By: Ellfian Rahim
In 2020, Volvo launched its first mass-market electric car, the XC40 Recharge. At the time, the carmaker leaned into the SUV body style to match global consumer demand and stay true to its family-oriented brand identity. Under Geely’s ownership, this electric push targeted high-growth markets—particularly in Asia—with premium, spacious and safety-focused electric family vehicles.
Fast forward to today, and Volvo has revealed its first electric sedan in Malaysia… or has it? According to the brand, the newly unveiled ES90 is designed to blur traditional body-style boundaries.
Volvo’s Electric Journey Continues
Chris Wailes, managing director of Volvo Car Malaysia, says the ES90 combines “the refined elegance of a sedan, the adaptability of a fastback, and the spacious interior and higher ground clearance associated with SUVs”, without the usual compromises.
Offered exclusively in the Ultra Single Motor Extended Range variant, the ES90 is priced at RM339,888 excluding insurance. The price includes a five-year unlimited mileage vehicle warranty, an eight-year or 160,000 km battery warranty, five years of 24-hour roadside assistance, and a five-year Google services and connectivity package. Buyers can choose from four exterior colours: Vapour Grey, Crystal White, Denim Blue and Onyx Black.
Built on Volvo’s second-generation Scalable Product Architecture (SPA2)—shared with the EX90 electric crossover—the rear-wheel-drive ES90 measures 5,000 mm in length and 1,942 mm in width. Its proportions are reminiscent of the Polestar 2, another Geely Holding Group product, and technically place it closer to a liftback than a traditional sedan.
Performance, Range and Rapid Charging
Power comes from a single rear-mounted electric motor producing 333 PS (245 kW) and 480 Nm of torque. This allows the ES90 to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.6 seconds, before reaching an electronically limited top speed of 180 km/h. Energy is supplied by a high-density 92 kWh nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) battery, delivering a WLTP-rated range of up to 651 km.
Charging performance is equally impressive. Thanks to its 800-volt electrical architecture, the ES90 can add up to 250 km of range in just 10 minutes—roughly the time it takes to enjoy a cup of coffee. The higher-voltage system effectively doubles that of conventional 400V EVs, enabling charging speeds of up to 350 kW without excessive heat build-up.
Design And Technology
Up front, the grille-less nose features Volvo’s signature diagonal chrome slash, flanked by the familiar ‘Thor’s Hammer’ LED daytime running lights. Unlike the EX90, these headlights are fixed, with the main projectors arranged vertically on either side. High-definition Pixel adaptive headlights come as standard, while C-shaped LED tail lamps—similar to those on the smaller EX30—define the rear.
Inside, the ES90 closely mirrors the EX90’s cabin layout, with a few notable changes. The infotainment interface now uses a physical rotary dial positioned beneath the 14.5-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen.
Standard equipment includes four-zone automatic climate control with a PM2.5 air purifier, Charcoal Nordico synthetic leather upholstery, six ambient lighting themes, and a 25-speaker Bowers & Wilkins sound system. Front seats are heated, ventilated and feature massage functions, while the rear seats are power-reclinable with lounge-style armrests. Boot capacity stands at 424 litres, expanding to 733 litres with the rear seats folded.
The infotainment system runs Volvo’s next-generation Car UX with Google Gemini AI integrated, allowing voice control of vehicle functions, navigation, cabin temperature and access to specific information from the car’s user manual.
Safety remains central to the ES90’s appeal. The car integrates LiDAR, five radars, seven cameras and 12 ultrasonic sensors to deliver full 360-degree situational awareness. Additional systems include driver monitoring, Safe Space Technology for real-time hazard detection, and full-cabin occupant sensing to prevent children or pets from being accidentally left inside.
Paired with Volvo’s ongoing road safety and education campaign—featuring a camouflaged ES90 emblazoned with the word ‘Selamat’—the new model reinforces the brand’s longstanding commitment to safer motoring.
