27th July 2026 – (Hong Kong) Former Top Gear and Grand Tour presenter Jeremy Clarkson has declared the Volvo ES90 the most foolish car he has driven, even as he acknowledged several strengths. Writing in a review published on Sunday, 26 July 2026, the 66‑year‑old motoring journalist—who recently revealed he had been treated for prostate cancer—said the all‑electric saloon earned three stars out of five, noting impressive comfort and space but criticising everyday usability.
The ES90 he tested was the Single Motor Ultra, listed at £77,260, with a 92kWh battery, 338bhp and a quoted range of about 398 miles. Clarkson praised the interior’s materials, colour palette and abundant rear legroom, arguing that on long journeys the car is quiet, composed and fundamentally capable. However, he took issue with the reliance on a central touchscreen for routine tasks, saying functions that might typically be handled by physical switches—such as steering wheel adjustments or audio settings—required diving into menus, increasing distraction at the wheel.
He also complained about the keyless access system supplied as a card rather than a traditional fob. After one meeting, he said the doors refused to open, forcing him to arrange alternative transport while the vehicle was retrieved. Subsequent attempts reportedly involved repeated swipes of the card on the door handle and, once inside, an on‑screen warning that no key had been detected. The combination of software‑centric controls and access hiccups, he concluded, undermined an otherwise well‑engineered package.
A separate review by this reporter at the model’s U.K. launch earlier in the year reached a broadly similar judgement. The ES90’s refinement, efficiency and overall execution were viewed positively, but the near‑total migration of controls to the portrait touchscreen—extending to simple actions such as opening the glovebox—felt excessive. While the interface was stable and acceptably responsive, the absence of a small row of physical buttons for quick jumps between CarPlay, radio and climate functions was notable.
Both assessments suggest Volvo’s flagship EV is fundamentally sound and well suited to present conditions, yet its price and interface philosophy may deter some buyers loyal to premium rivals from BMW, Porsche, Audi or Tesla. Unless costs ease and a handful of tactile controls return, critics argue, the ES90’s compelling long‑range comfort could be overshadowed by frustrations at the controls.