My journey with the Volvo ES90 was an interesting one. Like most of the cars I receive, this one was special, exciting, fun, and eye-catching.

I received the Volvo ES90 at our printers at Highway Mail in Pinetown.

My ‘crew ‘, as I refer to them rather than colleagues, were at a Caxton training session attended by several journalists from KZN. While in training, my motoring guy called and said they had arrived and were ready to hand over the car.

So, I excused myself to take delivery of my next test vehicle. I was expecting a ‘naturally aspirated’ test car. But I was taken by surprise when they said, ‘here’s the Volvo ES90’.

It was simply wow! This is a fully electric executive luxury fastback sedan. Now, this is when it got more interesting. The team at the training took a break, and everyone came outside, and what did they see? Yes, me in the Volvo ES90. “Wow, some people are lucky working at Caxton,” they said, and the entire team surrounded the car.

Yes, all eyes were on this baby. ‘The car’ became the centre of attraction. Okay, enough with all the attention; it’s now time to give my personal take on this direct rival to the BMW i5 and Mercedes-Benz EQE.

The ES90 is powered by a large 92kWh gross battery paired with a rear-mounted single motor that produces 245kW of power and 480Nm of torque. It sprints from 0 to 100kph in roughly 6.6 seconds. It felt faster than that… On our way back home, ‘the crew’ of Shona Aylward and Fundiswa Mzobe said, ‘easy now Sugan’…

My co-pilot, Ginisile Ndovela, a man of few words, remained silent and enjoyed the comfort.

The ES90, with its aerodynamic design and 800V architecture, is incredibly efficient (averaging between 13.4kWh and 14.0kWh/100 km). It claims a massive worldwide harmonised light vehicles test procedure driving range of 755km, with an easily achievable real-world range of 500km to 550km per full charge.

Everywhere I went, people were drawn to this fully electric Scandinavian beauty. The drive is whisper-quiet, ultra-premium and comfortable.

Without doubt, it’s safety first, with Volvo’s renowned safety technology.

On the entertainment side, the ES90 features an optional 25-speaker, 1,610-watt Bowers and Wilkins High-Fidelity audio system. Yes, this premium setup delivers an immersive 3D spatial experience and includes “Tweeter-on-Top” technology, continuum midrange drivers, and full, native Dolby Atmos support. That’s power; what else is needed?

Oh yes, the panoramic glass roof, and the adaptive air suspension which swallows bumps and potholes. Not forgetting heated front seats as standard, with upper trim levels adding a soothing 10-point front seat massage function, ventilation, and available rear-seat heating and adjustments. The ES90 is plush, quiet, spacious, and good for the road.

Go check out the Volvo ES90 at your nearest dealership; you will be amazed.

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