Review: The new large executive Volvo ES90 is frustratingly unfinished

The new Volvo ES90 is a substantial vehicle, measuring five meters long and weighing 2,400 kilograms. Its imposing presence is likened to the historic Imatran Valtionhotelli, a grand hotel visible in the background of the accompanying photograph. Despite its considerable size, the ES90 offers a very good driving experience, positioning it at the executive level of automotive offerings.

However, the article highlights significant drawbacks, particularly concerning the car's infotainment and digital technology. The author notes that the onboard technology falters, expressing concern that this could indicate a problematic future for Volvo's electric vehicle strategy. The brand name Volvo itself, derived from Latin, means "I roll," stemming from the verb "volvere." While reinventing the wheel is difficult, Volvo is clearly attempting to steer its future towards electrification, recognizing the inevitable shift away from fossil fuels.

The launch of Volvo's larger electric models has, at times, felt like a struggle. The article uses the analogy of trying to force a square block into a triangular hole to describe the challenges faced. This suggests a disconnect between the vehicle's physical attributes and its technological integration, potentially hindering its smooth market entry and user experience. The implication is that while the core driving dynamics are strong, the digital ecosystem needs substantial improvement to match the vehicle's premium aspirations.