Niels van Roij about the new electric SUV
With some forgivable exceptions to the rule, Volvo has been exceptionally consistent in its mission in its 95 years of existence. The focus: a tasteful mix of safety, Scandinavian design through form follows function, and the environment. But isn’t the protection of people and the planet in a car by definition a contradiction in terms? Niels van Roij assesses the new Volvo EX90.
The EX90 is instantly recognizable as a Volvo. At first glance, the new large SUV seems to have changed little compared to the XC90. But appearances are deceiving. The design team has taken relevant evolutionary steps to introduce customers to the world of electric Volvos. The now iconic XC90 design after two long running generations has been refined further. A smart, strategic design choice not to alienate customers from the brand. Are we watching BMW?
Volvo EX90 looks light despite its size
Despite its size, the EX90 looks visually light, because the correct, sympathetic proportions have been maintained, with a large glass surface. The nose has been lowered for better aerodynamics and the roof is made of glass. This glass roof has the advantage that the roofline can be lowered without sacrificing headroom. Add to that the extended wheelbase and large wheels and the balanced whole is complete.
At the front we find a confident nose. With understated determination, he wears his Iron Mark with pride, without a faux grille – that’s how it can be, Mercedes! Form follows function. Viewed from above, the stern is more rounded than on the XC90, so that the airflow is better around the car. The harmonious exterior is a literally more seamless implementation of the large SUV recipe. For example, recessed side windows not only provide a purer appearance, the airflow remains connected to the car and continues uninterrupted towards the rear: resulting in better aerodynamics and a low drag coefficient of 0.29.
Hood runs over fenders
The shutline on the nose has, for the first time in the Volvo SUV existence, a clamshellsolution, where the bonnet runs over the fenders. This beautiful find creates an intelligent, light focus above the headlamps to highlight the updated graphics of the T-shaped Thors Hammer headlamps. The unit now consists of a set of moving components, which have a T-shaped design as a daytime running light and then open up like an eye to direct the beams of light for nighttime driving. This effect has never been used in a production car before.
To improve the stance, large 20- to 22-inch wheels have been used. They perfect the proportions of the electric SUV. The rim designs optimize aerodynamics through a chic insert that reduces air turbulence by covering the bolts and flattening the wheel. The spokes are extended to the center of the wheel to visually lengthen them and make the rim look extra large. The Volvo logo on the hub is therefore no longer valid. The word brand has replaced it and has been applied in a very refined way on the blades in the rims: an innovative solution that looks unique, improves efficiency and thus increases the range.
The lovingly integrated elevation at the front of the roof is the lidar, technology that determines the distance to an object. It is housed in a beautiful piece of sculpture centered above the windshield. It sits there in the most optimal position, high in the car – so that it can see up to 250 meters ahead – elegantly fused into the design. Deliberately not hidden away, because: form follows function. The lidar becomes a new design icon for the Swedes, just like the 3-point safety belt that Volvo invented in 1959. It is clear that people and the planet are central. Volvo for life!
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– Thanks for information from Autoweek.nl