In a city where innovation and style reign supreme, the all-new Volvo EX90 felt right at home during its international reveal in Los Angeles. As the automotive industry leans further into electric mobility, Volvo’s latest flagship SUV – the EX90 – delivers a near-perfect blend of futuristic design, cutting-edge technology, and the minimalist elegance that Volvo is known for.
As Volvo moves into a new electric era, the EX90 builds on the legacy established by the second-generation XC90. Launched in 2014, the XC90 propelled Volvo into the premium SUV market, reshaping the brand’s image with a blend of luxury, safety, and practicality. The all-electric EX90 advances this journey, emphasising electrification, sustainability, and cutting-edge technology.
During a recent trip to Los Angeles, we experienced this electric SUV firsthand and found that it represents not just progress but a transformative leap in Volvo’s approach to electric mobility, staying true to its people-first ethos.
AN EXTERIOR THAT COMMANDS ATTENTION
At first glance, the Volvo EX90 may seem like a sophisticated evolution of the brand’s traditional design language, but spend a few moments with it, and you’ll notice how it confidently introduces a futuristic edge. The silhouette retains Volvo’s hallmark of clean, unadulterated lines, but the EX90 pushes it further with sleek contours, flush door handles, and futuristic light signatures.
The front end is unmistakably Volvo, with the signature “Thor’s Hammer” daytime running lights transforming into LED headlights, while the grille – now mostly sealed off as the need for air intakes falls away – further accentuates its electric nature, emphasising the absence of a combustion engine. The overall stance is assertive but not overwhelming, projecting a pleasing blend of Scandinavian coolness and urban practicality.
MORE THAN JUST A GREEN CHOICE
Assembled in Ridgeville, South Carolina, USA, the new EX90 is underpinned by an evolution of the XC90’s Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) dubbed SPA2 to reflect its electric-only nature.
Currently, it is only available in two variants: the Twin Motor and Twin Motor Performance. However, it is likely that Volvo will release additional (lesser specced or single-motor variants) in the future.
Although we did not have the opportunity to sample the current entry-point Twin Motor derivative, its spec sheet confirms that it delivers an impressive 300 kW of power, while the Performance model ups that to a staggering 380 kW. Torque figures for both are substantial, with the Performance model reaching 910 Nm, making it one of the most powerful in its class.
With a range of around 600 km on a single charge (under ideal conditions), range anxiety is a thing of the past. Volvo has ensured that the EX90 meets the needs of the modern driver who craves long-distance capability and emissions-free driving. Charging is also rapid, thanks to 250 kW DC fast charging support, replenishing the battery from 10% to 80% in under 30 minutes.
These performance figures may suggest something akin to a sports car, with the Twin Motor Performance variant accelerating from zero to 100 km/h in just 4.9 seconds, but the EX90 is more than just a speed machine. It delivers this power smoothly, making it a refined experience for a car that tips the scale at around 2.8 tonnes.
CONFIDENCE AND CONTROL
Driving the EX90, whether on the open roads of California or the congested streets of Los Angeles, is a lesson in how electric vehicles should feel. The acceleration is instant, as one would expect from an electric car, but the smoothness with which the power is delivered speaks to Volvo’s refinement – the twin electric motors working seamlessly to provide a ride that is engaging and relaxing in equal measure.
The EX90’s suspension system also contributes significantly to the overall driving experience. The two-chamber air suspension allows the SUV to adapt to different road conditions, smoothing imperfections easily while offering a composed and planted ride.
We put this to the test during the first part of our drive from Pelican Hills resort in Newport Beach to Lake Elsinore via the equally smooth Ortega Highway to Lake Elsinore, and on a slightly less perfect mountain pass, where the highly forgiving damping system came into its own despite the large Volvo running on 22” alloys.
While acceleration and handling are impressive, it’s the quietness of the cabin that really stands out. Volvo’s engineers have done an exceptional job in minimising external noise, and when combined with the serene interior environment, the experience is almost meditative. The active noise cancellation system further enhances the tranquillity, making long journeys less tiring and more enjoyable.
VOLVO’S SAFETY LEGACY
If there’s one thing Volvo doesn’t compromise on, it’s safety, and the EX90 takes this philosophy to another level. Equipped with a range of advanced sensors, cameras, and radar systems, the EX90 creates a 360-degree safety net around its occupants. Volvo’s updated safety suite, branded as SafeSpace, integrates LiDAR – a high-tech laser scanning system capable of detecting objects hundreds of meters ahead, even in challenging weather or lighting conditions.
This LiDAR technology isn’t just about preventing accidents; it’s part of Volvo’s larger vision to eliminate road fatalities. Along with the expected array of adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and collision mitigation systems, the EX90 includes driver monitoring technology. This system tracks the driver’s eye movements and grip on the steering wheel, ensuring they remain alert behind the wheel. It’s a subtle but critical element in preventing accidents due to drowsiness or distraction.
FUTURE-PROOF TECHNOLOGY
Volvo has equipped the EX90 with Nvidia’s Drive Orin technology, which powers the SUV’s advanced driving assistance features. This AI computing platform is future-proofed to handle increasing levels of autonomous functionality. It’s another layer of technology that places Volvo at the forefront of EV technology.
In addition, the EX90 will receive over-the-air updates, meaning that new features and improvements can be added without needing to visit a dealership. This technological forward-thinking ensures that the EX90 remains relevant and capable for years.
Step inside, and the EX90 greets you with an interior that feels more like a Scandinavian retreat than the cabin of an SUV.
Volvo has mastered the art of making spaces feel light, airy, and calm, and the EX90 is no exception. The dashboard is dominated by a 14.5” portrait-oriented touchscreen, which houses the latest version of Volvo’s Android-based infotainment system. As you’d expect, Google Assistant, Google Maps, and the Play Store are all integrated, making voice-activated navigation or music control seamless. While Apple CarPlay was unavailable at the international reveal, Volvo assures us that the capability will be unlocked via an over-the-air update for US customers who have already taken delivery.
Materials inside the EX90 are sustainably sourced, reinforcing Volvo’s commitment to environmental consciousness. From wool-blend upholstery to reclaimed wood accents, every element has been selected to elevate the experience while keeping sustainability at the forefront.
One of the most impressive features is the Bowers & Wilkins sound system. Volvo has developed a speaker array that creates a 360-degree audio experience, delivering concert-level acoustics for all seven occupants. Combine this with active noise cancellation, and the cabin of the EX90 becomes a sanctuary – perfect for the chaotic streets of LA or quiet countryside getaways.
SPACE FOR MORE
Unlike some of its electric competitors, the Volvo EX90 doesn’t compromise on space. This is a proper three-row SUV that can comfortably seat up to seven adults, with various seating options (from four to seven), with a “Captain’s Chairs” configuration for the six-seater. It is unlikely that South Africa will see the four- and five-seat vehicles. The flexibility of the interior makes it ideal for families, with the ability to fold down the third-row seats at the touch of a button, while the manual operation for the second row is simplicity itself.
Regarding seats, the EX90’s thrones are luxurious and inviting, offering some of the most sumptuous materials we have sampled in any luxury barge.
With Volvo’s clever packaging of batteries, interior space remains generous. Whether loading up for a weekend adventure or heading out on a long road trip, the EX90 promises comfort and practicality.
The panoramic glass roof adds to the feeling of openness, although we missed an interior cover in the 40-degree heat of our test day.
LAST WORD
Volvo’s EX90 is more than just a new model; it represents the Swedish brand’s future and balances its core values of safety, sustainability, and simplicity while embracing the future of electrification. The LA launch did not just show off a new car to the world’s media; it was Volvo’s declaration that the future of luxury and performance is electric, and the EX90 is leading the charge.
If you’re interested in the EX90, you’ll have to wait for the local launch that Volvo South Africa says will happen in “early 2025”, with the first customer cars arriving before the middle of next year.
In the meantime, the XC90 remains available locally and will soon be available with a fresh, ensuring it stays relevant for consumers not yet ready for full electric.
Report by BERNIE HELLBERG JR | Images © VOLVO CAR SOUTH AFRICA
