2025 Volvo ES90 Flagship electric saloon
Volvo is gearing up to unveil its latest flagship electric vehicle, poised to be a formidable rival to the BMW i5. Anticipated to hit the market in 2025 and potentially named the ES90, this new electric saloon is set to replace the existing S90 model. Internal sources at Volvo, under the codename V551, have leaked information indicating that the ES90 will be manufactured at a Geely-owned facility in China, as revealed in a confidential photograph and accompanying specifications.
The photograph, shared on Volvo's employee intranet, showcases the production team in Zhejiang gathered around signs reading «Volvo Cars V551 First VP Car Celebration» and «Top Secret,» with VP standing for 'verification prototype.' While the vehicle remains shrouded in secrecy, industry insiders speculate an imminent unveiling in the coming months.
Based on the SPA2 platform, shared with the new EX90 SUV and the Polestar 4, the ES90 accommodates electric drivetrains operating at either 400V or 800V. Leaked specifications suggest diverse drivetrain options, with both single-motor, rear-wheel-drive, and dual-motor, four-wheel-drive layouts.
Notably, the ES90 is reported to feature a robust 111kWh battery, providing an impressive 373 miles of range when paired with the single-motor, rear-wheel-drive configuration. Volvo's leaked details further specify dimensions, with the ES90 measuring 4999mm in length, 1547mm in height, and 1945mm in width—making it slightly shorter, taller, and wider than its BMW i5 counterpart. The extended wheelbase of 3100mm sets it apart from the German rival.
Development of the ES90 is said to be in collaboration with Geely's Galaxy E8 saloon and Zeekr 007 saloon, boasting up to 637bhp and a range of 478 miles in the dual-motor, four-wheel-drive variant. While early speculation hinted at a shared platform with the Polestar 5, cost considerations and production volumes led to the adoption of a distinct bonded aluminum structure.
Volvo's decision to phase out estate and saloon models in the UK due to increased demand for SUVs raises questions about the ES90's availability in certain markets. However, this flagship electric saloon will mark Volvo's fourth bespoke electric offering, joining the EX30 crossover, EX90 SUV, and EM90 MPV, with an electric successor to the XC60 slated for 2025. Despite uncertainties about an electric replacement for the S60 saloon and V60 estate, the ES90 is poised to set new standards in the electric vehicle segment. Stay tuned as Volvo takes a giant leap forward into the future of sustainable luxury and cutting-edge automotive technology.