Volvo Belgium accidently leaks new ES90, its ‘master charger’

As Volvo gears up for the full release of its new flagship sedan, ES90, tomorrow, the Belgian division accidentally uploaded an image of the latest model on its web page. The electric sedan, which is bound to break the brand’s barriers in charging and autonomy, unveils itself as a mix between the Polestar 2 and the Volvo EX90.

The mishap was noticed by a forum user of the Dutch magazine AutoWeek, from which the leaked image spread worldwide. As for technical details, information remains restricted to what Volvo officially releases as part of the teaser campaign. But it is clear that the Swedish contender for the Audi A6 Tron, BMW i5, and Mercedes EQE adopts a more rugged stance.

Superior range and charging?

The ES90 is set to become the brand’s most technologically advanced electric car. It can boast a WLTP range of up to 700 kilometers and charge 300 kilometers in ten minutes.

The ES90 is the sedan version of the software-plagued SUV EX90. But there’s more to it. The new model will incorporate cutting-edge 800-volt technology that improves efficiency, charging speed, and overall performance.

According to Anders Bell, Volvo’s Chief Engineering and Technology Officer, the new system is a game-changer: “Our 800-V technology marks another significant technological upgrade for our customers as we move toward full electrification. It makes our electric cars even more efficient, helps you charge your electric Volvo faster, and goes further on a single charge.”

The ES90 outperforms its predecessors in both range and charging speed. While the official WLTP rating has yet to be confirmed, the sedan is expected to exceed the 585-kilometer range of the EX90 Twin Motor significantly, Volvo’s three-row electric SUV, which hit the market not fully accomplished over software delays.

The Swedish-Chinese carmaker promises 700 kilometers. This is not a small increase, but it is lower than rival BMW’s 900-kilometer claim for the Neue Klasse, which will arrive later this year.

In return, the ES90 can replenish 10-80% of its battery in 20 minutes, thanks to the 800-volt system and a peak charging rate of up to 350 kW. This positions it among the fastest-charging EVs on the market, in the same league as sector leaders like Porsche, Tesla, and Hyundai, which have adopted similar high-voltage architectures for the Taycan, Cybertruck, and Ioniq series. BMW’s Neue Klasse will also work on an 800-volt architecture.

First Volvo with dual computer

By doubling the voltage over its current EVs, Volvo has improved the electric system, reducing energy losses while enabling lighter components that enhance performance and sustainability.

The switch allows for thinner, more efficient wiring and lighter e-motors, providing better acceleration and driving dynamics (official figures remain undisclosed for now).

Furthermore, the ES90 showcases Volvo’s latest computing power and driver-assist technology advancements. It is the company’s first model to feature dual NVIDIA Drive AGX Orin computers, delivering an astounding 508 trillion operations per second (TOPS).

It enhances safety, and as an AI platform, it is also meant to improve autonomous driving—it’s dual so a backup system can step in when the first computer fails. This is a significant upgrade over previous models.

FSC-certified wood

Additionally, the ES90 is equipped with a comprehensive array of sensors (like on the EX90), including lidar, five radars, eight cameras, and twelve ultrasonic sensors. These technologies work in unison to help provide these advanced levels of semi-autonomous driving.

As for sustainability, Volvo claims that nearly 30% of the aluminum and 18% of the steel used in the vehicle come from recycled sources. The interior features FSC-certified wood and 16% recycled polymers and bio-based materials.

Additionally, the ES90 will include Volvo’s new battery passport, a blockchain-based tracking system that provides transparency about the origins of key battery materials such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, and graphite. The ES90 will be revealed on March 5th, providing all further details.