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

Rear wiper

Front and rear electric windows

Laminated side windows

Heated aqua blades

Rain sensor with automatic windscreen wiper activation

Dark tinted windows - rear side windows and rear screen

Brakes

Hill descent control

Hill start assist

Power parking brake with auto hold function

Intersection autobrake

Carpets/Rugs

Charcoal carpets and floor mats

Chassis/Suspension

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

Communication

Wireless/Inductive Mobile Phone Charging

Bluetooth handsfree system

Wireless apple carplay

Driver Aids

Front and rear park assist

Speed limiter

Pilot assist

Lane keeping aid

Power assisted speed sensitive steering

360 degree surround view parking camera with 3D view

Park pilot assist with automatic steering and forward/reverse

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

Intelligent speed assistance

Driver Convenience

Handsfree power tailgate opening and closing

Emergency services call system

Power release/soft close doors

Driver Information

Intelligent driver information system (IDIS)

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

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

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

Volvo cars services with app

14.5" centre console portrait touch screen

8" steering column mounted driver display

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

Driving Mirrors

Automatic dimming interior and driver's door mirror

Black auto folding and heated power door mirrors

Embellishment Trims

Tailored instrument panel and door tops

Illuminated dashboard and door deco panels

Engine

Lithium-ion battery

Entertainment

DAB Radio (Digital Audio Broadcasting)

Low speed exterior sound speaker

Bowers and Wilkins high fidelity audio system with advanced 3D sound by dolby atmos/25 Speakers/1610W output/front headrest speakers and subwoofer

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

Exterior Body Features

Metallic paint

Fixed panoramic glass sunroof

Integrated roof rails in high gloss black

High gloss black window surround

Rear side wing doors

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

Exterior Lights

Puddle lights

LED daytime running lights

Automatic headlight levelling system

Headlight cleaning system

LED 3rd brake light

Automatic 1.3 mega pixel high definition headlights with active high beam and cornering function

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

B Pillar ventilation

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

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

3rd row air conditioning

Interior Features

Load cover

Heated steering wheel

Load protection net

12V socket in luggage compartment

Power height and reach adjustable steering column

Centre console cupholders and storage

One pedal drive

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

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

Front load compartment (34 litres)

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

Driver and passenger airbags

First aid kit

Warning triangle

SIPS (Side Impact Protection System)

Seat occupancy sensor

WHIPS whiplash protection system - front

Tyre pressure monitoring system

7 three point seatbelts

Power child locks on rear doors

Road sign information display

Run off Road Mitigation

IC (Inflatable Curtains) - Full Length

Passenger airbag cut-off switch

Slippery road and hazard light alert

Seatbelt reminder and pretensioners

Door opening alert

Front seat inner airbags

Seats

Front headrests

Rear headrests

2 individual 3rd row seats

Multi directional lumbar support

Power front seat side support

Front massage seats

Single front passenger seat

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

Heated front and rear outer 2nd row seats

Power folding 3rd row seats

ISOFIX attachment 2nd row outer seats

Security

Locking wheel nuts

Keyless entry and start

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

2 x NFC Access cards

Digital key plus with keytag

Vehicle Charging

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

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

Type 2 recharging port located in nearside front wing

Wheels - Alloy

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

Wheels - Spare

Tyre sealant kit and compressor

Electric Vehicle Data

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

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Power Supply - kW: 2.3

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Percentage Change: 0-100

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

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Power Supply - kW: 3.7

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Percentage Change: 0-100

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

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Power Supply - kW: 7

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Percentage Change: 0-100

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

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Power Supply - kW: 250

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Percentage Change: 10-80

Coupler/Connector Type: CCS Type 2

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Years: 8

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Mileage: 100000

Battery Capacity in kWh: 111

Battery Leased: 0

Battery Type: Lithium-ion

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb: 603

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Comb: 21.1

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Comb: 2.9

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb: 374.7

Battery Capacity % guaranteed under warranty: N

Charging Port Location: Left Side Rear

Usable Battery Capacity: 107

Maximum Charging Rate - kW: 250

Emissions - ICE

CO2 (g/km): 0

Standard Euro Emissions: N

Noise Level dB(A): N

CO: N

HC: N

NOx: N

HC+NOx: N

Particles: N

Engine and Drive Train

Cylinders - Bore (mm): N

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): N

CC: 1

Cylinders: N

Cylinder Layout: N

Number of Valves: N

Camshaft: N

Fuel Delivery: N

Catalytic Convertor: N

Engine Layout: N

Compression Ratio: N

Transmission: AUTO

Gears: 1 SPEED

Engine Code: N

Fuel Consumption - ICE

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: 0

EC Urban (mpg): N

EC Extra Urban (mpg): N

EC Combined (mpg): N

General

Coin Series: Ultra

Coin Description: 300kW Twin Motor

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 60000

Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years: 3

Manufacturers Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years: 12

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

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Based On ID: N

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 50E

Service Interval Mileage: 18000

Service Interval Frequency - Months: 24

Timing Belt Interval Mileage: N

Timing Belt Interval Frequency - Months: N

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: N

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: N

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: N

NCAP Safety Assist %: N

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: N

Badge Power: 408

Badge Engine CC: 0.0

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Generation Mark: 1

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: No

Performance

0 to 62 mph (secs): 5.9

Top Speed: 112

Engine Power - BHP: 408

Engine Power - PS: No

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Power - KW: 300

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 568

Engine Torque - NM: 770

Engine Torque - RPM: N

Engine Torque - MKG: 78.5

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: N/A

Tyres

Tyre Size Front: 265/40 R22

Tyre Size Rear: 295/35 R22

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Wheel Type: 22" ALLOY

Wheel Style: 5 SPOKE

Alloys?: No

Space Saver?: 0

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 5037

Width: 2039

Wheelbase: 2985

Width (including mirrors): 2113

Height: 1747

Height (including roof rails): N

Weight and Capacities

Minimum Kerbweight: 2712

Gross Vehicle Weight: 3390

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): N

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 2200

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 750

Max. Loading Weight: 678

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 310

No. of Seats: 7

Max. Roof Load: 100

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 1915

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 11.8

Interior Features

Tailored wool blend upholstery

Nordico quilted upholstery

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Mulberry red

Metallic - Denim blue

Metallic - Onyx black

Metallic - Platinum grey

Metallic - Vapour grey

Metallic - Silver Dawn

Metallic - Crystal white

Metallic - Sand dune

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 - Cardmom + cardmom 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

Tailored wool blend - Zinc + charcaol door panel insert and interior + charcoal headlining + charcoal steering wheel + light ash inlay