Volvo is running full steam ahead into the electric vehicle (EV) era, even as other automakers take a step back to reorganize their powertrain production. The Swedish brand aims to reveal one new electric vehicle (EV) each year and to sell only fully electric vehicles by 2030. In 2023, total sales were up 26 percent; EVs were up more at 28 percent.
After the compact C40 and XC40 Recharge, and the subcompact EX30, the next battery-powered SUV from Volvo is the three-row EX90, which fills the same segment as its three-row, traditionally powered XC90. Surprisingly, Volvo hasn’t yet converted its most popular SUV, the midsize XC60, to electric power.
When it goes on sale later this year the 308-mile range 2024 Volvo EX90 will have several seven-passenger electric SUVs to contend with, starting with the Kia EV9 and the Rivian R1S, both of which offer three rows and long electric driving ranges (304 and 410, respectively). It will also split sales with the Mercedes EQB (251 miles) and even the mega popular Tesla Model Y (330 miles). The upcoming Polestar 3 will also be in contention.
The 2024 Volvo EX90 is designed to look like a traditional vehicle, maybe too traditional, without any notifications that it’s an EV, besides its matching style with the brands’ other electric vehicles. As such is features t-shaped headlights like the XC40 and tall taillight which narrow the rear end when seen on the road. The EX90’s profile is shaped almost exactly like the XC90, though the EV is about 3 inches longer, nose to tail.
The color palate is similarly staid with browns, grays and whites, but the wheels choices are exceptional with style and flair and accent colors. Focused on by the Genesis brand almost a decade ago, automakers now seem to be putting much more effort into their rolling stock, which helps set them apart in style and feel.
Volvo Car Corporation
Volvo Car Corporation
The Volvo EX90 is offered with one set of powertrain hardware and two sets of powertrain software. Both have two motors and all-wheel drive. The Twin Motor delivers 402 horsepower (hp) while the Twin Motor Performance tested here makes 510 hp. Volvo says on a DC fast charger it recharge from 10 to 80 percent in about 30 minutes. With the new optional bi-directional wallbox charger it can also be used as power storage at the owner’s home when the power goes out.
The power of the faster model, along with its 671 pound-feet of torque, make the EX90 head-snappingly quick from a standstill, and up to 80 miles per hour (mph). However, passing speed, from 65 to 80 mph is a little less than expected. In every situation the Volvo is pin-drop quiet with no pumped in powertrain sound like most SUVs. At slow speeds it does make noise outside the vehicle, as is required by law.
There are three settings for one-pedal driving, auto, on and off. On seemed to be the best, recharging when necessary and scrubbing speed automatically when needed. The brake pedal, however, is squishy, like many EVs and has many concerning inches of travel in a panic situation.
There are also two settings for the suspension, firm and soft, though in any mode the Volvo seems smooth, even over broken roads. It does handle sharper in that firm mode (for both the steering and suspension) and because if its low center of gravity, handles much better than its gasoline-powered brother in the XC90.
Volvo Car USA
Volvo Car USA
Hopping into the cabin, the EX90 is instantly recognizable as a Volvo with both a tech fabric and a recycled leather option. It’s covered in matte wood trim and metal accents on the speakers, doors and other switchgear. The climate vents, thankfully, are still controlled manually but the mirrors need to be adjusted via the 14.5-inch central touchscreen infotainment system. That shouldn’t be a problem as most mirrors are adjusted before the drive, but micro adjustments while on the road are a pain. It has a ton of cubbies and pockets for phones and other everyday carry items.
The instrument cluster is small and digital and only shows important information, excellent for safety in a brand like Volvo. Below that cluster is a camera that watched the driver’s eyes, looking for inattention, too much attention (also a sign of distraction) and looking away.
The main, portrait-style screen uses Google Built-in with the associated Maps, Assistant and Play apps. It is compatible with wireless Apple CarPlay. It has a standard wireless 5G connection, making navigation, app purchasing, and updates lightning quick.
Like most, the Volvo system takes some getting used to, especially the mirrors. But the screen is laid out logically with the most recently used features in a bar, just above the home bar that also features climate controls. All EX90s come with phone-as-key technology that unlocks the car, starts a personal welcoming sequence as you approach and loads your personal profile (including mirrors and seats). Buyers can also use Google to lock, unlock, heat, cool and check the battery level from inside their home.
Volvo Car USA
Volvo Car USA
The EX90 can seat six or seven depending on if buyers choose the second-row bench seat or captain’s chairs. Either version slides forward or back, leaving extra room in the third row for full size adults. Behind that third row there’s just 11 cubic feet of space, with the third row folded there is 23 cubic feet of space.
Finally, the Bowers & Wilkins audio system is astounding with Dolby Atmos sound (a Volvo-first) with speakers integrated into the headrest for immersive sound. With something sweeping like “Rocketman” it sounds like you’re standing in between the drummer and Elton John.
The 2024 Volvo EX90 has the expected cameras and sensors, but now lidar, a laser ranging system, which is positioned on top of the windshield under a separate piece of glass. Lidar-provider Luminar told Newsweek that it’s the safest place for the system to be, “its why your eyes are on top of your head,” and that it is covered with a special piece of glass. In practice the system worked well, keeping the vehicle centered between the lines, though with no option for distance between the car in front. It will now change lanes automatically, when the stalk is pressed, under certain conditions.
Nvidia Drive runs Volvo Cars’ inhouse software to create a 360degree view of the surrounding area The company says it small objects hundreds of meters away, and act to avoid them. If a driver falls asleep or has an emergency the Volvo EX90 will safely stop and call for help.
The 2024 Volvo EX90 starts at $79,995 for the Twin Motor version and $84,995 for the Twin Motor Performance model (neither of which qualifies for the EV tax credit on purchase). That puts it very close to the Rivian R1S SUV, which is $75,900 before destination and handling. The Kia EV9 ($54,900) is far less expensive but nearly as quiet or luxurious as the Volvo.
The EX90 is the literal and figurative safe choice. It won’t alert anyone to its efficiency and it will always be watching for road hazards, even if the driver isn’t. That’s surely its biggest sales point. The Kia looks more avant-garde, the Rivian is also unique with its stadium-style lights and light bar. That’s really the choice, those that want to shout their choices will probably like the Rivian or Kia, though who prefer to fly under the radar, or lidar, as it may be, should choose the Volvo.