VOLVO EX90 ESTATE 205kW Single Motor Plus 104kWh 5dr Auto

Volvo's EX90 is a large seven-seat luxury EV crossover that redefines its brand's future. Jonathan Crouch takes a look...

Ten Second Review

The EX90 is a large full-battery EV Crossover that takes Volvo into a new era. As the company puts it, 'it's a statement for where we are - and where we're going', combining the brand's own engineering advances with 'the best technology from the world's best technologists'. This SUV is also one of the few large super-luxury EVs to be able to seat seven. It's an ambitious statement of intent from the Sino-Swedish brand.

Background

What does the future really look like for large luxury cars? Various brands have told us, but none of them are approaching that future quite like Volvo, the company proudly styling itself as 'a pioneer in the protection of people and planet'. A claim embodied most clearly in this, it's very first EV to sit on a dedicated electric platform, the EX90. Ultimately, this will be the replacement for the XC90 large SUV model line that saved Volvo at the turn-of-the-century, though that combustion model will continue for several years yet. The future for flagship Volvos though, lies with EVs produced off the parent Geely Group's advanced SPA2 architecture, a platform already used by the EX90's close cousin, the Polestar 3, which shares the same drive system and much else. The EX90 differs from that car though, by its provision of three seating rows. And in its standard (rather than optional) inclusion of the so-called 'Lidar' package of sensors and cameras that Volvo claims will deliver a whole new era of safety and pave the way to a safer solution for fully autonomous driving. The car will be built at the company's US plant in Charleston - and eventually at Chengdu in China too, with both plants rated carbon neutral.

Engines and Tech Spec

There are three powertrains on offer here. Things kick off with a Single Motor rear-driven model with a 279hp motor with 490Nm of torque energised by a 100kWh battery with 380 miles of range. Otherwise, your EX90 will be of the Twin Motor All-Wheel Drive sort, with a choice of two output levels. Standard models offer 408hp, while 'Performance' variants up that to 517hp. In both cases, power comes from a 111kWh battery, which delivers a range of 384 miles in the base model and 374 miles in the 'Performance' version. As with all Volvos, top speed is limited to 112mph. The 62mph from rest sprint takes 5.9s in the Twin Motor model, improved to 4.9s by the 'Performance' version. All of this we've seen before in the Polestar 3. The EX90 though, gets a standard feature that is only optional on that car, the 'Lidar sensor'. That gives you a combination of powerful silicon chips, sensors and Volvo-developed perception software so powerful that the brand refers to it as 'a digital seatbelt'. And promises it'll reduce accidents involving death and serious injury by 20%. The Lidar sensor also provides everything necessary for this Volvo to drive itself fully autonomously, as soon as worldwide legislation permits it. We've heard that before of course, but Volvo wasn't sure that earlier autonomous drive systems could match its exacting safety standards. So it's developed its own autonomous drive set-up, with a completely new level of hardware, software and processing power; including Nvidia processors and Qualcomm CPUs combining to process up to 280 trillion operations per second. Forget performance figures: these are the kinds of stats that are really going to matter in luxury cars going forward. This one nails them more directly than any rival has done to date.

Design and Build

As you might expect, the EX90 takes established Volvo EV styling cues and applies them to a car that's significantly larger and more sophisticated. Much is borrowed from the 'Concept Recharge' study that the brand showed in 2021, with elements of Range Rover in the upright rear lights. At 5,037mm long, the EX90's not far off the size of one of those, a fraction longer, wider and lower than the current XC90. A prominent 'Lidar sensor' sits on the leading edge of the roof, looking like an off-duty taxi light but actually housing a bewildering array of cameras and sensors. Up-front at the wheel, minimalism takes over. Just about all the switchgear has been replaced by a Tesla-like 14.5-inch central portrait touchscreen. It runs at two and a half times the speed of the one in the XC90 and has all the major controls along its bottom bar. Materials used mirror Volvo's usual Scandinavian vibe, with jewel-like detailing and a 3D rotary controller sitting almost alone on the lower centre console. There's no conventional instrument binnacle - just a letterbox-shaped digital screen: and the lever-style gear selector has been mounted on the steering column. Much of the interior functionality will be based around a profile created for you the day you order the car. So your EX90 will know in advance things like your preferred temperature and control settings - and will greet you with a light sequence as you approach. Unlike its close cousin the Polestar 3, this Volvo is a seven-seater - a proper one nearly big enough for adults in the third row (unlike Tesla's rival Model X). The middle row bench does all the usual slidey-foldy things. And there's a reasonably-sized 655-litre boot, provided you can fold the third row seating. If you can't, there's 310-litres of space on offer: it's 1,915-litres with everything folded.

Market and Model

The EX90 badge might sound like a chemical formula but the pricing sounds very SUVIP. It starts from around £83,000 for the Single Motor version, only offered in base 'Plus' trim. You'll need around £90,000 for the Twin Motor version with 'Plus' trim, a version also offered with plusher 'Ultra' spec for around £96,000. Top of the range is the 'Ultra'-spec Twin Motor Performance version, for which you'll need around £100,000. The closely related Polestar 3 (a five rather than a seven-seater) costs significantly less, but that's for models without the 'Lidar' safety sensor package, which Polestar charges extra for. At least you get an awful lot for Volvo's asking figures - certainly in terms of media connectivity thanks to a combination of Snapdragon computing power and the 'Unreal Engine 5 graphics' tech lately used by the gaming industry. Infotainment benefits from over-the-air updates and is based on an evolution of the company's Google software. It includes a variety of Google apps and offers 5G connectivity, along with the usual wireless 'Apple CarPlay' and 'Android Auto' compatibility. There's a thumping Bowers and Wilkins Dolby Atmos-enabled stereo system. And customers will be able to open their EX90 from their smartphone using a digital key. Away from media stuff, 'Ultra' trim gets you air suspension, a panoramic glass roof, 4-Zone climate control, a cabin air purifier, soft-close doors, pixel LED headlights, a driver attention monitor and the 'Lidar' camera and sensor system we've talked about elsewhere in this review. You might hope for leather upholstery from a car of this price, but that wouldn't be very eco-friendly, so instead the seats are clad in recycled fabric.

Cost of Ownership

We gave you the EV driving range figures in our 'Driving' section - 380 miles for the Single Motor version, 384 miles for the standard Twin Motor version and 374 miles for the 'Performance' variant. All three are aided by a relatively sleek shape for such a boxy SUV, with a drag coefficient of 0.29Cd. Volvo says that the larger 111kWh battery pack (107kWh usable) has an operating voltage of around 800 volts. The battery can be charged at 250kW, which makes possible a 10-80% charge in around half an hour. But you'll probably be using a range of different public chargers, so the brand has developed a multi-high-speed charging system that allows switching between 800 volt and 400 volt outputs. Volvo promises that its app will give owners access to an 'ecosystem' of services, which will include public charging stations and smart home charging management. The latter will support owners with a home 'powerbox' linked both to the car and roof-mounted solar panels. This EX90 will also support a plug-in charge system for public charge points which will automatically start charging the car and will sort payment for you when it's plugged into a compatible charger. In addition, the Swedish maker has developed this and other future EVs with bi-directional vehicle-to-grid compatibility, which allows the EX90 to power home appliances, electronics and even top up other EVs using the energy stored in its battery pack. The power output for bi-directional charging is set at 20kW. This is also one of the most eco-friendly cars Volvo has ever made. Over 15% of its steel is recycled, as is 25% of its aluminium. And 15% of the plastics used by the car are from recycled sources, which means 48kg of recycled plastics in every EX90. Other rivals better these figures though and the company doesn't expect complete carbon neutrality for its cars until 2040.

Summary

For Volvo, this EX90 isn't just a new model. It represents the start of a new era. CEO Jim Rowan describes it as 'a defining moment in our 95 year history'. On the face of things, the brand is simply replicating the rest of the industry in its switch to EV and its move towards fully autonomous driving. The transition here though, seems a little different. Volvo isn't simply adding batteries and camera tech to ongoing designs: it's re-inventing its whole product development approach around the fresh technology. Something very evident in this EX90. We can only hope the company will be just as good at doing that at more affordable price points than this: the EX90's near six-figure asking price will put it out of reach of the mainstream market. But those who want to carry seven in a full-EV that isn't a People Carrier don't have many more credible options than this just at present. And in this Volvo, they'll find that unique selling point packaged up in a very complete proposition indeed.

Body Glass

Front and rear electric windows

Heated aqua blades

Rain sensor with automatic windscreen wiper activation

Rear wiper

Brakes

Hill descent control

Hill start assist

Intersection autobrake

Power parking brake with auto hold function

Carpets/Rugs

Charcoal carpets and floor mats

Chassis/Suspension

Active four-C chassis + four corner adaptive damper with electronic rear air suspension

Communication

Bluetooth handsfree system

Wireless apple carplay

Wireless/Inductive Mobile Phone Charging

Driver Aids

Emergency services call system

Handsfree power tailgate opening and closing

Driver Convenience

360 degree surround view parking camera with 3D view

Front and rear park assist

Intelligent speed assistance

Lane keeping aid

Park pilot assist with automatic steering and forward/reverse

Pilot assist

Power assisted speed sensitive steering

Roof mounted lidar, long range front racing radar, front and rear corner radars, front facing camera and side camera sensors

Speed limiter

Driver Information

14.5" centre console portrait touch screen

8" steering column mounted driver display

Driver awareness - Blind spot information system with steer assist, cross traffic alert with autobrake and rear collision warning and mitigation

Driver understanding system (Eye tracking and hands on steering wheel detection)

Google automotive services - Enabled entertainment apps, navigation with google maps, voice recognition with google assistant

Head up display in windscreen includes road sign information, distance alert, set speed and navigation

Intelligent driver information system (IDIS)

Volvo cars services with app

Driving Mirrors

Automatic dimming interior and driver's door mirror

Black auto folding and heated power door mirrors

Embellishment Trims

Illuminated dashboard, rear backrest and door deco panels

Tailored instrument panel and door tops

Engine

Lithium-ion battery

Entertainment

2 x front type C, 2 x 2nd row type C and 2 x 3rd row type C USB

DAB Radio (Digital Audio Broadcasting)

Low speed exterior sound speaker

Exterior Body Features

Fixed panoramic glass sunroof

High gloss black lower door, lower front spoiler and rear diffuser mouldings

High gloss black window surround

Metallic paint

Rear side wing doors

Exterior Lights

Automatic headlight levelling system

Automatic LED Headlights with active high beam

Headlight cleaning system

LED 3rd brake light

LED daytime running lights

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

3rd row air conditioning

4 zone electronic climate control with air quality system + pollen filter and air purifier PM2.5

B Pillar ventilation

Heat pump (Enhanced cabin heating and cooling efficiency with optimal vehicle range)

Interior Features

12V socket in luggage compartment

2 x front, 2 x rear and 2 x 3rd row cupholders

3 spoke tailored steering wheel with deco and infotainment/vehicle controls

Centre console cupholders and storage

Front load compartment (34 litres)

Heated steering wheel

Load cover

Load protection net

One pedal drive

Power height and reach adjustable steering column

Interior Lights

High level illumination (front cupholder, tunnel storage, luggage plus front and 2nd row footwell, cabin, reading door pocket and side step lights)

Safety

7 three point seatbelts

Door opening alert

Driver and passenger airbags

First aid kit

Front seat inner airbags

IC (Inflatable Curtains) - Full Length

Passenger airbag cut-off switch

Power child locks on rear doors

Road sign information display

Run off Road Mitigation

Seat occupancy sensor

Seatbelt reminder and pretensioners

SIPS (Side Impact Protection System)

Slippery road and hazard light alert

Tyre pressure monitoring system

Warning triangle

WHIPS whiplash protection system - front

Seats

2 individual 3rd row seats

3 individual seats in 2nd row

40/20/40 versatile split folding rear seat

Driver and front passenger seat power height and tilt adjustable with manual cushion extensions

Front headrests

Heated front and rear outer 2nd row seats

ISOFIX attachment 2nd row outer seats

Multi directional lumbar support

Power folding 3rd row seats

Rear headrests

Single front passenger seat

Security

2 x NFC Access cards

Anti-theft alarm including immobiliser/volume sensor + level sensor

Digital key plus with keytag

Keyless entry and start

Locking wheel nuts

Vehicle Charging

3 phase on board charger 11kW (home charging limited to 7.2kW)

6m 3 phase 32 amp type 2 / mode 3 charge cable

Plug and charge

Type 2 recharging port located in nearside front wing

Wheels - Spare

Tyre sealant kit and compressor

Electric Vehicle Data

Battery Capacity % guaranteed under warranty: N

Battery Capacity in kWh: 104

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Charge Time (Mins): 2700

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Percentage Change: 0-100

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Power Supply - kW: 2.3

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Charge Time (Mins): 1740

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Percentage Change: 0-100

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Power Supply - kW: 3.7

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Charge Time (Mins): 960

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Percentage Change: 0-100

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Power Supply - kW: 7

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Charge Time (Mins): 30

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Percentage Change: 10-80

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Power Supply - kW: 250

Battery Leased: 0

Battery Type: Lithium-ion

Charging Port Location: Left Side Rear

Coupler/Connector Type: CCS Type 2

Maximum Charging Rate - kW: 250

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Mileage: 100000

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Years: 8

Usable Battery Capacity: 100

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Comb - TEH: 20.4

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Comb - TEL: 18.4

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Comb - TEH: 3

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Comb - TEL: 3.4

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb: 612

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb - TEH: 549

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb - TEL: 612

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb: 380.3

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb - TEH: 341.1

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb - TEL: 380.3

Emissions - ICE

CO: N

CO2 (g/km): 0

HC: N

HC+NOx: N

Noise Level dB(A): N

NOx: N

Particles: N

Standard Emissions: N

Engine and Drive Train

Camshaft: N

Catalytic Convertor: N

CC: 1

Compression Ratio: N

Cylinder Layout: N

Cylinders: N

Cylinders - Bore (mm): N

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): N

Engine Code: N

Engine Layout: N

Fuel Delivery: N

Gears: 1 SPEED

Number of Valves: N

Transmission: AUTO

Fuel Consumption - ICE

EC Combined (mpg): N

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: 0

EC Extra Urban (mpg): N

EC Urban (mpg): N

General

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: No

Badge Engine CC: 0

Badge Power: 279

Based On ID: N

Coin Description: 205kW Single Motor

Coin Series: Plus

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Generation Mark: 1

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 50E

Manufacturers Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years: 12

Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years: 3

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: 92

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: N

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: 93

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: N

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: 5

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: N

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: 82

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: N

NCAP Safety Assist %: 86

NCAP Safety Assist %: N

Service Interval Frequency - Months: 24

Service Interval Mileage: 18000

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 60000

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Timing Belt Interval Frequency - Months: N

Timing Belt Interval Mileage: N

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Performance

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

0 to 62 mph (secs): 8.4

Engine Power - BHP: 279

Engine Power - KW: 205

Engine Power - PS: No

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 361

Engine Torque - MKG: 50

Engine Torque - NM: 490

Engine Torque - RPM: N

Top Speed: 112

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: N/A

Tyres

Alloys?: No

Space Saver?: 0

Tyre Size Front: 265/45 R21

Tyre Size Rear: 295/40 R21

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Wheel Style: 8 SPOKE

Wheel Type: 21" ALLOY

Vehicle Dimensions

Height: 1747

Height (including roof rails): N

Length: 5037

Wheelbase: 2985

Width: 2039

Width (including mirrors): 2113

Weight and Capacities

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): N

Gross Vehicle Weight: 3200

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 1915

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 310

Max. Loading Weight: 668

Max. Roof Load: 100

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 1200

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 750

Minimum Kerbweight: 2532

No. of Seats: 7

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 11.8

Body Glass

Dark tinted windows - rear side windows and rear screen

Interior Features

Nordico quilted upholstery

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Crystal white

Metallic - Denim blue

Metallic - Mulberry red

Metallic - Onyx black

Metallic - Platinum grey

Metallic - Sand dune

Metallic - Silver Dawn

Metallic - Vapour grey

Seats

Second row integrated child seat for centre seat

Towing

Electrically retractable towbar

Trim - Cloth

Nordico - Charcoal + charcoal door panel insert and interior + dawn headlining + charcoal steering wheel + birch wood inlay

Nordico quilted - Cardamom + cardamom door panel insert and interior + charcoal headlining + charcoal steering wheel + birch wood inlay

Nordico quilted - Dawn + dawn door panel insert and interior + dawn headlining + charcoal/dawn steering wheel + light ash inlay

Wheels - Alloy

22" 5 spoke aero diamond cut/high gloss black alloy wheels