One constant throughout our time with the Volvo is its truly striking design. Its imposing stance and clean surfaces ensure it stands out and garners praise wherever it goes. Interestingly, it even seems to command a particular level of respect from drivers behind the wheels of rival premium badges. But I’ve also had comments from passersby – including a supermarket security guard who confessed he was waiting to see who owned such a “gorgeous” car. Perhaps most notably, my youngest son has actively pointed the car out to his mates if I’ve happened to drive past them, rather than pretending he didn’t know me.

Due to a shattered window from an almighty stone chip on the M25, we’re actually in a different test model, albeit exactly the same powertrain and grade. Much as I loved the elegant shimmering Mulberry Red optional (£845) paintwork and darker Charcoal/Cardamom interior on our previous model, my kids and a few friends prefer the natural Sand Dune solid colour (£845 again) and the lighter Dawn interior, which are definitely the more overtly Scandinavian options, trading more traditional luxury executive vibes for a cleaner look.

Despite its stately, commanding exterior, the ES90 is surprisingly easy to manoeuvre. That’s thanks in part to high-tech driving aids that include front and rear cameras that literally count down the space left in inches – part of the 360-degree surround-view camera system with 3D view – which my technophile eldest son thought was really “sick”. Fluid, light steering also helps. But there’s no escaping the fact that its 5m-long footprint makes fitting onto standard supermarket and car park spaces a bit tricky. And because the body features a sleek, sloping fastback roofline with very limited rear visibility, you’re forced to rely almost entirely on those digital screens.

Out on the road, the driving experience of the ES90 perfectly matches its unapologetically comfort-first philosophy, prioritising silent, effortless cruising over sporty handling. As with its minimalist aesthetic, the Swede is relaxed, mature and entirely uninterested in chasing the sharp, aggressive handling of its German rivals. This is not a car that you’d want to throw around, rather one to revel in while you glide over motorway crests. Nonetheless, if you stamp on the throttle, the rear-mounted electric motor delivers its 333p with a smooth, progressive surge that makes overtaking effortless without ever upsetting your passengers. You can also firm up the steering, which adds a bit of reassurance at higher speeds although you do have to dive into the vehicle settings menu to do so, which is a bit too tricky on the move. But ultimately, the ES90 excels in Scandinavian composure and comfort.

Natalie Middleton