Volvo EX90: safest Volvo ever and up to 600 kilometers range

Highlights Volvo EX90

• The electric successor to the XC90 . for various markets
• Up to 517 hp and up to 600 kilometers range
• Safest Volvo ever: loaded with sensors
• For the time being from: €102,495

We call the Volvo EX90 the successor to the XC90, but in fact it is not everywhere. The international delivery range of the XC90 is being split. For markets where EVs are less of a priority, the Volvo XC90 will get another facelift to extend its lifespan. However, all attention is now focused on the SUV that does push the XC90 out of the showrooms in many markets: the new and always fully electric EX90.

His appearance may come as no surprise to the avid visitor to this website. As early as August, we were able to show you how the Volvo EX90 – then thought to be possibly called Embla – would dry up on the outside. Nevertheless, we take a textual walk around the electric SUV with you. We can well imagine that you would think that this is the facelifted XC90, but that is certainly not the case. What is certain is that Volvo instructed its designer not to go too wild before drawing the EX90.

A modern interpretation of the XC90 rear lights on the rear of the EX90.

design

Broadly speaking, the EX90 is clearly recognizable as part of the XC90 bloodline. The side window on the EX90 rises more and is arranged differently and the handles are recessed in the doors. However, the biggest differences can be found at the front and rear, although there is also design evolution instead of revolution. The Volvo signature Thor light signature has seeped through to the shape of the headlamps themselves, making the EX90 front reminiscent of that of the Polestar 3. But, in fact, the light units are inspired by those of the 2021 Volvo Recharge Concept. The front of the EX90 is also noticeably quieter in design and is characterized in particular by the closed middle part.

At the rear, the relationship with the XC90 is evident. The rear lights of the XC90 that extend to the top of the rear window have been translated into the present in a special way. The part of the rear lights that is located under the rear window, from now on, dives into the tailgate and is no longer directly connected to the part next to the rear window. The lighting on either side of the rear window is now segmented. You may remember that from the Recharge Concept. The license plate moves one floor and is now in the rear bumper instead of in the flap. ‘Volvo’ is written on the spot where you previously found the license plate.

The Volvo EX90 is lower than the Polestar 3, but a lot longer.

Dimensions

The photos do not lie: the Volvo EX90 is a large device. The seven-seater is 5.04 meters long, surpassing the XC90 by 9 centimeters. The Polestar 3 – which will return regularly in this article – is considerably shorter (14 centimeters) with a car length of 4.9 meters. At 2.99 meters, the wheelbase of the Volvo EX90 is the same as that of its technical brother Polestar 3. That is not surprising, because the two electric SUVs share the same SPA2 platform. The Volvo EX90, with a height of 1.75 meters, is 13 centimeters higher than the more sporty Polestar 3.

Of course, the EX90 can be packed with quite a bit of stuff. Behind the third row of seats you can lose 310 liters, but if you throw the two rear seats flat, the luggage space increases to 655 liters. If you also fold the second row of seats flat, you can bring 1,040 liters of material. If you fill the Volvo EX90 up to the roof, that value increases to 1,915 liters. Good news: the Swede has a luggage compartment under the front cover, although you can use that so-called frunk only lost 37 litres.

The Volvo EX90 has a small frunk!

Powertrains

Every Volvo EX90 has – just like the Polestar 3 – a 111 kWh battery pack in its bottom, of which 107 kWh is actually usable. There are two engines. Your choice of engine has no influence on the payload and the top speed, because every Volvo EX90 can quickly charge up to 250 kW and is limited to 180 km/h.

The most powerful power source so far is called Twin Motor Performance. The Volvo EX90 Twin Motor Performance has two 517 hp and 910 Nm strong electric motors that are powerful enough to help the SUV weighing at least 2,818 kilograms to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds. The range is up to 590 kilometers. The Polestar 3 also sprints to 210 km/h.

Although the EX90 Twin Motor Performance has as much power as the Performance flavor of the Polestar 3, the regular Volvo EX90 Twin Motor-without-Performance addition is less strong. The Volvo EX90 Twin Motor kicks it up to 408 hp and 770 Nm instead of 489 hp and 840 Nm. You won’t get away with it, the EX90 Twin Motor drags its more than 2.8 tons to 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds. This version comes up to 600 kilometers away.

The Volvo EX90 can charge bi-directionally. Returning power to the house is possible. You can also charge other devices and even cars with the EX90. The maximum towing weight is 2,200 kilos.

Quite minimalistic: the EX90’s interior closely resembles that of the Polestar 3.

Interior and technology

The technology of the Volvo EX90 is very similar to that of the Polestar 3 and the interior of the new Swedish SUV also shows similarities with that of its sister model. In fact, you have to look closely to see the differences. Volvo involves the vertically oriented and 14.5-inch measuring infotainment screen more with the dashboard by folding it around it. In addition, the steering wheel of the Polestar 3 is flattened at the bottom and filled in slightly differently, but the differences are minimal inside. However, the difference with the more traditionally designed dashboard of the XC90 is significant.

Behind the steering wheel is a relatively simple, flat and wide digital clock shop. A strip runs across the entire width of the interior, housing the ventilation grilles and touch-sensitive elements on the steering wheel. Those control islands on the steering wheel are interesting, there are icons of a steering wheel. That’s part of Ride Pilot, Volvo’s semi-autonomous driving system, although the manufacturer says the EX90 is ready for a future where you can completely keep your hands off the wheel. Furthermore, a spot has been reserved on the central display in the dashboard where the smart software makes suggestions and proposals based on the current circumstances.

Volvo EX90

Safety

The Volvo EX90 keeps a constant eye on the situation outside with 16 ultrasonic sensors, eight cameras, five radar systems and a LiDAR module. According to Volvo, he can see small objects hundreds of meters away, with the result that the car can intervene in time if the driver misses something. The EX90 also keeps an eye on the inside. For example, Volvo’s hardware and software are able to measure the concentration of the driver’s eyes. Those who are distracted can expect a gentle push in the chair. If there is no response, the EX90 moves to the side and calls for help.

Volvo also equips the EX90 with Luminar as standard, a system that allows the electric SUV to see up to 250 meters ahead in the dark. The car cannot be locked if there are people or animals in the interior.

Volvo EX90

Prices Volvo EX90

The Volvo EX90 costs a minimum of €102,495 in the Netherlands. For that money you get the 408 hp EX90 Twin Motor AWD Ultra with a range of 585 kilometers. For the 517 hp powerful Volvo EX90 Twin Motor Performance AWD Ultra you will lose at least €107,495. You can order immediately. Please note, the prices mentioned are those of the fully loaded Ultra versions. Later on, more modestly executed and therefore also lower-priced variants will follow. The Volvo EX90 is off the production line in the United States.

With the introduction of the EX90, a new era is dawning at Volvo. From now on, the brand will introduce a completely new electric model every year. From 2030, Volvo will only sell electric cars.

Volvo XC90 and EX90 in the Netherlands

Since the launch of the first generation XC90, 19,038 units have been sold over two generations. The SUV had its peak years in 2015 and 2016. Then successively 2,778 and 2,761 copies left the showrooms. This was related to the fiscally attractive plug-in hybrid variants at the time.