Volvo EX90: an all-electric 7-seat SUV with a 600 km range

In recent times, few cars have been revealed as “little by little” as the new Volvo EX90. The Swedish brand chose to make noise with a strategy that, personally, I have never liked: one teaser after another, showing small details of the car always with the presentation date on the calendar, yet without revealing practically anything. And finally, here it is: a genuine “bonito del norte”.

According to the brand, the Volvo EX90 represents the start of a new era, although something similar was also said when the Volvo XC40 Recharge, its first electric model, was launched (here you can read the road test of the compact SUV). The main difference is that the EX90 is designed from the outset to be solely a battery electric car, and there will be no versions of any other type, not even plug-in hybrids. From this model onwards, Volvo plans to present a new electric car every year, with the goal that by 2030 any model in its range that does not use exclusively batteries will have disappeared.

4×2 and 4×4 versions, up to 517 CV and 600 km of range

The seven-seat SUV, which competes directly with models such as the new Audi Q8 e-tron, the BMW iX or the Mercedes EQS SUV, promises a preliminary range (pending homologation) of up to 600 km in the dual-motor, all-wheel-drive variant of 300 kW (408 CV), which will be the one with which sales begin. A more sporty version will also be offered, with 380 kW (517 CV) and a maximum torque of 910 Nm. Fast charging will allow the 111 kWh battery to go from 10 to 80% in under 30 minutes.

Volvo has also confirmed that the EX90 will be the first model from the brand to feature bidirectional charging technology, which allows the car’s battery to be used as storage to supply energy to the home itself, to other devices or even to other electric cars. This technology will not be available at launch, although it will arrive shortly afterwards and will become progressively available in certain markets.

Cutting-edge technology in connectivity, electrification and safety

Like any good Volvo, the EX90 boasts safety above all else. And to become the safest Volvo model, the brand uses cameras, radars and a lidar sensor of the latest generation, connected to a high-performance central unit that runs software developed specifically by the brand. The idea is to create a kind of “safety shield” based on the information collected by all these sensors. This is not new; we have already seen it in some of its rivals. But at Volvo they are confident that their in-house developed algorithms are what make their sensors, in particular, “neither tire nor get distracted”.

The Swedish brand also places special emphasis on sustainability, boasting that the EX90 uses up to 15% recycled steel, 25% recycled aluminium and almost 50 kg of recycled and bio-based plastics (around 15% of the total plastic material used), which represents the highest level of any Volvo model manufactured to date.

As for connectivity and infotainment, behind the systems fitted to the EX90 are the Qualcomm Snapdragon and NVIDIA DRIVE platforms, turning the vehicle into a true computer on wheels. Hence, in a cabin where it is hard to find controls beyond the window switches, the huge 14.5-inch central multimedia screen plays an absolutely central role, with integrated Google apps and services.

Other firsts at Volvo are the sound system signed by Bowers & Wilkins, featuring Dolby Atmos for the first time and speakers integrated into the headrests to ensure the surround-sound effect. Also the digital key technology, which lets you use your smartphone to unlock the vehicle, start the welcome sequence and apply the settings stored in your personal profile.

Volvo EX90 – Image gallery

Technical specifications of this car

CrossoverVolvo EX909 versions · from 83,127 €