Volvo ES90 (Ultra) Review: The Nordic Succession

Throughout my drive of the ES90, I couldn’t get the Succession theme song out of my head.

It carries that same composed, corporate polish - the kind of car you’d imagine a CEO stepping into after a board meeting, looking for an uneventful, supremely comfortable way to get home.

Strangely enough, that’s not far off from the clientele of my personal Volvo 740. Back in the ’80s, it was the engineer’s choice. The doctor’s daily. The high-ranking public servant’s sensible pride.

A brick on wheels, built like a vault.

Brick To Software Stack

While the 740 looks like it was designed with a pencil and ruler, the ES90 is wrapped in sculpted surfaces.

With ‘Thor’s Hammer’ and the imposing ‘iron mark’, the ES90 is unmistakably Volvo. A strong shoulder line runs from the front, bringing your eyes to the shorter, ‘tight’ rear overhang.

This S90 replacement adds an “E” to the model name, signifying its full-electric adoption of the SPA2 platform. To accommodate the raised height introduced by the platform, the roof line is tapered subtly with the help of the rear boot being a tailgate, for easier loading and unloading activities.

But those restrictions are a boon on the inside. The 5,000 mm length affords you a wheelbase of 3,102 mm, translating to more than ample shoulder and legroom for all occupants.

The big news here is Volvo’s new Superset tech stack - a consolidated software architecture that bundles all major systems together. For owners, that means over-the-air updates can be rolled out cohesively instead of patchwork fixes across separate modules. It’s an efficient foundation for longer-term development - one that Volvo has sunk significant investments into.

Electric Authority

Power comes from a 92 kWh battery paired with Volvo’s 800-volt architecture - a step up from the EX90’s 400-volt system. Higher voltage means faster charging and greater efficiency under heavy load; Volvo states 22 minutes for a 10-80% charge with a DC charger (350kW), 10 hours on an AC one.

Over 162 km of mixed driving, I averaged 6.25km/kWh - translating to roughly 575 km of real-world range. Respectable, and notably better than its rated 5.4km/kWh, but still falling short of Volvo’s claimed 661 km (WLTP).

But numbers aside, it’s the way the ES90 moves that defines it.

The insulated cabin, laminated glass, and Active air suspension combine into something beautifully composed. At speed, it glides; at cruising pace, it cocoons. Even with a laundry list of safety features, they’re always there but never intrusive to your drive. Long drives become effortless, and occasionally, you’ll invent errands just to sit behind the wheel.

And for good reason. These are some of the most comfortable seats I’ve experienced yet: Soft, supportive leather with ventilation and massage functions. Just like in my 740 and unlikely a priority in most vehicle designs, the floating armrest and padded console bolster your elbows perfectly on either side.

While my undying love for physical buttons remains just that, the UX is easy to grasp, with important functions like the air-con adjustments fixed to the bottom of the 14.5-inch screen, making on-the-go changes easier.

There’s even a Maybach-esque eletrochromic roof that switches from clear to opaque to keep privacy intact while still lighting up the cabin.

Rear occupants enjoy similar comfort sitting in the back with adjustable seats, though taller occupants may find their legs propped up unnaturally, even with the extendable thigh supports. This should be addressed in the upcoming SPA3 platform, but it's a possible point of contention.

Calling All Audiophiles

The 1,610-watts, 25-speaker Bowers & Wilkins system is exceptional.

Want more control over your favourite jazz playlist? Engaging the Abbey Road Studios Mode lets you shape the soundstage - vintage warmth or modern precision. My audiophile partner was completely sold.

There’s even a feature where the cabin microphone picks up your voice and relays it through the rear speakers, so you don’t have to shout over the music. Very thoughtful.

Some Proverbial Potholes

The ES90 has a lot going for it, but, there are gaps.

While attractive, the crystal roller and adjacent buttons under the display screen were underutilised, which made me question the authenticity of its addition.

The letterbox rear glass is challenging to see out of with two people at the back, let alone with a third, and the rear armrest propped up. For a brand synonymous with safety, the absence of a digital rear-view mirror feels like an oversight.

Floating armrests are nice, but some first-time occupants were puzzled as to how to shut the door once seated. Pair that with longer doors, and you’ll need a second or two to get fully insulated; cool design touch, albeit one that doesn’t serve its core purpose well.

Final Verdict

The ES90 is an experience. A vibe, if you will.

It isn’t theatrical; it feels assured. Like the 740 before it, it’s a car for people who value solidity, safety, and quiet authority - expressed in code rather than steel.

No promise of sporty drives or old school luxury; rather, a reliably uncomplicated way of getting home from your overly complicated workday, in complete comfort.

While there’s truthfully very little resemblance to my 740, it still feels familiar.

If you’re thinking of getting one, just do yourself a favour and get it in Mulberry Red.

Photos by Azfar Hashim (@azfar.talks)

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