In the rapidly evolving landscape of electric vehicles, the Volvo EX90 represents the Swedish manufacturer’s most significant step yet toward an electrified future.
As the spiritual successor to the highly successful XC90 SUV, this flagship electric offering carries the weight of Volvo’s reputation for safety, practicality, and understated luxury while pushing into new technological territory.
Having spent considerable time with the vehicle both on paper and in person, I’ve found it to be a compelling, if sometimes contradictory, vision of where luxury family transportation is heading.
Design Philosophy: Evolution Not Revolution
The EX90’s exterior design speaks volumes about Volvo’s approach to their electric transition. Rather than crafting something deliberately futuristic or avant-garde, Volvo has delivered a silhouette that clearly evolves from their established design language.
The family resemblance to the XC90 is unmistakable, with similar proportions and the distinctive “Thor’s hammer” headlight signature, albeit in a more streamlined form.
Closer inspection reveals the EX90’s electric-specific adaptations. The traditional grille has been replaced by a smooth, body-colored panel featuring a subtle pattern.
The lower roofline and gently tapered rear improve aerodynamics, crucial for maximizing range. Door handles sit flush with the body when not in use, and the wheels feature partially closed designs to reduce turbulence.
Perhaps most interestingly, the EX90 largely eschews the floating roofs, aggressive character lines, and exaggerated proportions common among contemporary EVs.
Instead, it embraces a clean, restrained aesthetic that feels quintessentially Scandinavian. This approach may not turn as many heads as some competitors, but it suggests confidence in a design that will age gracefully rather than chasing current trends.
This philosophy extends to the color palette, which focuses on understated options—various silvers, grays, blues, and blacks dominate, though a few more expressive choices are available for those seeking something less conservative.
The overall effect is of quiet sophistication rather than showy ostentation, very much in keeping with Volvo’s brand values.
Interior: Digital Minimalism Meets Natural Materials
Stepping inside reveals the EX90’s most dramatic departure from its predecessors. The dashboard is dominated by a portrait-oriented 14.5-inch touchscreen that controls virtually all vehicle functions—a significant shift for a brand that previously favored physical controls for many operations.
This screen runs Volvo’s new Google-based infotainment system, which represents a substantial improvement in responsiveness and intuitiveness over previous Volvo interfaces.
In front of the driver sits a smaller digital instrument cluster, providing essential driving information while avoiding information overload.
The steering wheel features capacitive touch buttons which, unfortunately, lack the tactile feedback of physical controls—a somewhat questionable ergonomic choice for controls that may need to be operated without looking while driving.
The minimalist approach extends to material choices, with Volvo embracing sustainability alongside luxury. The standard upholstery consists of a wool blend textile made from recycled materials, with responsibly sourced leather available as an option.
Nordico, a synthetic material derived partially from recycled PET bottles and bio-attributed material from sustainable forests, serves as an additional alternative. Open-pore wood trim across the dashboard brings warmth to what could otherwise feel like a clinically digital environment.
Space utilization impresses, particularly in a segment where third-row seating often feels like an afterthought. The EX90 can genuinely accommodate adults in all three rows, though those in the very back will still appreciate shorter journeys.
The second row offers exceptional legroom, while the front seats continue Volvo’s tradition of providing some of the most comfortable and supportive options in the industry.
Cargo capacity stands at 365 liters with all seats in place, expanding to a cavernous 1,915 liters when both rear rows are folded—competitive figures that reflect thoughtful packaging of the electric powertrain.
Powertrain and Performance: Substantial Power, Subtle Delivery
The EX90 launches with two powertrain configurations, both utilizing a 111 kWh battery pack (107 kWh usable).
The standard Twin Motor version produces 402 horsepower and 568 lb-ft of torque, while the Performance variant increases output to 510 horsepower and 671 lb-ft. Both feature dual-motor all-wheel drive, with power sent to all four wheels through a single-speed transmission.
This translates to impressive performance figures, with the standard model reaching 60 mph in around 5.7 seconds and the Performance variant dropping that to approximately 4.7 seconds.
These numbers represent substantial acceleration for a vehicle of this size and weight, though they don’t quite match the eyebrow-raising sprint times of some competitors.
What’s more noteworthy is how the EX90 delivers this performance. Unlike some electric vehicles that emphasize neck-snapping launches, Volvo has tuned the powertrain for progressive, refined power delivery.
Acceleration builds in a smooth, linear fashion rather than arriving in an immediate jolt. This approach aligns with Volvo’s focus on comfortable, controlled motoring rather than performance histrionics.
Range varies by configuration, with the Twin Motor model achieving approximately 300 miles on the EPA cycle and the Performance variant sacrificing about 20 miles of that figure in exchange for its additional power.
Real-world testing suggests these estimates are reasonably achievable in mixed driving, though highway cruising at higher speeds—as with all EVs—will reduce these figures somewhat.
Charging capabilities impress, with the EX90 supporting DC fast charging at up to 250 kW, enabling a 10-80% charge in approximately 30 minutes under ideal conditions.
The onboard AC charger accepts up to 11 kW, providing a full charge in roughly 11 hours when connected to an appropriate home wallbox—essentially overnight charging for most users.
Driving Dynamics: Comfort Over Sportiness
On the road, the EX90’s character becomes evident within the first few miles. This is a vehicle that prioritizes comfortable cruising over dynamic handling, a choice that makes perfect sense given its family-oriented mission.
The standard air suspension delivers a plush ride that effectively filters out road imperfections, creating a serene environment for passengers.
Steering feel is light and precise rather than communicative, requiring minimal effort for maneuvering this substantial vehicle. While some drivers might prefer more feedback, the EX90’s approach reduces fatigue during longer journeys and aligns with the overall comfort-focused philosophy.
Body control remains impressive despite the soft suspension tuning and considerable weight (approximately 5,700 pounds).
The battery pack’s position low in the chassis creates a center of gravity that helps the EX90 feel more planted than its height might suggest, though physics can’t be entirely defeated during more aggressive cornering.
Wind and road noise suppression deserve special mention. The combination of acoustic glass, substantial sound insulation, and the inherent quietness of electric propulsion creates an exceptionally peaceful cabin environment, even at highway speeds. This refinement contributes significantly to the premium feel that justifies the EX90’s luxury positioning.
Regenerative braking offers multiple modes, from light regeneration that mimics traditional coasting to a stronger setting that enables near one-pedal driving in most situations.
The transition between regenerative and friction braking occurs seamlessly—an area where some competitors still struggle to deliver a natural pedal feel.
Technology and Safety: Volvo’s Traditional Strength Amplified
The EX90 represents Volvo’s most advanced expression of their safety philosophy, incorporating a comprehensive sensor suite including lidar, radar, cameras, and ultrasonic sensors. This hardware supports a suite of driver assistance systems that include:
Pilot Assist with lane change assistance
Cross-traffic alert with automatic braking
Advanced parking assistance with 360-degree camera views
Driver monitoring system that can detect distraction or impairment
Perhaps most impressively, the EX90 introduces an occupant sensing system that can detect a child or pet left in the vehicle, maintaining climate control and sending alerts to prevent tragedies.
This attention to real-world safety scenarios rather than just crash performance metrics exemplifies Volvo’s holistic approach to protection.
The Google-based infotainment system represents a substantial improvement over previous Volvo offerings. Google Maps provides intelligent route planning that includes charging stops when needed, while Google Assistant offers voice control for various vehicle functions.
The system supports over-the-air updates, allowing for continuous improvement and feature additions throughout the vehicle’s life.
Audio comes courtesy of a Bowers & Wilkins system with up to 25 speakers, including headrest-mounted units and a Dolby Atmos implementation.
The sound quality impresses even at higher volumes, with excellent clarity and staging that creates an immersive listening experience.
Market Position and Value Proposition
With pricing starting around $82,000 for the Twin Motor version and rising to approximately $93,000 for a well-equipped Performance model, the EX90 positions itself in the premium electric SUV segment alongside competitors like the BMW iX, Mercedes EQS SUV, and Rivian R1S.
What distinguishes the Volvo in this competitive set is its more understated approach to luxury. Where some rivals emphasize dramatic styling, blistering performance, or technological showmanship, the EX90 focuses on practical family transportation executed with exceptional refinement and thoughtfulness.
The value proposition strengthens when considering the comprehensive standard equipment list, which includes features that remain options on many competitors.
The three-row configuration also offers practical advantages for families compared to some similarly priced alternatives that only offer two rows of seating.
Volvo EX90 : Evolution Meets Revolution
The Volvo EX90 represents a fascinating blend of evolutionary and revolutionary approaches. Its exterior design and driving dynamics evolve naturally from Volvo’s established formula, while the interior and technology platform embrace more revolutionary change.
This duality creates a vehicle that should appeal to existing Volvo owners looking to transition to electric driving without abandoning the brand values they appreciate.
At the same time, it offers enough technological advancement and performance to attract new customers seeking a premium electric family vehicle with a distinctive character.
What’s most impressive about the EX90 is not any single breakthrough feature but rather how thoroughly it integrates Volvo’s traditional strengths—safety, practicality, and understated luxury—into an electric architecture.
The result feels authentic rather than forced, suggesting a natural progression rather than a reluctant concession to changing market demands.
For families seeking a three-row electric SUV that prioritizes comfort, safety, and refined luxury over aggressive styling or performance bragging rights, the EX90 presents a compelling option.
Its thoughtful design and execution demonstrate that Volvo understands both where the automotive market is heading and what their core customers truly value.