Scheduled to launch in Mzansi in 2026, Volvo has announced production of the ES90 flagship sedan has kicked off.
The Volvo ES90 is en route to Mzansi, and will arrive here in 2026. The Swedish marque has now announced that production of its all-electric flagship sedan has officially started.
“With production of the ES90 now underway, we’re moving from concept to reality,” said Grant Locke, Managing Director at Volvo Car South Africa. “This isn’t just another electric Volvo; it’s our most advanced sedan yet, built with 800 V charging, next-generation safety, and a design that redefines what premium electric mobility looks like. The ES90 shows where Volvo is headed — and in 2026, South Africa will see that vision on its roads.”
The ES90 will be available with the choice of three battery-electric powertrains. The opening gambit to the model line-up, the Single Motor Extended Range variant is endowed with 245 kW and 480 N.m of torque. Volvo claims the sole rear-wheel-drive ES90 derivative completes the obligatory 0-100 km/h sprint in 6.9 seconds. A combined operating range of 650 km is on offer when the 92 kWh (net) battery pack is fully charged.
Positioned between the Single Motor Extended Range and Twin Motor Performance (we’ll get to the latter model soon), the Twin Motor ES90’s dual electric-motor setup is coupled with a larger, 106 kWh (net) battery. According to Volvo, this model’s 330 kW and 670 N.m combined system output allows for a 0-100 km/h sprint time of just 5.5 seconds. An emissions-free operating range of up to 700 km is available on a single, full charge.
Spearheading the line-up, the Twin Motor Performance is equipped with the same battery as its (all-wheel-drive) Twin Motor sibling. However, its dual electric-motor arrangement produces a healthier 500 kW and 870 N.m for a claimed 0-100 km/h sprint time of 4.0 seconds. This (3 132 kg) variant’s all-electric operating range matches that of the Twin Motor model.
Noteworthy, the Swedish marque claims a 350 kW DC fast charge adds 300 km of range in only 10 minutes, thanks to the ES90’s 800 V electric architecture. Yet, it is worth noting that this only applies to the aforementioned two derivatives.
The ES90’s svelte sheet metal measures 5 000 mm long, front to rear, 1 942 mm wide and 1 549 mm in height. While incorporating the firm’s modern design language, the ES90’s styling does feature a few distinct design cues, the most notable of which is the LED rear lamps in the window.
The ES90’s bodywork wraps around a cabin with an equally minimalistic design. Taking centre stage is a 14.5-inch, touch-enabled infotainment display, replete with Google built-in. A 9.0-inch digital instrument binnacle is also present.