CEO Jim Rowan wrapped up Volvo's 90/90 Day event with a sizzle reel. It was the culmination of a packed, one-day event where we saw updates to the hybrid-powered XC90 SUV and the celebrated arrival of the EX90 electric SUV.
Rowan hinted, "If you look closely enough, you might just see another type of 90."
I didn't have to look too hard. The CEO's presentation ended with a full-screen preview of a new model, the silhouetted ES90, balanced at one end of a see-saw against the words "coming soon."
No further information was given about the ES90, but we can make a few educated guesses at what Volvo is teasing.
Most of what we need to know comes from decoding its name. The ES90 is almost certainly an electric sedan based on the same battery electric platform as the EX90 SUV. And the sedan configuration is all but confirmed by the teaser's three-box silhouette. If the ES90 keeps the SUV's long 117.5-inch wheelbase intact — pure speculation at this point, but a safe bet considering the 90-series nomenclature — it'll be sized to compete with the likes of BMW's i5 electric sedan, the Mercedes-Benz EQE and Audi's upcoming A6 E-Tron.
Enlarge Image
As a fan of electric sedans, I'm looking forward to this one.
Volvo CarsProportions are more difficult to gauge from the roofline seen in the ad image. Plus, there aren't any hints on the wheels. But I reckon this electric sedan will probably feature the tall-ish proportions and elevated floor typical of other electric sedans — an unfortunate reality of battery packaging.
Even so, the ES90 will certainly have a smaller aerodynamic cross section than the EX90 and a lower curb weight. If we stick with the assumption that this new model will share its platform, powertrain and, most importantly, 111 kilowatt-hour battery, the sedan should be able to meet or, more likely, exceed the SUV's 300- to 310-mile EPA-estimated range.
Lastly, peering closely at the teaser, we can also see a small hump just above the windshield, similar to the EX90's roof-mounted lidar sensor. That jives with Volvo's previous assertions that the laser sensing technology will be a core part of its safety technology going forward.
Enlarge Image
Volvo's EV naming convention is mildly annoying, but easy enough to parse. ES90 = Electric Sedan, 90-Series.
Volvo CarsDuring the 90/90 Day event, Volvo announced that the first examples of the EX90 SUV will reach global customers this month, with US deliveries slated for later this year. Additionally, updates to the XC90 mild and plug-in hybrid models are slated to follow.
After a few stumbles out the gate, those are two big steps towards the automaker's goal of a fully electrified lineup by the end of the decade.
Expect more details and previews of this new ES90 to be teased out in the coming months.
Antuan Goodwin started out in the automotive industry the old fashioned way, by turning wrenches in a driveway and picking up speeding tickets. Antuan now has 16 years of expertise and experience behind the wheel of hundreds of cars including electric vehicles, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, hydrogen, and traditional combustion cars. For each car tested, Antuan covers over 200 miles behind the wheel and evaluates driving dynamics, acceleration and braking performance, range and efficiency. Antuan's goal is to use his extensive car knowledge to educate CNET readers with their next car-related buying decision. Whether you're EV-curious, EV-enthusiast or combustion-car loyal, Antuan will bring you the unbiased advice, reviews, best lists, and news you need. You can reach Antuan at antuan.goodwin@cnet.com
Expertise 16 years of testing, driving, writing, reporting, editing, and reviewing electric and ICE cars. Category focus is on electrified cars, EVs, HEVs, PHEVs, ICE cars, EV infrastructure, EV chargers, EV adapters, EV news, autonomous driving tech, driver assist Credentials
- North American Car, Truck and SUV of the Year (NACTOY) Awards Juror
Antuan Goodwin started out in the automotive industry the old fashioned way, by turning wrenches in a driveway and picking up speeding tickets. Antuan now has 16 years of expertise and experience behind the wheel of hundreds of cars including electric vehicles, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, hydrogen, and traditional combustion cars. For each car tested, Antuan covers over 200 miles behind the wheel and evaluates driving dynamics, acceleration and braking performance, range and efficiency. Antuan's goal is to use his extensive car knowledge to educate CNET readers with their next car-related buying decision. Whether you're EV-curious, EV-enthusiast or combustion-car loyal, Antuan will bring you the unbiased advice, reviews, best lists, and news you need. You can reach Antuan at antuan.goodwin@cnet.com