I’ve always had a soft spot for Volvo wagons. My father owned a brick-like 240 wagon in the ’80s – navy blue with a tan interior that seemed indestructible despite my siblings and I testing its limits on family road trips. Years later, I briefly owned a used V70 during university, appreciating its peculiar combination of sensible practicality and subtle style. For many enthusiasts, the Volvo wagon isn’t just a car – it’s the quintessential expression of the Swedish brand’s philosophy: practical, understated luxury with an emphasis on safety and longevity.
So it was with mixed emotions that I digested the news of Volvo’s latest flagship, the all-electric ES90 sedan, making its global debut yesterday – while simultaneously learning that the wagon variant, which would have been called the EV90, appears to have been axed from the company’s future lineup. It’s a pivotal moment that signals Volvo’s forward-looking electric strategy while seemingly abandoning a body style that has defined the brand for generations.
The ES90: Volvo’s Electric Flagship Arrives
The ES90 itself is undeniably impressive – a sleek, technologically advanced electric sedan positioned to compete with the likes of the Mercedes EQE, BMW i5, and Tesla Model S. Built on Volvo’s new SPA2 platform, it shares much of its underpinnings with the already-launched EX90 SUV, but with a more aerodynamic sedan profile that contributes to its substantial driving range.
“The ES90 represents Volvo’s vision for the future of sustainable luxury mobility,” said Jim Rowan, Volvo Cars CEO, during the digital unveiling event. “It combines the timeless Scandinavian design Volvo is known for with cutting-edge electric technology and our unwavering commitment to safety.”
The exterior design evolves Volvo’s current aesthetic language while introducing more flowing, aerodynamic elements necessitated by the push for maximum efficiency. The front features a blanked-off interpretation of Volvo’s traditional grille pattern, flanked by slim “Thor’s Hammer” LED headlights that have become a brand signature. The profile is sleeker than the outgoing S90, with a more fastback-like silhouette that prioritizes aerodynamic efficiency. At the rear, the distinctive vertical taillights remain, though they’ve been reimagined with a more sculptural, three-dimensional appearance.
Dimensionally, the ES90 is slightly longer and lower than the S90 it effectively replaces, measuring 5,090mm in length, 1,940mm in width, and 1,470mm in height, with a substantial 3,100mm wheelbase. These generous proportions translate to impressive interior space, particularly for rear passengers.
Inside, the cabin represents an evolution of the minimalist aesthetic introduced in the EX90, centered around a 14.5-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen running Volvo’s Google-based infotainment system. The materials and execution embody Scandinavian luxury – less ostentatious than German competitors, with a focus on sustainable materials including wool blends, recycled plastics, and responsibly sourced wood veneers.
“We’ve focused on creating an interior that feels like a Scandinavian living room – a serene space where you can relax while the car takes care of much of the driving,” explained Lisa Reeves, Volvo’s Head of Interior Design, during a virtual roundtable following the unveiling.
Two powertrain options will be offered initially: a single-motor rear-wheel-drive variant producing 200kW, and a dual-motor all-wheel-drive version with a combined output of 300kW. Both utilize a substantial 111kWh battery pack (107kWh usable), providing claimed WLTP ranges of up to 580km for the dual-motor version and an impressive 625km for the more efficient single-motor variant.
Charging capabilities are equally impressive, with support for up to 250kW DC fast charging, enabling a 10-80% charge in approximately 30 minutes in ideal conditions. AC charging at up to 22kW is also supported for overnight home charging or longer stops at public charging points.
Safety, as expected from Volvo, receives particular emphasis. The ES90 features the most advanced driver assistance system ever fitted to a Volvo, with lidar sensors, eight cameras, five radars, and sixteen ultrasonic sensors creating a comprehensive view of the vehicle’s surroundings. This hardware supports hands-free highway driving assistance, advanced collision avoidance, and sets the groundwork for more autonomous capabilities through future over-the-air updates.
The Missing Wagon: A Significant Shift
While the ES90’s specifications are undoubtedly impressive, for many Volvo enthusiasts, the elephant in the room is what wasn’t announced – a wagon variant to continue the lineage of the V90.
When I reached out to Volvo for clarification about future wagon plans, the response was tellingly vague: “We’re focusing our resources on the segments with global appeal and growth potential,” said a Volvo spokesperson. “While we understand the emotional connection many have to our wagon heritage, we need to be pragmatic about where we invest for the future.”
Reading between the lines of corporate speak, this strongly suggests that the traditional Volvo wagon – at least in the executive class – is being discontinued. This represents a significant shift for a brand whose identity has been so intertwined with the wagon body style for decades.
“It’s the end of an era,” lamented Marcus Berggren, president of the Volvo Club of Australia, when I called him for comment. “Volvo wagons are part of the brand’s DNA. I understand the business reasons, but it feels like they’re abandoning part of what made Volvo special in the first place.”
The decision, while emotionally difficult for enthusiasts, reflects broader market realities. Wagon sales have declined globally in favor of SUVs and crossovers, particularly in the crucial North American and Chinese markets. Even in Europe, where wagons have traditionally enjoyed stronger popularity, the trend is moving toward SUVs.
“The numbers simply don’t add up anymore,” explained automotive industry analyst Sarah Thompson, whom I consulted about this shift. “Development costs for a dedicated wagon body style are substantial, and when you’re looking at projected volumes of perhaps 15-20% of what the SUV equivalent would sell, it’s hard to justify from a business perspective.”
For Volvo, the calculation appears straightforward: the resources that would have gone into developing and producing the EV90 wagon will instead be directed toward additional electric SUV models, where global demand is stronger and profit margins typically higher.
Historical Context: Volvo’s Wagon Legacy
To understand why this shift feels so significant, it’s worth reflecting on just how central wagons have been to Volvo’s identity over the decades.
The company’s wagon journey began in earnest with the Duett in 1953, but it was the Amazon wagon of the 1960s that established Volvo’s reputation for combining practicality with safety. The iconic 145/245 series of the 1970s and 1980s – with their distinctively boxy design – became the archetypal Volvo in many markets, establishing the brand’s association with sensible, durable family transport.
Through the 700, 900, and later V70 series, Volvo wagons maintained their position as the thinking person’s family car – less flashy than German premium offerings but embodying a distinct set of values around safety, practicality, and understated quality.
Even as market preferences shifted toward SUVs in recent decades, Volvo maintained its wagon offerings alongside new SUV models like the XC90 and XC60. The V90 (and its Cross Country variant) represented a particularly elegant execution of the modern premium wagon, offering a compelling alternative to both traditional sedans and increasingly ubiquitous luxury SUVs.
“There’s something honest about a Volvo wagon,” reflected Michael Carroll, a Sydney-based architect and longtime V90 Cross Country owner whom I know through local car enthusiast circles. “It does exactly what it needs to without unnecessary pretension. I’m not sure my next car will be a Volvo if they don’t offer a wagon anymore.”
Market Realities: SUVs Dominate
Despite the emotional attachment many have to Volvo wagons, the market forces driving this decision are undeniable. In most global markets, traditional wagons have become niche products, with mainstream consumers gravitating toward SUVs and crossovers.
In Australia, for example, SUVs now account for over 50% of new vehicle sales, while traditional passenger cars (including wagons) have seen their market share steadily erode. Even in wagon-friendly Europe, SUV market share has grown relentlessly at the expense of conventional body styles.
For Volvo specifically, the numbers tell a clear story. The XC60 SUV consistently outsells the V60 wagon by a significant margin globally, while the XC90 similarly dominates the larger V90 in sales figures. With the transition to electric vehicles requiring enormous capital investment, focusing on the most popular body styles makes financial sense, even if it means disappointing some loyal customers.
“The reality is that most former wagon buyers have already migrated to SUVs,” noted Thompson. “The remaining wagon enthusiasts are a dedicated but ultimately too-small group to sustain dedicated model development in a highly competitive and capital-intensive industry transition.”
This trend isn’t unique to Volvo. Other manufacturers traditionally associated with wagons have also scaled back their offerings. Mercedes has not announced a wagon version of its electric EQE, while Audi has been vague about whether the A6 e-tron will spawn an Avant wagon variant.
The Future of Practical Volvos
Despite the apparent demise of the traditional wagon in Volvo’s lineup, the company isn’t abandoning the values of practicality and versatility that wagon enthusiasts appreciate.
The EX90 SUV, which shares its platform with the ES90 sedan, offers substantial cargo capacity and versatile seating arrangements, albeit in a taller package than a traditional wagon. For those seeking a more car-like driving experience with electric power, the recently introduced EX30 compact SUV provides a more nimble option, though with less space than traditional Volvo wagons.
There’s also the possibility that Volvo might eventually introduce a “crossover” model that bridges the gap between traditional wagons and SUVs – perhaps similar in concept to the Polestar 4 (Polestar being Volvo’s electric performance sister brand). Such a vehicle could potentially capture some of the driving dynamics and silhouette of a wagon while offering the higher seating position many consumers now prefer.
During the ES90 media briefing, I asked Volvo’s product planning chief about the possibility of such a model. While not confirming any specific plans, he noted that “Volvo has always been about finding the right balance between form and function. We’re exploring various body styles that could offer the practicality our customers expect in formats that align with current preferences.”
Reading between the lines, this suggests Volvo is at least considering alternatives that might appeal to traditional wagon enthusiasts, even if they won’t carry the “V” designation that has historically denoted Volvo wagons.
Enthusiast Reaction: Mourning and Acceptance
The reaction from Volvo enthusiasts to the apparent end of the flagship wagon has been predictably emotional.
“It feels like Volvo is losing part of its soul,” commented Rebecca Zhao, administrator of a Volvo enthusiast forum I frequent. “I understand the business case, but it’s still sad to see such a long tradition coming to an end.”
Social media reactions have ranged from understanding to outright disappointment, with many longtime Volvo owners questioning whether they’ll stick with the brand for their next purchase if wagons are no longer offered.
“My family has owned Volvo wagons for three generations,” posted one user on a popular Volvo owners’ group. “I respect that they need to evolve, but without a wagon option, I’ll be looking elsewhere when my V90 needs replacing.”
Others are more philosophical about the change. “Companies need to adapt or die,” another enthusiast commented. “If building SUVs instead of wagons ensures Volvo survives and thrives in the electric age, I can reluctantly accept that.”
My Take: The Inevitable Evolution
Having followed Volvo’s journey for many years, including several stints with their wagons in my own garage, I find myself conflicted about this development. There’s undeniable nostalgia for what appears to be the end of an era – the distinctive Volvo wagon has been a constant in the automotive landscape throughout my lifetime, and its apparent demise feels like losing a familiar friend.
Yet I also recognize the pragmatic reality facing Volvo as a relatively small manufacturer navigating the costly transition to electrification. With limited resources and the need to focus on vehicles with global appeal, tough choices are inevitable. The wagon body style, however beloved by enthusiasts, represents a shrinking segment that’s increasingly difficult to justify from a business perspective.
The ES90 itself appears to be an impressive vehicle that carries forward many traditional Volvo values – safety, sustainability, understated luxury – even if it does so in a three-box sedan form rather than a more practical wagon shape. For many buyers, particularly those who prioritize the latest technology and electric performance, it will represent a compelling package.
But for those of us who have appreciated Volvo specifically for its wagon offerings – who valued the combination of car-like driving dynamics with SUV-rivaling practicality – something unique is being lost. The automotive landscape will be less diverse and less interesting without the distinctive silhouette of a Volvo wagon in showrooms.
Perhaps the best we can hope for is that Volvo finds a way to reinterpret the practical spirit of its wagons in future electric vehicles – maybe not with the traditional long-roof shape, but with thoughtful solutions that prioritize versatility and functionality in a way that honors the company’s heritage while embracing the electric future.
In the meantime, existing Volvo wagon owners might want to take extra good care of their vehicles. They may well become coveted classics that represent the end of a significant chapter in automotive history – the last of the Swedish longroofs.
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