Speed: 112 mph EPA FUEL ECONOMY Combined/City/Highway: 81–84/83–86/78–82 MPGe Range: 300–310 mi More Features and Specs
CNBC
a day ago
- CNBC
35. Waabi
Founder: Raquel Urtasun (CEO)Launched: 2021Headquarters: TorontoFunding: $280 millionValuation: N/AKey Technologies: Artificial intelligence, autonomous vehicles, deep neural networks/deep learning, augmented reality/virtual reality/mixed reality, generative AI, machine learning, digital twinsIndustry: AutomotivePrevious appearances on Disruptor 50 list: 0 Waabi is part of a new generation of autonomous vehicle startups focusing on the long-haul trucking market rather than around town and airport passenger pickups. With more than 70 percent of freight in the U.S. moving via truck, a difficult working environment in the cab with grueling hours, and the industry facing consistent driver shortages, it is a market ripe for technological disruption. Waabi's core proposition rests on its proprietary "Waabi World," a closed-loop simulator designed to train and test autonomous vehicle systems almost entirely in a virtual environment, using generative AI. This allows its autonomous vehicles to experience millions of different driving scenarios without putting anyone in the real world at risk. It also released CoPilot 4D, an AI foundational model that can envision the world in 3D to improve decision-making for AV trucks. "A system like this has astounding abilities to generalize and handle the unknown, is more efficient to train, and its safety can be mathematically validated and verified," Waabi founder & CEO Raquel Urtasun said in an interview with CNBC. Urtasun was formerly R&D head at Uber Advanced Technologies Group, which was acquired by Waabi rival Aurora in 2020, and was also named to the 2024 CNBC Changemakers list. In June of last year, the company completed its largest VC round, a $200 million Series B fundraising led by Uber and Khosla Ventures. It was also the largest VC raise in Canadian startup history, and added new investors Nvidia, Porsche, and the venture capital arm of Volvo. Investors have also announced partnerships, with Volvo saying in February it will deploy Waabi's technology on its self-driving trucks, and Waabi's generative AI-powered self-driving applications using NVIDIA DRIVE Thor autonomous vehicle chip technology. An earlier 10-year collaboration between Waabi Driver and Uber Freight's logistics system for U.S. shipments started in Dallas and Houston, and is expected to expand throughout Texas and beyond. However, Waabi has yet to deploy vehicles commercially without safety drivers. It is working towards that goal by the end of 2025. The company is working with Volvo to produce autonomous trucks at its factories that can be sold to freight shippers and carriers, and would operate as a service subscription with the client paying Waabi on a per-mile basis.
