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. The meticulously crafted ES90 represents a new chapter in Volvo’s pursuit of electrification and sustainable luxury.
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. Designed to captivate the refined eye, the elegant exterior conceals a cabin that blends comfort with an intuitive focus on the driver, commanding attention without ever needing to shout.
Three distinct trim levels
The ES90 will arrive in South Africa in three carefully curated trim levels, each offering its own character and presence:
Core
The ES90 Core is generously equipped, offering a refined balance of comfort, technology, and safety. Four-zone climate control and an advanced air quality system ensure a consistently comfortable cabin environment, while a panoramic roof floods the minimalist interior with natural light. The cabin is upholstered in eco-friendly yet luxurious Nordico, complemented by Dark Matter décor finishes that enhance the contemporary aesthetic.
Power-adjustable front seats with two-way lumbar support come standard, and both front seats are heated for added comfort. Practicality is enhanced by a power-operated tailgate, while everyday convenience features include a rear parking camera, rain sensor, head-up display, and Park Assist Pilot, among others.
Safety is a key focus of the Core specification. Standard driver assistance systems include Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with cross-traffic alert, Lane Keeping Aid, Run-off Road Mitigation, Collision Avoidance and Mitigation, and a driver understanding system. Passive safety provisions are equally comprehensive, with driver and passenger front airbags, a driver’s knee airbag, inflatable curtains, Side Impact Protection System (SIPS) airbags, whiplash protection for the front seats, and ISOFIX anchorages for the outer rear seating positions.
Plus
The ES90 Plus builds on the already well-equipped Core, adding further comfort, personalisation, and luxury-focused enhancements. In addition to all Core features, the Plus includes an air purification system with an advanced air cleaner. Customers can upgrade from standard Nordico upholstery to ventilated Nordico or Nappa leather, while the front seats gain four-way lumbar support in place of the Core’s two-way system.
A wider selection of upholstery colours is available, including White, Fog Melange/White, Cardamom, and Charcoal. Front-seat cushion extensions further improve long-distance comfort, and rear seat ventilation is offered as an optional feature.
Interior ambience is elevated with High-level interior illumination, replacing the Mid-level illumination found in the Core. Optional Birch and Light Ash décor trims allow for further cabin customisation. A 360-degree parking camera is available as an option, while Adaptive Cruise Control with Pilot Assist can be specified as part of a package. Additionally, the Plus benefits from a power-adjustable steering column, replacing the manual adjustment featured in the Core.
Ultra
At the top of the ES90 range sits the Ultra derivative, representing the most luxurious and comprehensively equipped expression of the model. Building on the Plus specification, the Ultra adds standard tinted windows, an electrochromic panoramic roof, laminated side and rear window glass, and power-release doors with soft-close functionality.
The Ultra is the only variant available with Zinc Tailored Wool Blend upholstery. Front seats are enhanced with power-adjustable side support and a massage function, while rear passengers benefit from a power rear-seat recliner and a luxury armrest, reinforcing the ES90 Ultra’s executive character.
Further enhancements include HD headlamps with standard headlamp cleaning, as well as a 360-degree parking camera, which is standard on the Ultra rather than optional, as it is on the Plus.
Driving the future of electric luxury
“Bringing the ES90 to South Africa has been a long-anticipated moment,” said Grant Locke, Managing Director of VCSA. “It represents our vision of modern luxury and driving enjoyment, and we cannot wait for customers here to experience it for themselves as the next chapter of our product journey unfolds.”
Further details, including pricing, availability, and powertrain options, will be announced closer to the local market launch, with the ES90 initially offered exclusively in Ultra specification.
