New 2023 Volvo EX90: specs, pricing and performance
Volvo’s flagship electric SUV has arrived, sporting a similar design to the XC90
Volvo already has plenty of experience in the electric car segment with its C40 and XC40 Recharge models, along with its stylish Polestar sub-brand. However, the new Volvo EX90 SUV represents the firm’s first bespoke electric car, and is set to replace the seven-seat XC90 model when it enters production in late 2023, with first deliveries scheduled for early 2024.
From the outset we can see the overall design of the EX90 is clearly an evolution of the XC90 mixed with some influence from the Polestar brand. The bluff silhouette, sharp shoulder line and Volvo’s signature “Thor’s hammer” headlights are all retained, although we can see a blanked-off grille, flush-fitting door handles and aerodynamic wheels all in the aid of maximising this big EV’s range. The rear light clusters follow a similar layout to the XC90’s but are now designed in a split arrangement.
The big news for the EX90 is that it sits on the same pure-electric SPA2 platform as the newly-unveiled Polestar 3. A choice of two dual-motor powertrain options will be available with the entry-level Twin Motor variant producing 402bhp and 770Nm of torque, hauling the 2,818kg SUV from 0-62mph in 5.9 seconds. The more expensive Twin Motor Performance version cuts a full second from this time, thanks to a more potent motor setup with 510bhp and 910Nm of torque. Both are limited to a top speed of 112mph.
Each model is equipped with a 107kWh (usable) battery, but with its preliminary 364 mile range figure, the Twin Motor goes four miles further than its more powerful stablemate. A 10 to 80 per cent top up takes half an hour thanks to 250kW DC charging capability, and the SPA2 architecture also provides bi-directional charging capability. The technology is still under development, but it could allow users to send energy from the batteries back to the grid during peak times. The system can also power electrical appliances, or other Volvo EVs.
At over five metres long, Volvo’s flagship continues to offer seating for seven, with a 310-litre boot. This grows to 655-litres with the third row folded away, and a cavernous 1,915-litre load bay is available with just the front seats in place. The size of the EX90 means it’ll rival the Mercedes EQS SUV, BMW iX, Audi Q8 e-tron and upcoming models like the Kia EV9 and Range Rover EV.
The EX90 is kitted out with Volvo’s latest array of radars and camera systems to make it the firm’s safest car yet. These sensors - along with a lidar unit which can detect objects hundreds of metres down the road, even at night - communicate with the SUVs NVIDIA DRIVE onboard computer, which processes road information in real time.
Along with the comprehensive suite of driver assists, including a Pilot Assist function that can take control of the steering, the EX90 offers a concentration monitoring system and sufficient hardware to enable autonomous driving in the future.
Volvo is ramping up its in-car connectivity suite with the EX90, which arrives with Snapdragon computing power and Unreal Engine 5 graphics, which has been used to develop blockbuster gaming titles. A 14.5-inch portrait touchscreen sits at the heart of the largely-button free, minimalist cabin, which runs an evolution of Volvo’s Google infotainment software.
The system includes a variety of Google apps and bundles 5G connectivity, along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. A Bowers & Wilkins Dolby Atmos-enabled stereo also features, and customers are able to use a smartphone-based digital key to access the car and adjust its home charging schedule. Volvo also plans to improve the EX90’s software throughout its lifecycle via over-the-air updates.
In the UK, the EX90 will be launched in range-topping Ultra spec, costing a projected £96,255 in Twin Motor guise and £100,555 in top-spec Twin Motor Performance trim. It will be available via Volvo’s Care by Volvo all-in-one subscription service too, from £1,599.
Riding on air suspension and 22-inch alloy wheels, Ultra models include a lidar system and driver attention monitor, along with the aforementioned Bowers & Wilkins HiFi, recycled fabric upholstery and a panoramic glass roof. A four-zone climate control setup is also fitted as standard, along with a cabin air purifier, soft-close doors and pixel LED headlights.
Click here for our in-depth review of the Volvo XC90...
