Volvo EX90: the most powerful Volvo ever!

XC90 not disappearing (for now)

First, let’s clarify something: the Volvo EX90 will in fact not be a true successor to the XC90, even though it could fill that role just fine given its size and number of available seats. Indeed, for now, Volvo will continue to offer the XC90 T8 alongside the EX90. Chances are that the XC90 may eventually have to give way to the EX90, as by 2030 Volvo plans to sell only electric cars. The EX90 is the brand’s first step toward that all-electric future. From now on, Volvo will release an all-new electric model every year.

Different and yet recognizable

The Volvo EX90 is quite similar in silhouette to the current XC90, yet it is quite different. That starts at the front, where the hood has a more streamlined shape and lacks the large grille from before. Instead, the EX90 has cooling vents in the front bumper that open only when the technology actually needs fresh air. What has been preserved, however, are the LED daytime running lights in the shape of the “Thor hammers. However, these are now more reminiscent in shape of the Polestar 3’s headlights.

Also reminiscent of Polestar are the side mirrors. Normally only the mirror moves when you want to adjust the mirrors, but the EX90 has mirrors where the glass is fixed and the whole mirror housing moves when adjusting. We saw that feature before on the Polestar 1, 2 and 3, but not yet on a Volvo. If we then take a virtual walk around the car, another important similarity to Polestar is noticed at the rear: the taillights. In fact, the EX90 has C-shaped light units connected by a continuous light bar. Along the rear window are two more separate light units divided into cubes.

Minimalistic

In the interior of the Volvo EX90, Volvo’s minimalist approach is particularly striking. The current XC90 already had few physical buttons, but with the EX90, they have really all been relegated to the eternal hunting ground. Instead, the EX90 has a large central 15-inch touchscreen and a smaller rectangular digital instrument cluster right in front of the driver. The central screen runs a further honed version of Android Automotive, Google’s infotainment system. No worries for iPhone owners: using Apple CarPlay is still possible, and wirelessly.

So otherwise, the interior of the EX90 is mostly very clean. On top of the dashboard, we do still find a central tweeter for the Bowers & Wilkins audio system. That already sounded very good, but the EX90 adds speakers in the headrests and Dolby Atmos technology. Cinema sound in your car so, nice.

517 hp, maximum 585 km range

The Volvo EX90 will be on the same platform as the recently unveiled Polestar 3. That is parent company Geely’s SPA2 platform. At least the fact that the Volvo EX90 is on the same platform as the Polestar 3 means good news for power. The XC90 comes to market in two variants: Twin AWD Ultra and Twin AWD Performance Ultra. The latter is the more powerful of the two, producing a whopping 517 hp. This instantly makes the EX90 the most powerful production Volvo ever! By comparison, the current XC90 T8 has a combined output of 408 hp. Incidentally, that number does show up in the EX90: in fact, the entry-level Twin AWD Ultra version also has 408 hp.

So based on the number 517, the future does not seem so bad, but there is more. For example, the powertrain of the most powerful EX90 delivers a whopping 910 Nm of torque. It is not known how fast the SUV is, but the Polestar 3 takes 4.8 seconds to sprint to 100 km/h with the same powertrain. So the EX90 is not expected to be very far from that number, although of course the emphasis at Volvo is much less on sporty performance than at Polestar. An important feat of the EX90 is its maximum towing weight. In fact, that amounts to 2,200 kilograms, more than enough for a hefty caravan.

The range of the EX90 is 585 kilometers (WLTP) for the Twin AWD Ultra and 580 kilometers for the Twin AWD Performance Ultra. The battery pack of both variants has a capacity of 111 kWh. Charging from 10 to 80 percent is done at the quick charger thanks to the maximum charging capacity of 250 kW in less than half an hour, so even on longer trips you’ll be back on the road in no time.

Volvo EX90 as a driving computer

All the performance and luxury are of course a bonus, but what Volvo really wants to focus on with the EX90 is increasing safety. The brand does this by equipping the EX90 with a huge arsenal of sensors both inside and out. Thus, the car proactively monitors the road ahead of you, but also checks to see if you, the driver, are still keeping your attention on the road. If it appears that you have fallen asleep or otherwise passed out, the EX90 can safely stop by the side of the road by itself.

Furthermore, the Volvo EX90 is the very first Volvo equipped with the hardware that will enable the self-driving car in the future. One of the things that is new is the lidar scanner that sits centrally above the windshield. Early examples of the EX90 are not yet capable of self-driving, but that software should come to the car via over-the-air updates in the future. Until then, the further improved Pilot Assist – Volvo’s semi-autonomous driving assistant – should provide solace.

Prices Volvo EX90

Prices for the Volvo EX90 start at 102,495 euros for the EX90 Twin AWD Ultra. The EX90 Twin Performance AWD Ultra is in the showroom from 107,495 euros. That’s a bit more expensive than the Polestar 3, which is on your driveway from 88,600 euros.

The EX90 comes standard with a Care Pack that includes a three-year factory warranty, maintenance and replacement of wear parts. In addition to purchase and lease, the EX90 is also available through Care by Volvo, a subscription service starting at 1,549 euros per month.