Volvo ES90 and EX90: which car would suit your taste?

Volvo Philippines, through its distributor Hariphil Aisa Resources Incorporated, introduced the ES90 and EX90 electric vehicle (EV) models in the second month of 2026. 

When it comes to body style, the two are markedly different models: the ES90 is an executive saloon, while the EX90 is a sport utility vehicle (SUV). Sounds clear-cut so far, but the two are actually platform siblings built on the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA), developed by Volvo and used by other car brands under the Geely banner. 

On this note, which one should you buy and why? Let’s find out here by comparing their specifications and features. 

Size, exterior

As an SUV, the Volvo EX90 is markedly larger compared to the ES90. To make this comparison clearer, here’s a table showing the two models’ dimensions side-by-side:

Model	Volvo ES90	Volvo EX90
Length (in millimeters)	5,000	5,037
Width (in mm)	1,924	2,039
Height (in mm)	1,549	1,747
Wheelbase length (in mm)	3,102	2,985
Ground clearance (in mm)	178	216

Based on the figures above, the EX90 is larger overall compared to its sedan sibling. This may mean more interior space, but a harder time parking, especially for novice drivers. On the one hand, even the ES90 sedan is gigantic compared to the average subcompact - so be warned. 

Being an SUV, the EX90 has more ground clearance than the ES90. The aforementioned indicates that the larger nameplate is better on rough roads. Then again, the ES90 has a longer wheelbase, which tends to reduce pitching motions in corners and provides better stability at highway speeds. 

Concerning exterior hardware, however, the two are just about a match. Both get the signature “Thor’s hammer” design LED headlamps, flush door handles, power-folding/adjustable side mirrors, a sleek closed-off grille, C-shaped LED taillights, a panoramic sunroof, and up to 22-inch wheels. 

Clearly, Volvo also made sure that the two models are aerodynamic. In other markets, the sedan has a drag coefficient of 0.25, whereas the EX90 is slightly less slippery with 0.29. These drag coefficients, however, are relatively impressive, especially when compared to those of similarly sized sedans and SUVs on the market. 

Interior

When it comes to interiors, the Volvo ES90 and EX90 share nearly identical designs but have vastly different layouts. As mentioned above, the ES90 is a roomy five-seater, whereas the EX90 comes with a three-row seating arrangement. 

Both cars also get similar-looking cockpits, with a chunky center armrest, lightly bolstered leather seats, a straight-cut dash, and a 14.5-inch portrait-oriented central touchscreen. These come with a nine-inch digital gauge, power-adjustable front seats, a stalk-based gear shifter, a leather steering wheel, and a digital key, among others. 

Ensuring comfort for those aboard these two rides is provided by a quad-zone automatic air-conditioning system, an ambient lighting system, front seat heating and ventilation, an air purification system, and power-folding rear seats (EX90) for greater practicality. 

As expected, the ES90 has a smaller cargo capacity compared to the EX90. Specifically, its trunk can swallow up to 1,427 liters with the rear seats folded down. The EX90, however, can provide up to 1,915 liters with the third-row seat stowed away. 

With regard to on-board tech, the two Volvos come with a matching suite of components. Both have wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless smartphone charging pads, many USB ports, a Bowers & Wilkins speaker set, and built-in Google apps for its central display. 

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Safety

Both the Volvo ES90 and EX90 get a similarly complex array of safety gear. For their core components, both come with a LiDAR system, a series of exterior cameras, 12 ultrasonic sensors, and five radars. 

The aforementioned were fitted to the two Volvo models to support its comprehensive suite of advanced driver-assist systems (ADAS). The aforementioned includes, but is not limited to: 

• Driver Understanding System (driver monitoring)
• Occupant sensing
• Run-off Road Mitigation
• Collision Avoidance and Mitigation
• Blind spot information system
• Cross-traffic Alert with Auto Brake
• Intersection Auto Brake
• Emergency Stop Assist

Apart from those features, versions of the Volvo ES90 and EX90 worldwide also get a wide array of passive safety bits. These include a high-strength boron steel safety cage, inflatable curtains, front seat inner airbags, a whiplash protection system, a 360-degree view camera, dual front airbags, knee airbags, side-impact airbags, anti-lock braking, stability control, traction assist, and many other features. 

Powertrain

With both the Volvo ES90 and EX90 built on the SPA platform, both use a similar 800-volt EV system with enhanced thermal efficiency. Both also get all-wheel-drive systems, fast direct-current charging, and regenerative braking systems. The two models’ actual performance figures, however, differ in some ways. 

For one thing, the Volvo ES90 can produce up to 333 horsepower (hp) and 480 newton-meters of torque. It also has a range of up to 700 kilometers (km), as indicated by the Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP).

Compared to the smaller Volvo ES90, the larger Volvo EX90 can produce a slightly beefier 402 hp and 770 Nm of torque. Then again, it has a slightly smaller WLTP range of 624 km. 

We aren’t privy to why these two have different outputs, but we reckon the SUV model was optimized with added torque to maintain performance even when fully occupied and tackling rough terrain. The result is a faster zero to 100 kilometers per hour (kph) time of just 4.9 seconds. For reference, the ES90 can still sprint up to 100 kph in 6.6 seconds - still fast but much more modest compared to its larger sibling. 

Moving on to suspension systems, the Volvo ES90 and EX90 both get an active air suspension, which does wonders for stability and ride comfort. Do take note, however, that the ES90 could prove to be more engaging to drive due to its lower ride height and lighter overall weight. 

 Volvo’s local arm has not released the two model’s curb weights, but the global version of the ES90 tips the scale at 2,610 kilograms (kg). The larger global market EX90, meanwhile, has a curb weight of 2,825 kg. 

Final thoughts

To sum it all up, it is quite clear which Volvo EV to go for. Those in search of family-friendly chariots or those who simply need more cargo space should go towards the EX90. On the other hand, people looking for a potentially fun ride with the same level of amenities and safety gear should lean more towards the ES90. There’s also the fact that the ES90 is priced at P5.265 million, which is a whole lot more affordable compared to the P5.99-million EX90. 

Serious would-be buyers, however, should take these two Volvos for a test drive. 

Also read:

Check out Volvo EX90’s closest rivals

Volvo celebrates platinum years of seatbelt safety

Volvo PH rolls out exclusive deals for XC90, XC60 PHEV

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