New Models / 12 March 2026 / Warren Hawkins

New luxury sedan goes on sale in South Africa – Pricing and features

Volvo has officially launched its all-new electric sedan, the ES90, in South Africa.

The ES90 will serve as the Swedish brand’s flagship and represents a major milestone for Volvo as it expands its fully-electric line-up.

“The ES90 brings together Scandinavian design, advanced technology and the safety leadership Volvo is known for, in a package that is perfectly suited to the expectations of today’s premium customers,” said Grant Locke, Managing Director of Volvo South Africa.

“With its impressive range and fast-charging capability, the ES90 reinforces our commitment to making electric mobility more practical and desirable for South African drivers.”

The ES90 is already available in three specifications in the local market – the Core, Plus, and Ultra – with prices starting at R1,590,000.

Powertrain

Built on Volvo’s dedicated SPA2 electric architecture, which it shares with the EX90, the ES90 features a single-motor 800-volt electrical system to facilitate efficiency and fast charging.

The sedan is powered by a rear-mounted electric motor producing 245kW and 480Nm, allowing it to sprint from 0-100km/h in a very impressive 6.6 seconds. However, its top speed is limited to 180km/h.

Alongside its incredible performance, the ES90 is fitted with a 92kWh battery, allowing for a claimed combined WLTP driving range of 755km at 15.9 kWh/100km.

Volvo also confirmed that it plans to introduce additional powertrain options in the future.

The ES90 can be charged from 10% to 80% in 25 minutes using a compatible DC fast charger.

Features

Designed with space and comfort in mind, the ES90 features a 3,102mm wheelbase, fitted into its 5,000mm length, 2,120mm width, and 1,546mm height.

Its boot offers 446 litres of storage capacity, expanded to 1,427 litres with the rear seats folded down, while its 27-litre frunk provides additional cargo space.

All of this room allows for a quiet cabin, with high-quality finishes and a panoramic sunroof, which is upgraded to an adjustable electrochromatic panoramic roof in higher specification models.

The cabin finishes include eco-friendly Nordico seats, which can be upgraded to Nappa leather in the higher-spec models, or Zinc Tailored Wool Blend upholstery in the Ultra, ambient lighting, and Dark Matter décor cabin finishes.

Derivatives across the line-up feature a large portrait infotainment system, digital driver instrument cluster, and heads-up display.

As a brand that prides itself on safety, Volvo has fitted the ES90 with an extensive range of active and passive safety systems.

The Core specification includes Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind Spot Information with Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Keeping Aid, Collision Avoidance and Mitigation, Rear Parking Camera, Head-Up Display, Rain Sensor, Road Sign Information, connected safety features, OTA updates, and access to the Volvo Cars app and Volvo Assistance.

The Plus specification adds to this Pilot Assist (steering support) and upgraded Park Assist functionality using 12 ultrasonic sensors.

The top-of-the-range Ultra includes everything from the Core and Plus trims, enhancing parking assistance with a 360-degree camera system, offering the most complete driver support package.

Passive safety features across the range include nine airbags, ISOFIX mounting points, and Volvo’s structural protection systems designed to absorb and redirect impact forces in the event of a collision.

For driving comfort on South African roads, the ES90 is available with adaptive air suspension, which is standard in the Ultra trim level, and an adjustable ride height.