Volvo Car South Africa has confirmed the local launch of the all-new Volvo ES90, its latest all-electric luxury sedan, scheduled to arrive in the first quarter of 2026.
The ES90 marks a significant expansion of Volvo’s electric vehicle portfolio in the country and will be offered in three distinct trim levels: Core, Plus, and Ultra. At launch, South African customers will initially have access to the flagship Ultra specification.
With the introduction of the ES90, Volvo Car South Africa’s fully electric lineup will grow to six models, reinforcing the brand’s ongoing commitment to electrification and sustainable mobility.
A new all-electric luxury sedan for South Africa
The Volvo ES90 represents the brand’s newest entry into the premium electric sedan segment. Designed with a focus on contemporary aesthetics and advanced electric technology, the ES90 combines an elegant exterior with a cabin centred on comfort, functionality, and driver-focused intuitiveness.
The ES90 has already gained international recognition for its modern design and cutting-edge electric powertrains. Its arrival in South Africa signals Volvo’s continued investment in expanding battery-electric options for local consumers seeking premium alternatives.
Trims and Specifications
The ES90 will be available locally in three trim levels, each offering a different balance of technology, comfort, and luxury: Core, Plus, and Ultra.
ES90 Core
The Core specification serves as the entry point to the ES90 range while offering a comprehensive level of standard equipment. Comfort features include four-zone climate control and an advanced air quality system to maintain a consistent cabin environment. A panoramic roof enhances the minimalist interior by allowing natural light into the cabin.
The interior is upholstered in eco-friendly Nordico material, paired with Dark Matter décor finishes. Power-adjustable front seats with two-way lumbar support come standard, along with heated front seats.
Practical features include a power-operated tailgate, rear parking camera, rain sensor, head-up display, and Park Assist Pilot.
Safety is a central focus of the Core model. 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 features
include front airbags for driver and passenger, a driver’s knee airbag, inflatable curtains, Side Impact Protection System (SIPS) airbags, whiplash protection for the front seats, and ISOFIX anchor points on the outer rear seats.
ES90 Plus
The Plus trim builds on the Core specification by adding additional comfort and customisation options. It includes all Core features, along with an enhanced air purification system featuring an advanced air cleaner.
Buyers can upgrade from standard Nordico upholstery to ventilated Nordico or Nappa leather. The front seats gain four-way lumbar support, replacing the two-way system in the Core. Upholstery colour choices expand to include White, Fog Melange/White, Cardamom, and Charcoal.
Additional comfort features include front-seat cushion extensions and optional rear seat ventilation. Interior ambience is enhanced with High-level interior illumination, replacing the Mid-level lighting found in the Core. Optional Birch and Light Ash décor trims are also available.
The Plus specification offers a 360-degree parking camera as an option, while Adaptive Cruise Control with Pilot Assist can be added via a package. The steering column becomes power-adjustable, replacing the manual adjustment used in the Core model.
ES90 Ultra
The Ultra derivative sits at the top of the ES90 range and represents the most comprehensively equipped version of the electric sedan. Building on the Plus specification, the Ultra adds tinted windows, an electrochromic panoramic roof, laminated side and rear glass, and power-release doors with soft-close functionality as standard.
The Ultra is the only variant available with Zinc Tailored Wool Blend upholstery. Front seats feature power-adjustable side support and a massage function. Rear passengers benefit from a power rear-seat recliner and a luxury armrest, reinforcing the ES90 Ultra’s executive positioning.
Additional standard features on the Ultra include HD headlamps with headlamp cleaning and a 360-degree parking camera, which is optional on the Plus but included as standard on the flagship model.
Expanding Volvo’s electric lineup
According to Grant Locke, Managing Director of Volvo Car South Africa,
“The ES90’s introduction reflects the brand’s long-term strategy to grow its electric vehicle range locally”
Further information regarding pricing, availability, and powertrain options will be announced closer to the local market launch. Initially, the Volvo ES90 will be offered exclusively in Ultra specification when it arrives in South Africa in Q1 2026.
