By Malusi Msomi

Volvo has never been a brand that relies on flashy styling or gimmicks to grab attention. Instead, it has built its reputation on understated luxury, comfort and safety. The all-new ES90 Single Motor Ultra continues that tradition, combining elegant Scandinavian design with impressive electric performance and a cabin that quickly becomes one of your favourite places to spend time.

The ES90’s design is unmistakably Volvo. Its sleek fastback silhouette, clean body lines and signature Thor’s Hammer LED lighting give it a modern yet timeless appearance. It doesn’t scream for attention, but it attracts plenty of it. There’s an elegance to the ES90 that makes it stand out in a world where many electric vehicles try too hard to look futuristic.

Step inside and the minimalist philosophy continues. The cabin is beautifully put together, with premium materials and a clean dashboard layout centred around a 14.5-inch touchscreen, a 9-inch digital driver’s display and a 13.2-inch head-up display. Like most modern Volvos, the interior feels calm and uncluttered, creating a relaxing environment whether you’re heading to work or embarking on a long road trip.

One of the standout features is undoubtedly the Bowers & Wilkins sound system. Quite simply, it’s the best audio system we’ve experienced in any vehicle currently on sale in South Africa. Whether you’re listening to your favourite playlist or catching up on a podcast, the clarity, depth and richness of the sound are nothing short of exceptional.

Power comes from a rear-mounted electric motor producing 245kW and 480Nm, delivering power to the rear wheels. Performance is effortless rather than aggressive. The instant torque makes overtaking feel almost effortless, while acceleration is smooth and progressive. The ES90 never feels like it’s trying to prove a point. Instead, it delivers its performance with the confidence and refinement you’d expect from a luxury sedan.

Volvo claims a driving range of between 554km and 755km, depending on the driving conditions and configuration. During our time with the ES90, we achieved around 480km on a full charge. While that’s below Volvo’s claimed figures, it’s still enough to comfortably cover several days of commuting or a long-distance journey with a planned charging stop.

The ES90 truly shines when it comes to comfort. Road and wind noise are exceptionally well suppressed, the ride quality is supple without feeling floaty, and every journey feels relaxed. It’s the sort of car that encourages you to slow down and enjoy the drive rather than rush to your destination.

There is, however, one compromise. The sleek fastback roofline and rear design do have an impact on rearward visibility. Looking through the rear window, your view is more restricted than in a traditional sedan, meaning you’ll rely more heavily on the cameras and mirrors when parking or manoeuvring in tighter spaces. It’s not a deal-breaker, but it’s something worth noting.

Final thoughts

The Volvo ES90 Single Motor Ultra is a luxury electric sedan that gets the fundamentals right. It offers elegant styling, a beautifully crafted cabin and a driving experience that prioritises refinement over outright performance.

Yes, the real-world driving range of around 480km fell short of Volvo’s ambitious claim, and rear visibility could be better. But neither of those points detracts significantly from what is an incredibly well-rounded package.

At R1,795,000, the ES90 isn’t inexpensive, but it delivers an experience that feels genuinely premium. The serene cabin, effortless performance and what is arguably the best sound system currently available in a new car make every journey feel special. If comfort, luxury and refinement rank higher on your priority list than outright speed, the Volvo ES90 Single Motor Ultra deserves to be near the very top of your shortlist.