Volvo has officially confirmed that the new ES90 will go on sale in South Africa in the first quarter of 2026.
The ES90 is an upmarket sedan that will serve as one of Volvo’s key product launches this year – the other being the new EX60 SUV.
The Swedish carmaker has also revealed that the sedan will eventually be offered in three trim levels – Core, Plus, and Ultra – though only the Ultra will be available at launch.
“The wait is nearly over. Volvo’s latest creation, already celebrated around the world for its contemporary design and cutting-edge electric powertrains, will soon make its debut in South Africa,” said the carmaker.
“Arriving in Q1 2026, the ES90 will expand Volvo Car South Africa’s (VCSA) all-electric portfolio to six models, providing local consumers with even more choice when it comes to battery-electric vehicles.”
What we know so far
Volvo Car South Africa gave a short breakdown of the equipment highlights motorists can expect on each trim level once the ES90 makes its debut.
Starting with the Core, this version will feature four-zone automatic climate control, ambient lighting, a panoramic sunroof, Dark Matter décor cabin finishes, a large portrait infotainment screen, a heads-up display, and an electric tailgate.
It also has electronically adjustable front seats with two-way lumbar support and a heating function, which are covered in eco-friendly Nordico (a leather-free material made from recycled materials like cork and bio-attributed PVC).
As you’d expect from a premium Volvo model, it has a long list of driving assistance functions including a rearview camera, rain sensor, Park Assist Pilot, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, cross-traffic alert, lane-keep assist, and run-off road mitigation.
Upgrading to the mid-range Plus will then add an air purification system, ventilated Nordico or Nappa leather seats, four-way lumbar support, improved ambient lighting, an optional 360-degree camera, and optionally ventilated rear seats.
You also get additional upholstery colour options – White, Fog Melange/White, Cardamom, and Charcoal – and optional Birch and Light Ash décor trims.
Last but not least is the Ultra, which gains tinted windows, an electrochromatic panoramic roof, laminated side and rear window glass, soft-close doors, Zinc Tailored Wool Blend upholstery, massage front seats, reclining rear seats, and the 360-degree camera as standard.
Volvo has not confirmed the powertrain selection for each trim level, but we know from previous announcements that the ES90 will have three different options.
The first is the Single Motor, which has an e-motor over the rear axle producing 245kW and 480Nm.
This version comes with a 92kWh battery with a range of 650km, and can accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in 6.9 seconds.
One step up is the Twin Motor, which adds a second e-motor over the front wheels and a larger 102kWh battery with 700km on tap.
The second e-motor means this model generates 330kW and 670Nm and can reach 100km/h in 5.5 seconds.
The most powerful option, which will undoubtedly be available on the Ultra, is the Twin Motor Performance.
While it has the same dual e-motor configuration, the flagship has been uprated to produce an absurd 500kW and 870Nm, letting it sprint to 100km/h in 4.0 seconds.
The Volvo ES90’s full model selection and pricing will be unveiled closer to its launch window in the mid-to-late first quarter of 2026.
Volvo ES90
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