Launched: Volvo ES90 – 1 CKD Variant, Up To 651 KM Range, RM339,888

Volvo Car Malaysia (VCM) officially introduced the Volvo ES90 for Malaysia earlier today, and the firm touts its locally assembled (CKD) status for which too.

At last, after teasing for weeks, the new and all-electric (EV) Volvo ES90 has made landfall in Malaysia. Launched earlier today by Volvo Car Malaysia (VCM), just one variant will be offered locally for now, and things look mighty interesting to say the least.

Firstly, the ES90 for Malaysia is locally assembled (CKD) by VCM at its Shah Alam assembly line, thus explaining its attractive RM339,888 price tag (sans insurance). For reference, this Swedish offering is priced some RM30,000 lower than the Kulim-built BMW i5 eDrive40 M Sport Pro that launched last week.

Priced at RM339,888 sans insurance, initial deliveries will commence from March onwards.

Included in said price is a 5-year, unlimited mileage base vehicle warranty, followed by a separate 8-year or 160,000 KM EV battery warranty. Also included by VCM is a complimentary 5-year digital services plan for said price – subscriptions are required following said period. Of course, that’s not all.

In conjunction with its launch, VCM will offer the first 100 buyers booking their ES90 before March 31 with a 2% rebate, which equates to roughly RM6,800. Concurrently, corporate (fleet) purchases of the ES90 benefit with a special 8% fleet assistance instead. Local deliveries are set to commence from March onwards.

For Malaysia, the ES90 arrives solely in Ultra Single Motor Extended Range guise packing a sizeable 92 kWh NMC-type battery pack encased within an 800-volt base shared with the larger EX90.

For the Malaysian market, the ES90 arrives solely in Ultra Single Motor Extended Range guise – the same offered in neighbouring Thailand. In turn, this sees the Shah Alam-built ES90 pack a 92 kWh NMC-type battery pack that yields up to 651 KM of WLTP-rated range – it’s both denser and yields longer range than the rivalling BMW mentioned.

As for charging, the pack detailed accepts 11 kW AC charging inputs as standard. Thanks to its 800-volt base shared with the larger EX90 flagship EV SUV that was launched prior, the ES90 can also draw in up to 300 kW of DC fast-charging inputs. In turn, this enables 10-80% re-charges in just 22 minutes.

11 KW AC charging comes as standard, as does the ability to draw in up to 300 kW DC fast-charging inputs. A full charge grants up to 651 KM of travel (WLTP), claims Volvo.

As for performance, the ES90 packs a rear-mounted single e-motor driving its rear wheels (RWD) with 333 PS (245 kW) and 480 Nm, altogether enabling 0-100 km/h dashes despatched in just 6.6 secs whilst enroute towards a capped V-max of 180 km/h – indeed, very much comparable the rivalling Bavarian choice noted prior.

As for size and dimension, this Swedish offering commands effortless presence indeed – it sits 5,000 MM long with a 3,102 MM wheelbase, 1,942 MM wide and 1,547 MM tall. Matching which are this EV saloon’s rolling stock, which sees a set of 22-inch dual-tone units brimmed at each corner – the largest wheels available for this nameplate.

Notable design cues include the distinct 'Thor's Hammer' pixel LED DRLs derived from the EX90, C-shaped LED taillight cluster, 'flushed' pop-out door handles, as well as 22-inch dual-tone rolling stock (the largest available for this EV saloon).

As detailed prior, key design traits of the ES90 include the EX90-esque pixel-styled ‘Thor’s Hammer’ LED DRLs up front, striking C-shaped LED taillights, ‘flushed’ but fixed pop-out door handles, not forgetting the fastback silhouette featuring a coupe-like ‘liftback’ powered tailgate assembly and opening.

On board, the ES90 again mirrors its larger and stilted EX90 stablemate, offering the unmistakable Scandinavian twist to luxe. Driver’s are treated with an interactive 9-inch digital display plus a head-up display (HUD) suite, whilst the portrait-oriented infotainment touchscreen brimmed front-and-centre measures 14.5 inches instead.

On board, it's the typical mix of Scandic, minimalist approach to luxe matched with a series of high-tech brilliance as seen in the EX90.

The latter brings Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity on top of built-in Google services, all powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon Cockpit Platform chipset. In turn, it also boasts over-the-air (OTA) software update capabilities – again, mirroring what we saw and experienced in the EX90 and EX30 duo.

Other highlights include an automatic quad-zone climate control, massive panoramic glass roof with electrochromic frosting function, 5-speaker Bowers & Wilkins surround audio suite rated at 1,610 watts, power-adjustable front seats that are also heated and ventilated, as well as ‘lounge’ armrest plus massage functions for the rear seats.

Other key bits primed include an active air suspension suite, full-fledge Level 2 ADAS (sans Lidar sensor), as well as a powered liftback tailgate.

As for the drive, an active air suspension suite is also brimmed in this guise. Critically, the ES90 for Malaysia also comes laden with a full-fledge advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) package powered by dual Nvidia Drive AGX Orin chips that enable Level 2 semi-autonomous driving abilities to boot.

Whilst here, we’ll point out that the ES90 for Malaysia ditches the roof-mounted Lidar sensor. Otherwise, basics brimmed include up to 9 airbags lining the cabin, amongst many other basic safety systems that this Swedish marque is renowned for pioneering.

Lastly, in terms of colourway choices, VCM will offer the Volvo ES90 locally in Vapour Grey, Crystal White, Denim Blue and Onyx Black. All are paired with black faux leather upholstery that are offset by blonde birch wood trims on board.