Volvo’s ES90 executive saloon aims to disrupt the German-dominated market with distinctive Scandi design with superior cabin space and advanced technology. Al Suttie puts it to the test in cross-country drives and urban commuting to see how the brand’s flagship EV holds up in the real world.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Volvo ES90 Single Motor Extended Range RWD Ultra

List price (BiK): £77,195 (4%)  Economy: 398 miles  Test efficiency: 339 miles

Monday

It makes an interesting comparison to line up the Volvo ES90 alongside my own V90 on the driveway. The two are similar in length at around the 5-metre mark, but the all-electric ES90 sits a good bit taller even though it’s a rival for the likes of the BMW i5 and Audi A6e. And while it might be a rival to them, the Swede’s looks set it apart as something that appears a touch more premium than even the Germans can muster.

Tuesday

My liking for Scandi car interiors remains undiminished with the ES90. If anything, it serves to show Volvo are now very much among the best at cabin design and style. It’s simple and clean-lined, yet it avoids that sparse feel of a Tesla and a good number of emerging Chinese brands. The seats are super, as you’d expect, and the cooling ventilation has been very welcome in the heatwave.

Wednesday

One small point that cropped up today was finding the hazard warning switch. I was stopped due to a crash in front and needed the lights to warn cars behind on a busy A-road. It took longer than was comfortable on this fast stretch before I spotted the icon in the bottom left of the infotainment touchscreen. A larger physical button would have been reassuringly easier in this instance.

Thursday

Following on the heels of the range-tastic BMW iX3, the ES90’s ‘mere’ 398-mile claimed range could look a little underwhelming. Fact is, I’ve already covered plenty of miles, including a circuitous drive into Edinburgh and back, and the ES only now needs a top up. Leaving it on a local slow charger, it took around eight hours overnight to go from 30- to 100%.

Friday

The Volvo might not have quite the same range as the BMW iX3, but it betters the German for ride comfort. On any surface, the ES90 is wonderfully smooth and controlled, patting down any imperfections with calm authority. It also has the right balance of steering weight to impart its intended sense of luxury and comfort, though the sportier driving mode adds some heft if you want it.

Saturday

In one-pedal driving mode, which is what I’ve been using almost all week in the ES90, the Volvo driver rarely has to trouble the brake pedal. This system is right up there with the BMW’s for the way it controls the car to a near standstill and there’s none of that snatchiness as the car comes to a halt. Again, it underlines the quality approach of the ES.

Sunday

Using the ES90 to head out to a cycling location this morning and the boot carries my bike easily with the back seats tipped forward The ES90’s boot isn’t as large as I’d ideally like because of the rear window’s steep slope. However, the back seats coped with two friends easily, though one did note the side window seemed too shallow. Overall, though, it was a resounding thumbs up for the ES90.