2026 Volvo ES90 Ultra Review: A Masterclass

There is a specific kind of composure that usually only exists in a high-end spa, like the Saxon, or an aged library after hours. Finding that same level of serenity while navigating the chaotic hustle of Sandton or the open, sun-drenched stretches of the N12 is rare. Yet, with the all-new Volvo ES90, it feels like the Swedes haven’t just built another electric car; they’ve bottled up a sense of quiet confidence and put it on four wheels.

To truly put a car through its paces, you can’t just drive it around a leafy suburb for a week. You need to live with it, push it, and take it on an adventure. That’s exactly what we did, covering significant mileage across provinces to see if Volvo’s new flagship truly makes sense for the South African context. All with one purpose in mind; to find South Africa’s fastest charging station.

My time with the ES90 reaffirmed why Volvo currently leads the conversation in modern luxury. Electrified at that. It began the moment I saw it in the metal, resting in its striking Mulberry Red paint. If the deep, wine-hued red is too bold for your taste, Volvo offers a sophisticated spectrum including Aurora Silver, Crystal White (with a stunning pearlescent effect), Onyx Black, Vapour Grey, Denim Blue, or the earthier Sand Dune.

All colours work great on the Volvo ES90.

It doesn’t shout for attention; it commands it through sheer restraint. The exterior is a five-meter-long titanic of grace, featuring a body-coloured shield in place of a traditional grille to optimise aerodynamics.

The stars of the show are the HD Pixel LED headlights, retaining the “Thor’s Hammer” signature but with 20 000 pixel modules that wink at you upon approach. Our test unit stood tall on massive 21-inch 5-spoke Aero alloys, where glossy black inserts contrast perfectly against the red bodywork.

But the real emotional connection hit when I pulled the flush door handle and stepped inside. There’s that unmistakable “new Volvo” scent – a mix of high-end sustainable materials and fresh tech. Catching that first whiff of the interior and feeling the cool, tactile surfaces reminded me that luxury is best applied by perfect execution of a simple idea. Nothing flashy or loud here.

Back to the point. The cabin is less of a car interior and more of a rolling Zen studio. At least in my world. The level of craftsmanship is immediately evident in the wood finishes. Here you get the contemporary natural Birch wood inlays that feel incredible to the touch.

The driver is treated to a 9-inch instrumental display behind the steering wheel, supplemented by a massive 13.2-inch Head-Up Display. One would think the instrumental display is too small for its intended purposes, but that is not the case. It fits the vehicle perfectly and displays all the necessary information the driver needs.

You even get the option to change its layout to suit your needs and information you prefer. As part of the most recent updates to Volvo’s UI, you can have your navigation (regardless on whether its via Waze, Apple Maps or Google Maps) projected on this very same instrumental display. The Heads-Up Display is able to project the directions too.

For the audiophiles, the 25-speaker Bowers & Wilkins High Fidelity system is a masterpiece, featuring speakers built directly into the headrests to create an immersive 1610-watt soundstage. It even features an Abbey Road mode to help you setup the sound to your preference and musical taste.

Look up, and you’ll find the electrochromatic panoramic roof. In a departure from tradition, there is no physical blind; instead, a simple tap on the screen tints the glass electronically to keep the sun away. When it comes to practicality, the fastback design allows for a massive boot opening with 446 litres of space, while the 27-litre “frunk” up front is the perfect home for your charging cables or anything else you don’t have space for in your boot.

I jokingly share with Gift, our media manager, on a regular that one could get away with hiding things you don’t want people to see in there.

Rear passengers aren’t treated as an afterthought. Step through the power-release, soft-close doors and you’ll find a genuine sanctuary. The rear seats feature an electric recline function, and while the battery placement means under-thigh support is slightly less than a traditional petrol sedan, the clever seat contouring means you honestly don’t feel it once you’re settled in. It’s more plush and comfortable than ever.

The centrepiece back here is the Rear Lounge Armrest. Finished in gorgeous natural wood, it features cupholders that lift out with a damped, premium action and a dedicated spot for your phone. It’s the perfect environment for a chauffeured run through Sandton or a quick airport drop-off.

On the road, the first thing you notice – or rather, the first thing you don’t – is noise. It is deathly quiet. Between the laminated glass and extensive insulation, it feels like you’re driving a Swedish S-Class. As much as I hate comparisons, this is the best way to put it.

Our Ultra trim features adaptive air suspension, which provides a twofold experience. It has that classic flagship “waft,” gliding over rolling speed humps like a cloud. However, on those jittery, corrugated surfaces we often see here in SA, the 21-inch wheels do let a hint of vibration through, keeping the ride “honest” without ever feeling harsh. It’s not a Volvo issue, but more about the state of our roads.

The rear-wheel-drive setup delivers 245 kW, propelling the ES90 to 100 km/h in 6.6 seconds. The power delivery is rather polite. A surge of torque rather than a kick. My favourite touch? The accelerator pedal gives you a subtle haptic “nudge” to let you know you’re hitting the speed limit, rather than annoying you with constant beeps. The Chinese need to take notes.

When it comes to charging, the 800V architecture is the real hero here. In a country where range anxiety is the first exhaustive topic at every dinner table, the ES90’s 755 km (WLTP) claim is a game-changer. In our real-world testing while cruising at 120 km/h we found a realistic range of over 600 km is easily achievable. Stopping at a Zero Carbon Charge station like the one in Wolmaransstad, we went from 10% to 80% in about 22 minutes. That’s barely enough time to grab a coffee and a snack before you’re ready for another 500+ km.

The ES90 enters a ring with established heavy hitters, but the contrast is unmistakable. The BMW i5 eDrive40 remains the athlete of the group, offering sharper handling but trailing the Volvo significantly on range.

The Mercedes-Benz EQE 350+ is a tech-fest that leans heavily into screens, yet its “pebble-like” design can feel polarising against the Volvo’s classic, strong lines. Even the Audi Q8 e-tron 55, with its legendary build quality, struggles to match the Volvo’s sheer distance and accessible starting price. Against these, the ES90 stands as the champion of comfort and range confidence. It’s up to Volvo now to position and market this product properly.

The 2026 Volvo ES90 is the ultimate quiet achiever. It proves that luxury in the electric age doesn’t have to be about aggressive styling or gimmicky tech. It’s a sophisticated, long-range cruiser perfectly suited for those who want to travel in total silence. If you want a car that makes the world slow down while you’re moving fast, this Mulberry Red sanctuary is the one to beat.

At a starting price of R1,590,000 for the Core, and R1,795,000 for this Ultra, Volvo has found a sweet spot. Volvo is including a GridCars wallbox, installation, and two years of free public charging with each purchase.

Configure and purchase yours here.

Post Views: 0

#Electric Vehicles #Volvo #Volvo ES90

Posted By

Papi Mabele

Papi Mabele has a marketing background, he is a digital marketing expert with extensive experience in launching and building global brands in the emerging markets. Papi is also an avid tech writer, enthusiast and all round tech junkie. As a freelance writer and analyst he has been numerously published in Popular Mechanics (SA), GQ South Africa, Premier Magazine, Driven Magazine, Bloem News, Courant, The Weekly, Enthooze Magazine and PiE magazine amongst others.