BMW i5 and Benz EQE-fighting Volvo ES90 electric car locked-in for a 2024 debut

January 4, 2024January 1, 2024 John Mahoney 2139 Views Audi A6, bmw, ES90, i5, Mercedes-Benz EQE, volvo

Fresh details suggest Volvo is on track to launch an all-new battery-electric replacement for the current S90 that will be named the Volvo ES90 when it hits showrooms in 2025.

Developed under the secret V551 codename, the new Volvo ES90 sedan will aim squarely at the likes of the all-electric Audi A6, BMW i5 and Mercedes-Benz EQE and be made in a factory in China that’s owned by Volvo’s parent, Geely.

According to recent leaked documents seen by Autocar the Volvo ES90 is already at the prototype stage ahead of production beginning as soon as late next year.

When it arrives the Volvo ES90 will be based on the same Volvo SPA2 platform (renamed SEA1) architecture that is currently used for the large Volvo EM90 and Zeekr 009 minivans.

Set to be offered with either a single motor or with dual-motors to provide all-wheel drive, the ES90 will be powered by a large 111kWh battery that should provide for a range of more than 600km with the rear-wheel drive long-range version.

Measuring in at 4999mm long, 1547mm tall and 1945mm wide, the Volvo sedan is closely matched with the latest BMW i5 that is just 61mm longer, 32mm taller and 45mm wider.

Thanks to its new platform, the Volvo should maximise passenger space as it gets a huge 3100mm wheelbase – 105mm longer than the bigger BMW i5.

Developed alongside the Galaxy E8 and the Zeekr 007, it’s thought the most powerful all-wheel drive Volvo ES90 could offer up to 475kW, meaning it will deliver sportscar levels of acceleration.

When it arrives the Volvo ES90 will be the fourth bespoke all-electric Volvo the brand offers, with the large battery-powered sedan lining up alongside the EX30 and EX90 SUVs and the EM90 mini-van as the brand races to ensure 50 per cent of all its sales will be of battery-electric cars by 2025 ahead of the brand’s full transition to EVs in 2030.

With the decline of sales of large family sedans globally, it’s not known if the ES90 will be offered in all markets or if it will be restricted to China. More is expected to be revealed in late 2024 at its unveiling, ahead of 2025 deliveries.