Volvo ES90 vs Polestar 4 — luxury EV vs smart leasing

<p><strong>Volvo ES90</strong> is Volvo's new electric flagship — a large, luxurious EV with a fastback design priced from <strong>SEK 913,000</strong>. But how does it compare to its corporate sibling <strong>Polestar 4</strong>, available from <strong>SEK 6,995/month</strong> in private leasing? Alriks Bilar has done a thorough comparison — and we're grateful to summarize his excellent work.</p><h2>Alriks Bilar's comparison — honest as always</h2><p>Alriks Bilar, one of Sweden's best channels for car economics and honest reviews, has tested the Volvo ES90 and compared it with the Polestar 4 in a detailed video. <strong>We strongly recommend watching the full video</strong> — Alrik does a fantastic job covering the technology, space, driving dynamics, and most importantly the economics behind each car. Our text cannot do the video full justice.</p><h2>Volvo ES90 — a car of contradictions</h2><p>Alrik calls the ES90 "one of the strangest cars I know" — and rightfully so. The car was developed in China but isn't sold there. It's supposed to be an electric sedan but actually has a fastback tailgate. It's built on the older SPA2 platform (same as the EX90), while the newer, cheaper EX60 gets the more modern SPA3 platform.</p><p>Volvo ES90 specifications:</p><ul><li><strong>Battery:</strong> 88 kWh, 800V architecture</li><li><strong>Range:</strong> up to 645 km (WLTP)</li><li><strong>Fast charging:</strong> up to 310 kW DC, 10–80% in about 22 minutes under optimal conditions</li><li><strong>Air suspension:</strong> standard, with adaptive damping</li><li><strong>Towing capacity:</strong> 1,600 kg</li><li><strong>Price:</strong> from SEK 913,000</li></ul><h2>Comfort — the ES90's strongest suit</h2><p>Where the ES90 truly shines is comfort. Alrik describes the suspension as "floating" and the cabin as quiet and harmonious. The air suspension and adaptive damping create a driving experience few EVs in this class can match. This is a car built for gliding down the highway in maximum relaxation.</p><h2>The drawbacks — visibility and rear seats</h2><p>But there are clear shortcomings. The sloping design severely limits rear visibility — Alrik compares it to looking through a "mail slot." A digital rear-view mirror costs SEK 14,000 extra. The rear seat is spacious but offers poor thigh support for adults due to the raised battery pack in the floor.</p><p>Charging in Swedish winter cold was also underwhelming. Despite the 800V system, it took about 28 minutes from 10 to 80 percent in freezing temperatures — far from the 22 minutes claimed under optimal conditions.</p><h2>Polestar 4 — half the price, close in performance</h2><p>Polestar 4 starts at about <strong>SEK 692,000</strong> to buy, or <strong>SEK 6,995/month</strong> in private leasing. That's a massive price difference — nearly a quarter million cheaper when buying. In leasing, the gap is even clearer: you can get almost two Polestar 4s for the price of one ES90.</p><p>Polestar 4 offers modern technology, fast charging, and a sporty driving feel. It lacks the ES90's floating comfort but compensates with a lower price and more dynamic character.</p><h2>Alrik's verdict — lease the Polestar 4</h2><p>Alrik's conclusion is clear: <strong>"Those of you who can afford the ES90 will get a fantastic car. But personally, I would lease the Polestar 4."</strong> That's a strong statement from one of Sweden's most economy-minded car experts.</p><p>The logic is simple — the ES90 is a premium experience for those who prioritize comfort above all. But for anyone calculating total cost of ownership, Polestar 4 delivers significantly more car per krona, especially in private leasing.</p><h2>Compare leasing deals on privatleasa.se</h2><p>Whether you dream of the Volvo ES90 or lean toward the more economical Polestar 4, you'll find current private leasing offers on privatleasa.se. And be sure to watch Alriks Bilar's full video — it gives you every detail you need to make the right decision.</p>