Enjoy the silence: Volvo ES90 Ultra review

· The South African

The Volvo ES90 Ultra is unlike any motoring experience we’ve ever had. Here at The South African we’ve driven cars that make your pulse race. And we’ve driven cars that can climb any mountain and fjord any river. But hand on heart, we cannot recall something that slows your heart rate down. No, that’s not a metaphor, we literally believe this electric Volvo could add years to your life. As we shall explain shortly …

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VOLVO ES90 ULTRA

The car your cardiologist wishes you owned. Image: Ray Leathern

But first, let’s get the spec sheet mumbo jumbo out the way. This is the 800V battery, single motor RWD variant, which produces 245 kW and 480 Nm of torque. Zero to 100 km/h takes 6.6 seconds, and top speed is governed at 180 km/h. You’ll note all these figures are sensible rather than overly speedy for an electric vehicle. 800V architecture means you can recharge from 10% to 80% in around 30 minutes on a suitable DC fast charger.

The 92-kWh battery delivers an estimated WLTP range of 755 km. Although, as ever, that number will shrink in the real world, as these numbers always do. Our Volvo ES90 Ultra test unit arrived claiming little more than 400 km off its remaining battery life. So, quite a large discrepancy there, liked we experienced in other Volvo-badged EVs.

CHILL-OUT ROOM ON WHEELS

Simplicity personified with very few free-standing buttons. Image: Ray Leathern

Now for the part that actually matters. The Volvo ES90’s design is where this car starts being an experience. Step inside and the cabin doesn’t shout at you. It doesn’t even raise its voice. Volvo minimalism isn’t a buzzword here, it’s the entire philosophy. There’s no clutter competing for your attention. No unnecessary buttons fighting for real estate. Just calm materials, smooth lines and electric silence that smothers you everywhere like a warm blanket. Remember, virtually no moving parts means no vibration of any sort either.

The Ultra grade brings a 1610W Bowers & Wilkins sound system with 25 speakers, including an Abbey Road preset. Even the music sounds unhurried in here, somehow. Then there’s the double glazing. Taxis cutting across three lanes with hooters blaring for no reason at all, from behind the wheel of the Volvo ES90, all looks needlessly frantic. Chaos through soundproof glass leaves you completely unbothered.

AN ARCHITECT’S CAR

A eye-catching silhouette, wearing 21-inch wheels and smooth bodywork. Image: Ray Leathern

Moreover, just look at the exterior design on this beauty. This is a statement vehicle; the sort of thing an architect would actually own. Every surface feels considered rather than decorated. Every line serves the aerodynamic shape rather than shouting for attention. It’s the purest equivalent of clean geometry and quiet confidence. And this matters because Volvo needs a win. The EX30 pushed the brand downmarket, albeit successfully, chasing a bigger audience.

The Volvo ES90 reverses that trajectory somewhat. It’s like the brand’s S90 sedan, arguably done better this time. Big Volvo sedans were always handsome and competent. They just never carried the badge cachet of a 5 Series or an E-Class. Or so we thought … Because in the electric era that hierarchy has quietly collapsed. Nobody’s neighbour is impressed by a German badge anymore. Design, comfort and silence now do the talking.

VOLVO ES90 ULTRA VERDICT

The rear end is technically a fast-back hatch, but it has shades of the S90 Sedan about it. Image: Ray Leathern

For R1 795 000, the Volvo ES90 Ultra RWD is quick, special and relatively good value against its natural rivals. But the real value comes in the stuff you won’t find on a spec sheet. The silence, minimalism and calm to make everything occurring beyond the windshield look like it’s trying too hard. It drives smoothly and looks genuinely stunning while doing it. This is Volvo’s best argument yet that electric mobility aligns with its core brand values really rather perfectly …

THE FIGURES

  • Powertrain: 92 kWh motor / 800V battery
  • Power: 245 kW
  • Torque: 480 Nm
  • 0-100 km/h: 6.6 sec (claimed)
  • Energy Consumption: 13.5 – 18.5 kWh/100 km (claimed)
  • Range: 755 km (claimed WLTP)
  • Price: R1 795 000

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