First Drive: Volvo's new fully electric premium sedan arrives in SA

New ES90 set to challenge other brands such as BMW

- By Edward Moleke Makwana

Volvo Cars South Africa (Volvo SA) is stepping up its fight in the country's premium vehicle segment with the launch of its new fully electric flagship sedan, the Volvo ES90.

The Swedish automaker unveiled the ES90 during a media launch in KwaZulu-Natal, where I and other motoring journalists were given the opportunity to experience the new electric sedan on a scenic route stretching roughly 500km across the province.

The launch drive began in Ballito and took us through urban streets, highways, and rolling hills in the KZN Midlands.

Over two days behind the wheel, the ES90 demonstrated that it has the credentials to challenge established rivals, such as the BMW i5 and Mercedes-Benz EQE Sedan, in the growing electric executive sedan segment.

Volvo's move into this space is rooted in a long heritage of premium sedans. This year marks 70 years since Volvo introduced its first sedan, the Volvo Amazon, in 1956. Over the decades, the brand expanded its sedan lineage with models such as the Volvo 164 in 1964, the 760 in 1982, and the 960 in 1990 before launching the S90 in 1997. The latest ES90 now represents the electric evolution of that lineage.