In this instalment of Drive Time, John tests out the new all-electric Volvo ES90, which is a new offering in the executive car class and has its own unconventional style.
The ES90 is Volvo’s new all-electric executive express that has unusual styling and is packed with technology and boasts an impressive range between charges.
Prices start from £67,560 and in some versions can travel up to 426 miles on a single charge.
Its bold looks means that it stands out from the crowd but it is a bit unconventional and blends elements of a saloon, fastback and SUV into a large family hatchback.
Sounds slightly strange and you have to view it in the flesh to decide if it appeals.
There is a choice of three powertrains, two batteries and two generous trim levels.
I sampled the single motor version of the extended range ES90 in the top Ultra trim which cost £77,260 and finished at £78,105 with a nice paint job.
It was good for the sprint to 62mph in just 6.6 seconds before going on to the top speed of 112mph.
The car’s looks will not appeal to everyone but it still features the signature Thor’s Hammer lights, the smart company crest on the front, tinted windows, C-shaped tail lights, flush door handles and a panoramic electrochromic sunroof and striking 21-inch alloys.
The tail tapers away and there is a traditional tailgate but the rear window is far too small in my opinion, and restricts the view.
The interior oozes quality with nice leather and all the kit you could want.
The build quality is good and the seats comfortable, powered and heated and there is even a massage function.
The steering wheel and rear seats can also be heated in winter conditions.
The materials are all top quality as you would expect in a car costing this much money.
A 14.5-inch portrait touchscreen dominates and controls the huge amount of on-board technology.
View 2 ImagesBehind the wheel of the Volvo ES90
In addition, a nine-inch driver screen and a head-up display provide all the important information.
On top of that you get a superb Bowers & Wilkins sound system with 25 speakers.
The set-up is very touchscreen-dependent and too fussy for me – even setting the steering wheel position and opening the glovebox becomes an issue.
The flush door handles may be a nice feature but sometimes they opened with a flash of the card and on other occasions it took three or four attempts to open the vehicle.
Four adults can travel in real comfort but you can fit five in for shorter journeys if you wish.
The boot is also generous at 424 litres and that can increase to 1427 litres if you drop the rear seats.
There is also a 22-litre frunk for storing charging cables and smaller items.
The ES90 delivers decent performance with good handling and quick acceleration.
It cruises nicely at motorway speeds and for such a big car is agile in town and on country roads.
The steering is nicely weighted and the suspension smooths out even the roughest surfaces.
You have the option to select from drive modes called Standard and Off-Road as well as the opportunity to alter the steering and suspension settings between soft and firm but they are found via the touchscreen along with the regenerative braking adjustments and are not easy to change on the move.
With fast charging the ES90 can gain a 10 to 80 per cent boost in just 22 minutes and on a home charger it will take between 16 to 18 hours to do a full charge.
Like all other Volvos, the ES90 has all the latest safety features and driver aids and should soon be awarded five stars from Euro NCAP.
With a nice blend of comfort, style and technology the ES90 has a lot going for it but it is up against some very strong competitors.
Its reliance on touchscreen controls may not suit a lot of traditional Volvo drivers and that could hold it back.
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