Volvo Car South Africa introduces the new ES90 electric sedan

The next-generation electric flagship blends long-distance confidence, Scandinavian luxury, and future-ready technology packaged in an elegantly designed package.

• The ES90 launches in rear-wheel drive form, producing 245 kW and 480 N.m, delivering 0–100 km/h in 6.6 seconds while offering a claimed driving range of 755km based on WLTP testing standards. Additional powertrain options will be introduced in due course.
• Offered in Core, Plus and Ultra trim levels, the ES90 features the latest superset computing platform. It includes advanced safety and driver assistance systems, such as Pilot Assist, panoramic roof, and Ultra-grade upgrades, such as adaptive air suspension and a 360-degree camera system.
• The ES90 will be available locally from 10 March, priced from R1,590,000, including a five-year/100,000 km warranty and maintenance plan, an eight-year battery warranty, a GridCars wallbox with installation, 3 years of in-car data and two years of free public charging.

Volvo Car South Africa (VCSA) is proud to introduce the new ES90 to the local market, the Swedish marque’s latest fully-electric flagship designed to redefine premium mobility for South African drivers. Blending minimalist Scandinavian design with cutting-edge technology, high levels of comfort and Volvo’s renowned commitment to safety, the ES90 is built to deliver confidence - whether commuting through the city or travelling long distances across the country.

“The introduction of the new ES90 marks an exciting milestone for Volvo Car South Africa as we continue to expand our electric vehicle offering locally,” commented Grant Locke, Managing Director of VCSA. “The ES90 brings together Scandinavian design, advanced technology and the safety leadership Volvo is known for, in a package that is perfectly suited to the expectations of today’s premium customers. With its impressive range and fast-charging capability, the ES90 reinforces our commitment to making electric mobility more practical and desirable for South African drivers.”

Built for charging confidence and long-distance travel

The new ES90 has been engineered to deliver true electric confidence. Built on Volvo’s dedicated SPA2 electric architecture, which it shares with the EX90, the newcomer features an advanced 800-volt electrical system for significantly faster charging and enhanced efficiency.

Powered by a 92 kWh battery, the ES90 delivers an impressive claimed combined driving range of up to 755 km based on WLTP testing standards, while returning an exceptionally low energy consumption figure of just 15.9 kWh/100 km. When connected to a compatible DC fast charger, the ES90 can be charged from 10-80% in as little as 25 minutes, ensuring minimal downtime on longer journeys and making it ideally suited to South Africa’s long-distance travel needs.

Climate resilience engineered for real-world conditions

Local motorists demand vehicles that can cope with extreme temperatures and varied road conditions. The ES90 has been developed with advanced battery thermal management systems to ensure optimal performance and efficiency in both hot and cold climates. The intelligent heating and cooling systems help maintain consistent battery performance while supporting cabin comfort, contributing to both improved range and long-term battery life.

Smooth performance with effortless torque

The ES90 delivers the smooth, quiet performance expected of a premium electric sedan. With instant torque and refined power delivery, it offers confident acceleration for city driving and long-distance cruising. Powered by a rear-mounted electric motor driving the rear wheels, the ES90 produces 245 kW and 480 N.m of torque, accelerating from 0-100 km/h in 6.6 seconds. Its top speed is limited to 180 km/h, reinforcing Volvo’s unwavering commitment to safety.

Offered in rear-wheel drive configuration, the ES90 prioritises refined ride comfort and a calm driving character. In due course, VCSA has plans to introduce additional powertrain options, expanding appeal to more consumers in the competitive electric executive sedan segment. 

A spacious electric flagship

Designed as a true flagship offering, the ES90 features generous proportions that translate into excellent cabin space and long-distance comfort. With a substantial 3,102 mm wheelbase, the ES90 measures 5,000 mm in length, 1,546 mm in height, and 2,120 mm in width (including side mirrors). These dimensions give the ES90 a commanding road presence while ensuring ample interior space for occupants.

The boot offers a generous 446 litres of storage capacity, which expands to an impressive 1,427 litres when the rear backrests are folded flat. Additionally, a 27-litre frunk provides extra cargo space, ensuring ample room for luggage without compromising the ES90’s sleek silhouette.

Superset computing and software-driven innovation

As one of Volvo’s most technologically advanced vehicles to date, the ES90 is built on Volvo’s superset computing platform and is designed to improve over time through continuous software enhancements. Through over-the-air (OTA) updates, new features and improvements can be added throughout the car’s lifespan, ensuring the ES90 remains current and future-ready long after purchase.

This approach reinforces Volvo’s focus on software-defined vehicles, where digital intelligence plays as important a role as engineering and design.

Advanced safety technology with Volvo peace of mind

Safety remains central to Volvo’s identity, and the ES90 continues this legacy with an extensive range of active and passive safety systems. Designed to support and protect both occupants and other road users, the ES90 features advanced driver assistance technology and driver monitoring systems.

The Core specification already includes a strong set of driver support and safety systems, such as Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind Spot Information with Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Keeping Aid, Collision Avoidance and Mitigation, Rear Parking Camera, Head-Up Display, Rain Sensor, Road Sign Information, connected safety features, OTA updates, and access to the Volvo Cars app and Volvo Assistance. The Plus specification builds on this by adding Pilot Assist (steering support) and upgraded Park Assist functionality using 12 ultrasonic sensors. The range-topping Ultra includes everything from the Core and Plus trims, while further enhancing parking assistance with a 360-degree camera system, offering the most complete driver support package overall.

Additional passive safety measures include nine airbags, ISOFIX mounting points, and Volvo’s proven structural protection systems designed to absorb and redirect impact forces in the event of a collision.

A quiet Scandinavian sanctuary

Inside, the ES90 offers a refined cabin environment designed around calmness and premium craftsmanship. The minimalist interior is complemented by carefully selected materials and a layout focused on intuitive usability.

The ES90’s quiet cabin enhances the sense of luxury, while high-quality finishes and thoughtful design details ensure every journey feels effortless. The panoramic roof adds a further layer of sophistication and light to the cabin. On higher specification models, an electrochromatic panoramic roof allows occupants to adjust transparency at the touch of a button.

For audiophiles, the ES90 can be equipped with a premium Bowers & Wilkins audio system, delivering an immersive listening experience with clarity and depth expected of a flagship Volvo. Together with its quiet cabin and luxury seating, the ES90 creates an environment that feels more like a lounge than a traditional car interior, ideal for long trips and daily commuting alike. 

Designed for South African roads 

The ES90 has been developed with real-world usability in mind, offering practical ground clearance and an advanced suspension setup suited to uneven road surfaces. Available with adaptive air suspension (standard on the Ultra trim level), the ES90 can adjust ride height and damping to match changing conditions, improving comfort on rough roads while maintaining stability at speed. In South Africa, where road conditions can vary significantly between urban centres and long-distance travel routes, the ES90’s suspension makes it a compelling choice for local travel.

Sustainability is at the heart of the ES90

In keeping with Volvo’s sustainability ambitions, the ES90 integrates recycled and renewable materials throughout its construction. These design choices reduce environmental impact while maintaining the premium quality expected in the luxury segment. The ES90 also introduces Volvo’s battery passport approach, reinforcing transparency and responsible sourcing as part of the brand’s electrification strategy. The passport highlights the origins of battery materials such as nickel, graphite, cobalt, and lithium.

Smarter ownership through the Volvo Cars App

The ES90 offers an enhanced ownership experience through the Volvo Cars App, giving drivers remote access to everyday vehicle functions. From monitoring charging progress to controlling cabin temperature and managing key vehicle settings, the app ensures the ES90 fits seamlessly into modern life. This digital convenience adds to the ES90’s positioning as a future-ready flagship designed around real-world usability. 

Three distinct trim levels

The Volvo ES90 will arrive in South Africa in three carefully curated trim levels, each offering its own character and presence.

ES90 Core

The ES90 Core is generously equipped, despite being the entry point of the lineup. Key features include four-zone climate control, a panoramic roof, Nordico upholstery, power-adjustable heated front seats, a head-up display, Park Assist Pilot, and a power-operated tailgate. A comprehensive suite of driver assistance and safety systems also comes standard.

ES90 Plus

Building on Core, the ES90 Plus adds further comfort and customisation options. Highlights include an advanced air-purification system, expanded upholstery and decor options, four-way lumbar support, front-seat cushion extensions, and high-level interior illumination. Optional upgrades include ventilated upholstery, rear seat ventilation, and a 360-degree parking camera.

ES90 Ultra

At the top of the range, the Ultra represents the most luxurious expression of the ES90. It adds premium features such as tinted windows, an electrochromatic panoramic roof, laminated glass, and power-release soft-close doors. Ultra models also gain massage front seats, enhanced rear passenger comfort features, and HD headlamps, with a 360-degree camera included as standard.

For a breakdown of the full specification across all trim levels, read more here.

Pricing and availability

The new Volvo ES90 will be available in local Volvo dealerships from 10 March 2026, with prices starting from R1,590,000 for the ES90 Core trim. This includes a five-year/100,000 km maintenance & warranty plan, an eight-year battery warranty, and five years of unlimited roadside assistance.

ENDS//