Volvo ES90: 5 Reasons This Tesla Model S Rival Could Be Your Next EV

Advertisement

Looking for a luxury electric sedan that combines Scandinavian elegance with cutting-edge tech? The answer is: Volvo's upcoming ES90 could be your perfect match! This Tesla Model S competitor is shaping up to be one of the most exciting EVs of 2025, and here's why you should care.We've been tracking Volvo's electric revolution closely, and their new ES90 represents a major leap forward. With an estimated 300+ miles of range, around 500 horsepower, and Volvo's legendary safety features, this isn't just another EV - it's a statement. Plus, it'll come with Tesla's NACS charging port right out of the gate, meaning you'll have access to the largest fast-charging network in North America.What really sets the ES90 apart? While Tesla focuses on raw performance, Volvo is bringing their signature understated luxury to the electric game. Think of it like choosing between a flashy sports car and a beautifully tailored suit - both impressive, but appealing to different tastes. And with Volvo's record-breaking 2024 sales showing strong demand for their EVs, we're betting this new sedan will be worth the wait!

E.g. :2025 Jeep Wagoneer S Limited EV: Price, Specs & How It Stacks Up

Volvo's Record-Breaking 2024 and What's Coming Next

Volvo's Stellar 2024 Performance

Wow, Volvo absolutely crushed it in 2024! The Swedish automaker delivered over 763,000 vehicles worldwide, marking an impressive 8% increase from previous years. That's like selling enough cars to fill 10 football stadiums! But here's the kicker - they're not resting on their laurels.

While celebrating this success, Volvo's already looking ahead to 2025 with some exciting new models. The star of the show? An all-new electric sedan called the ES90 that's gunning straight for Tesla's Model S. Think of it like David bringing an electric slingshot to take on Goliath!

Challenges on the Horizon

Now, don't get me wrong - 2025 won't be all smooth sailing. The automotive market's getting tougher than my grandma's meatballs. But Volvo's packing some serious heat in their product pipeline to keep the momentum going.

Here's what we know: they're launching the EX30 Cross Country next week, refreshing two existing models (our money's on the XC60 and S90), and dropping that game-changing ES90 later in the year. Talk about keeping busy!

The Electric Showdown: Volvo ES90 vs Tesla Model S

Volvo ES90: 5 Reasons This Tesla Model S Rival Could Be Your Next EV Photos provided by pixabay

Under the Hood: Specs That Matter

Let's get technical for a second. The ES90 will ride on Volvo's SPA2 platform - the same one that powers their EX90 electric SUV. We're talking about a potential 111 kWh battery pack that could deliver:

Feature Volvo ES90 (Projected) Tesla Model S
Range 300+ miles 300-400 miles
Horsepower ~500 hp 670-1,000+ hp
Starting Price $80,000-$100,000 $80,000-$95,000

Now, here's a question you might be asking: "Why would anyone choose the ES90 over the Model S?" Great question! While Tesla's got the performance edge, Volvo brings Scandinavian luxury, superior safety tech, and that understated elegance that says "I've made it, but I don't need to scream about it."

Charging Into the Future

Here's some juicy news - the ES90 will likely come with Tesla's NACS charging port right out of the gate. That means you'll have access to Tesla's massive Supercharger network. No more range anxiety!

Imagine this: you're road tripping down the California coast, battery running low. With the ES90, you can pull into any Tesla Supercharger and juice up faster than you can finish your avocado toast. Now that's convenience!

Volvo's 2025 Lineup: More Than Just the ES90

The EX30 Cross Country: Small but Mighty

Kicking off 2025 is the EX30 Cross Country - think of it as the EX30's outdoorsy cousin. It's got that rugged Volvo look we all love, but now with extra ground clearance and probably some sweet roof rails for your surfboard or skis.

This little guy proves that good things come in small packages. With Volvo's commitment to safety and sustainability, it's perfect for city dwellers who occasionally escape to the mountains on weekends. Urban adventure, anyone?

Volvo ES90: 5 Reasons This Tesla Model S Rival Could Be Your Next EV Photos provided by pixabay

Under the Hood: Specs That Matter

While Volvo's playing coy about which models get updates, we've got some educated guesses. The XC60 is practically begging for a refresh - it's been a minute since we've seen major updates to this popular SUV.

And here's another question you might have: "What about the gas-powered models?" Interesting you should ask! While Volvo's pushing hard into electrification, they're not abandoning gas engines just yet. The S90 sedan will likely get a makeover to align with the new ES90's styling, keeping traditional buyers happy while transitioning to electric.

Volvo's Electrification Strategy: The Big Picture

Plugging Into the Future

Get this - in 2024, 54% of Volvo's sales came from plug-in hybrids and full EVs. That's more than half their business! They're like that friend who went vegan and actually stuck with it.

Looking ahead, we'll see more PHEVs and EVs, including a mysterious new plug-in hybrid for the Chinese market. China's EV market is growing faster than a teenager's appetite, so this move makes perfect sense.

The Road Ahead: Hybrids, EVs, and Everything Between

Volvo originally promised to go fully electric by 2030, but they've wisely adjusted that plan. Why put all your eggs in one basket when you can have a few different baskets, right?

We're talking about a balanced approach here: pure EVs like the ES90 for early adopters, plug-in hybrids for those not ready to go full electric, and even mild hybrids down the road. It's like having a menu where everyone can find something they like!

And let's not forget the EX60 electric SUV that's expected to start testing soon. It's like Volvo's playing chess while everyone else plays checkers - always thinking several moves ahead.

Why Volvo's Approach Matters to You

Volvo ES90: 5 Reasons This Tesla Model S Rival Could Be Your Next EV Photos provided by pixabay

Under the Hood: Specs That Matter

Here's the thing - competition is good for all of us. When Volvo steps up to challenge Tesla, we all win. Better technology, more options, and hopefully more competitive pricing.

Think about it like smartphones. Remember when there was basically just the iPhone? Now we've got amazing alternatives at every price point. That's where the EV market is heading, and Volvo's helping drive that change.

The Safety Factor

Let's be real - when you think Volvo, you think safety. Their EVs will undoubtedly come packed with the latest safety tech. We're talking about the kind of features that make your car feel like it's got a guardian angel riding shotgun.

From advanced collision avoidance to battery safety systems, Volvo's putting their decades of safety innovation into these new electric models. Because what's the point of saving the planet if we're not keeping people safe too?

So there you have it - Volvo's 2025 plans in a nutshell. From the Tesla-fighting ES90 to refreshed classics and new electric adventures, it's shaping up to be an exciting year. Who's ready to go electric in style?

Beyond the Numbers: What Makes Volvo's Success Special

The Human Touch in Automotive Innovation

You know what's really cool about Volvo's success? It's not just about selling more metal boxes on wheels. The company's putting real thought into making cars that people actually enjoy using. Take their latest infotainment system - it's designed to reduce distraction, not bombard you with flashy gimmicks.

Here's an example you'll appreciate: their new voice control system understands natural speech patterns. You don't have to sound like a robot saying "Navigate to 123 Main Street." Try "Hey Volvo, take me to that awesome pizza place we went to last month" and it actually works! Now that's what I call progress.

Sustainability That Goes Beyond the Plug

While everyone's talking about electric powertrains, Volvo's doing something even more impressive - they're rethinking the entire car lifecycle. Their latest models use up to 25% recycled materials, including fishing nets turned into floor mats and plastic bottles transformed into seat fabric.

But wait, there's more! They've partnered with battery recycling firms to ensure those expensive battery packs don't end up in landfills. When your ES90's battery eventually wears out (in like 15-20 years), Volvo will either repurpose it for energy storage or recycle over 90% of its materials. That's the kind of forward thinking our planet needs!

The Secret Sauce: Volvo's Unique Approach to EVs

Design Philosophy: Less Is More

Ever notice how some EVs look like they're trying too hard? Volvo takes the opposite approach. Their designers follow the Scandinavian principle of "lagom" - not too much, not too little, just right. The ES90 will likely feature that clean, minimalist aesthetic that makes you feel calm just looking at it.

Picture this: you're stuck in traffic after a long day. Instead of being overwhelmed by flashing lights and aggressive angles, you're surrounded by warm wood accents, intuitive controls, and that signature Swedish serenity. Now that's how you do premium.

Safety as a Competitive Edge

Here's something most car companies don't get - safety can actually be exciting! Volvo's developing an advanced driver monitoring system that learns your habits and adjusts safety features accordingly. If it notices you're tired after work, it might tighten up lane keeping assist or suggest taking a break.

And get this - they're testing exterior airbags that deploy around the car in certain collision scenarios. Imagine having what's essentially a protective bubble when things go wrong. Why isn't every car company doing this?

The Bigger Picture: How Volvo Fits Into the EV Revolution

Charging Infrastructure: The Unsung Hero

Let's talk about something most EV reviews gloss over - charging at home. Volvo's working with major home charger manufacturers to offer seamless installation packages. They'll send an electrician to your house to assess your setup before you even buy the car.

Here's a comparison of what different brands offer:

Brand Home Charger Support Public Charging Network
Volvo Full installation service Tesla Supercharger access
Tesla Wall connector purchase Supercharger network
Other Legacy Brands Basic recommendations Third-party networks

See how Volvo's going the extra mile? They understand that the car is just one piece of the EV ownership puzzle.

The Subscription Model Game-Changer

Here's a radical thought - what if you didn't "buy" your next Volvo at all? The company's testing subscription models where you pay one monthly fee that covers the car, insurance, maintenance, even charging. No haggling, no surprise repair bills, just predictable costs.

Think about how you pay for your phone - why shouldn't cars work the same way? For urban dwellers who don't want long-term commitments or the hassle of ownership, this could be revolutionary. Car ownership 2.0, anyone?

Why This Matters for Everyday Drivers

The Used EV Market No One's Talking About

Here's something fascinating - Volvo's certified pre-owned program for EVs is shaping up to be industry-leading. They're developing special battery health reports that show exactly how much capacity remains, plus transferable extended warranties.

This addresses the #1 concern about used EVs - battery anxiety. With Volvo's transparent approach, buying a three-year-old ES90 might actually be smarter than springing for a new one. Who saw that coming?

Family-Friendly Tech That Actually Helps

Parents, this one's for you. Volvo's working on rear seat monitoring that goes beyond just checking if kids are buckled. We're talking about climate control that adjusts based on body temperature, and even a "quiet mode" that automatically lowers media volume when it detects a sleeping child.

They've also got this brilliant idea for integrated child seat anchors that light up when you're trying to install seats in the dark. Because let's be honest - wrestling with car seats at night is nobody's idea of fun!

The Road Ahead: What We're Most Excited About

Over-the-Air Updates Done Right

While Tesla pioneered OTA updates, Volvo's taking a more thoughtful approach. Instead of randomly changing your interface overnight, they'll schedule updates for when you're not using the car and provide clear release notes.

Imagine waking up to a message: "Your ES90 just got smarter! New features include improved route planning and enhanced battery preconditioning." Now that's how you do software updates without annoying your customers!

The Future of Autonomous Driving

Here's where Volvo's safety-first mentality really shines. While others rush to market with half-baked self-driving tech, Volvo's taking their time to get it right. Their upcoming Ride Pilot system will have redundant sensors and computing power - because when it comes to autonomous driving, backup systems aren't optional.

The best part? They're being transparent about limitations. Instead of vague promises about "full self-driving someday," they'll clearly define where and when the system works. Finally, an automaker that respects our intelligence!

E.g. :The Tesla Model S Is Finally Getting Fresh Competition—From Volvo

FAQs

Q: How does the Volvo ES90 compare to the Tesla Model S?

A: Let's break it down straight - while the Tesla Model S currently leads in pure performance (with up to 1,000+ hp in Plaid trim), the Volvo ES90 brings something different to the table. We're looking at a more refined luxury experience with Volvo's signature safety-first approach. The ES90 will likely offer comparable range (300+ miles) but with Volvo's Scandinavian design aesthetic that many find more sophisticated than Tesla's minimalist approach. Price-wise, expect both to start around $80,000, making this a real head-to-head competition in the luxury EV space.

Q: When will the Volvo ES90 be available for purchase?

A: Here's what we know - Volvo plans to launch the ES90 later in 2025, following the debut of their EX30 Cross Country early in the year. While exact dates haven't been announced yet, we'd recommend keeping an eye on Volvo's official channels around mid-2025 for more concrete details. If you're itching to get behind the wheel of a new Volvo EV sooner, the EX90 SUV is already available and shares the same SPA2 platform that will underpin the ES90.

Q: What charging options will the Volvo ES90 have?

A: This is where things get exciting! The ES90 is expected to come equipped with Tesla's North American Charging Standard (NACS) port right from the factory. That means you'll have plug-and-play access to Tesla's vast Supercharger network - no adapters needed. We're talking about over 15,000 fast-charging stations across North America where you can recharge faster than you can finish your coffee. Volvo's also part of the growing group of automakers adopting this standard, making road trips in your ES90 more convenient than ever.

Q: Will the Volvo ES90 be more expensive than the Model S?

A: Based on our analysis of Volvo's pricing strategy, we expect the ES90 to land somewhere between $80,000 and $100,000 - putting it right in the same ballpark as the Tesla Model S. The exact pricing will depend on trim levels and options, but Volvo typically positions itself as a premium brand rather than ultra-luxury. Remember, you're not just paying for the car itself, but also Volvo's renowned safety technology and that distinctive Scandinavian design that many buyers find worth the premium.

Q: What makes the Volvo ES90 different from other luxury EVs?

A: Here's the scoop - while many EVs focus on either performance or tech features, the ES90 brings Volvo's 90+ years of automotive heritage to the electric age. We're talking about their legendary commitment to safety (expect cutting-edge collision avoidance systems), sustainable materials throughout the cabin, and that particular Swedish design philosophy that prioritizes functionality without sacrificing beauty. Plus, with Volvo's recent announcement that they'll keep offering plug-in hybrids alongside full EVs, the ES90 represents their vision for the future of sustainable luxury mobility.

Discuss


Previous:
Next:

Recommended

2025 Jeep Wagoneer S Limited EV: Price, Specs & How It Stacks Up

Wondering if the 2025 Jeep Wagoneer S Limited EV is worth your hard-earned cash? Here's the deal: this electric SUV packs serious power (500 hp standa...

Dec 29,2025

Ford Bronco Silver Lake Dune Edition: Michigan's Ultimate Off-Road Dream

What makes the Ford Bronco Silver Lake Dune Edition so special? The answer is simple: It perfectly captures Michigan's legendary summer magic! These c...

Dec 29,2025

Jeep Wrangler ARTT System: The Ultimate Overlanding Upgrade

What's the best rooftop tent system for Jeep Wrangler owners? The answer is clear: the Jeep-Dometic ARTT system is revolutionizing overlanding with it...

Dec 29,2025

2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA: First Look at the Game-Changing Luxury EV

What's the most exciting entry-level luxury car coming in 2026? The answer is clear: the all-new Mercedes-Benz CLA is set to redefine affordable luxur...

Dec 29,2025

Robert Wickens' Incredible Comeback: From Paralysis to Racing Champion

Can a paralyzed driver compete at the highest levels of motorsport? The answer is absolutely yes, and Robert Wickens is living proof. After a horrific...

Dec 29,2025

Mercedes Brings Back Buttons: Why Physical Controls Are Returning to Luxury Cars

Why is Mercedes-Benz bringing back physical buttons? The answer is simple: because customers demanded it! After pushing touchscreen controls in their ...

Dec 29,2025