Volvo EX90 vs BMW iX vs Mercedes-Benz EQE: the most complete premium electric SUV

The Volvo EX90, the BMW iX and the Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV represent three distinct ways of understanding the premium electric SUV. All three offer long range, plenty of technology and a high level of comfort, but they do not compete on exactly the same arguments: the Volvo EX90 focuses on safety, seven seats and an 800-volt electrical architecture; the BMW iX stands out for its range of up to 701 kilometres and its performance; and the Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV relies on comfort, MBUX’s digital luxury and a very wide range of versions.

The question is not only which one has the most range or which accelerates fastest. In a premium electric SUV, the most complete model must combine space, efficiency, fast charging, safety, connectivity, ride comfort and real capacity for long journeys. And here each one plays a different card.

Three premium electric SUVs, three different approaches

The Volvo EX90 is the most family-oriented of the three. It measures 5.03 metres in length, offers seven seats and comes in Single Motor, Twin Motor and Twin Motor Performance versions. According to Volvo, it can reach up to 617 kilometres of range, charge from 10 to 80% in 22 minutes and deliver up to 680 CV in the most powerful variant. It also incorporates an 800-volt electrical system and especially advanced safety equipment.

The BMW iX is the most technological in the BMW line-up: long range, plenty of power and a slightly more dynamic driving character. The xDrive60 version reaches up to 701 kilometres WLTP, while the iX M70 xDrive delivers up to 659 CV and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds. Its boot capacity ranges from 500 to 1,750 litres and its fast-charging power can reach up to 195 kW.

The Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV is the most focused on comfort and digital luxury. Its range runs from the EQE 300 SUV to the Mercedes-AMG EQE 53 4MATIC SUV. The EQE 350+ SUV reaches up to 606 kilometres WLTP, the EQE 500 4MATIC SUV offers 449 CV and the AMG EQE 53 delivers 626 CV. It also stands out for features such as MBUX Hyperscreen, rear-axle steering, AIRMATIC, a HEPA filter and a boot capacity of 520 to 1,675 litres.

Volvo EX90: the most family-oriented and the most focused on safety

The Volvo EX90 starts with a clear advantage over its rivals: it is the only one of the three to offer seven seats. This completely changes its proposition. While the BMW iX and the Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV are large five-seat electric SUVs, the EX90 can work as a genuine large-format family car.

It is also the one that most clearly turns safety into a technological argument. Volvo has developed the EX90 with a combination of cameras, radars, sensors and lidar supplied by Luminar, along with Google built-in connectivity, 5G and over-the-air updates. The brand itself explains that sensor data, together with the permanent connection and OTA updates, allow vehicle functions to improve over time.

In practical terms, the EX90 offers 697 litres of cargo capacity with the second row in use, 324 litres with the third row raised, up to 2,135 litres with the rear rows folded and a front boot of 46 litres. It is therefore the most versatile if the priority is travelling with family, luggage and up to seven occupants.

Its strength does not lie only in safety. With an 800-volt architecture, a 10-to-80% charge in 22 minutes and a maximum range of 617 kilometres, the EX90 is also well prepared for long journeys. It is not the one with the highest homologated range, but it is the one that best combines seats, boot space, fast charging and safety technology.

BMW iX: the one that goes the furthest

The BMW iX has a very clear argument: range. In its xDrive60 version, BMW declares between 597 and 701 kilometres WLTP, the highest figure in this comparison. It also offers a 109.1 kWh battery, fast charging of up to 195 kW and a minimum 10-to-80% time of 35 minutes.

Compared with the Volvo EX90, the BMW iX does not offer seven seats, but it does present a very solid proposition for travelling with five occupants. Its boot of 500 to 1,750 litres is generous, its 3,000 mm wheelbase favours interior space, and its range runs from 326 CV versions up to the 659 CV iX M70 xDrive.

The BMW iX is probably the most balanced option for anyone seeking range, performance and driving feel. Its weakest point compared with the Volvo lies in family versatility: it has no third row, it does not reach the same maximum cargo volume, and its fast charging is not as quick in total time as the EX90’s.

Even so, if the main criterion is covering many kilometres on a single charge, the iX xDrive60 stays ahead of its direct rivals. It is the premium electric SUV in this comparison with the highest official range.

Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV: comfort, digital luxury and a lot of cabin technology

The Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV plays in a different territory. It does not aim to be the most family-oriented or the one with the greatest absolute range, but the most refined in terms of comfort, interior experience and user technology.

Its great argument is the cabin. Mercedes offers elements such as MBUX Hyperscreen, with three displays under a single 141-centimetre glass surface, the Zero-Layer interface, augmented reality for navigation, a Head-up Display, Burmester 3D sound, ambient lighting, comfort seats and advanced climate control solutions.

It can also be equipped with rear-axle steering offering up to 10 degrees of steering angle, which reduces the turning circle and improves manoeuvrability, as well as AIRMATIC air suspension, which adjusts the vehicle’s height and improves ride comfort.

In figures, the EQE 350+ SUV offers up to 606 kilometres WLTP, 320 CV, a 96 kWh battery and a 10-to-80% fast charge in 32 minutes. The EQE 500 4MATIC SUV rises to 449 CV and up to 588 kilometres, while the AMG EQE 53 4MATIC reaches 626 CV, although with lower range, of up to 451 kilometres.

Its boot of 520 to 1,675 litres is good, although it does not match the maximum capacity of the Volvo EX90. Nor does it offer seven seats. Its best asset lies in premium comfort, perceived quality, screen technology and driver-assistance systems.

Range: the BMW iX wins

If we look only at homologated range, the BMW iX is the winner. Its xDrive60 version reaches up to 701 kilometres WLTP, compared with 617 kilometres for the Volvo EX90 and 606 kilometres for the Mercedes-Benz EQE 350+ SUV.

However, range does not tell the whole story. The Volvo EX90 makes up for it with a faster 10-to-80% charge: 22 minutes compared with 35 minutes for the BMW iX xDrive60 and 32 minutes for the Mercedes EQE SUV. This means that, although the BMW covers more distance on a full charge, the Volvo can replenish energy more quickly on the road.

Fast charging: an advantage for the Volvo EX90

The Volvo EX90 is the most convincing in fast charging. Its 800-volt system and the 22-minute time to go from 10 to 80% place it ahead of the BMW iX and the Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV.

The BMW iX can charge at up to 195 kW in its larger-battery versions and needs 35 minutes for 10-80%. The Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV accepts up to 170 kW and completes the same operation in 32 minutes.

For those who travel frequently, this figure is key. It is not only a matter of how many kilometres the battery promises, but how long it takes to recover range on the road.

Space and boot: the Volvo EX90 wins

The Volvo EX90 again comes out ahead in versatility. It is the only one with seven seats and also the one offering the greatest maximum cargo volume: up to 2,135 litres with the rear rows folded. With the second row in use it declares 697 litres, plus an additional 46 litres in the front boot.

The BMW iX offers 500 to 1,750 litres, while the Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV declares 520 to 1,675 litres. Both are spacious, but neither matches the family capacity of the Volvo.

If you are looking for a premium electric SUV for five people, all three qualify. If you need seven seats, the EX90 plays in another league.

Technology and connectivity: Volvo and Mercedes, by different routes

Volvo and Mercedes approach technology in very different ways. The EX90 uses built-in Google, 5G connectivity, over-the-air updates and a sensor architecture geared towards safety. Its technology is less focused on visual spectacle and more on the evolution of the vehicle and the protection of its occupants.

Mercedes-Benz bets on a more visible and luxurious digital experience. MBUX Hyperscreen, augmented-reality navigation, the Head-up Display and the Burmester system make the EQE SUV the most striking from the driver’s seat.

BMW, for its part, sits at an intermediate point: plenty of technology, plenty of range and a focus more on driving. The iX is neither the most practical nor the most spectacular in screens compared with the Mercedes, but it is one of the most complete for travelling fast and far.

Safety: an advantage for Volvo

On safety, the Volvo EX90 has the strongest argument. The combination of radars, cameras, lidar, sensors, central computing, built-in Google, 5G and OTA updates reinforces its positioning as the most advanced premium electric SUV in preventive protection. Volvo also states that the EX90 is equipped with Luminar lidar to improve safety.

Mercedes-Benz offers a very complete set of assistance systems, including the Driving Assistance Package Plus, with functions such as DISTRONIC, active blind-spot control and networked sensors using cameras, radars and ultrasonics.

BMW also has a broad suite of driver-assistance features, but in this comparison the most distinctive safety-technology pitch is that of the Volvo EX90.

Comparison table: Volvo EX90, BMW iX and Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV

Which is the most complete premium electric SUV?

If we look for the most complete premium electric SUV in the broad sense, the Volvo EX90 is the winner. It is not the one with the most range, because that goes to the BMW iX, nor the one with the most spectacular digital interior, where Mercedes-Benz remains a reference. But the Volvo is the one that best combines seats, boot space, safety, fast charging, technology and a family focus.

The BMW iX is the best choice for anyone who prioritises range and performance. The Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV is the most convincing for anyone seeking comfort, interior luxury and a very sophisticated digital experience. But the Volvo EX90 offers the most rounded proposition for a family wanting a premium electric SUV capable of travelling, charging quickly, carrying up to seven occupants and relying on very advanced safety technology.

Frequently asked questions about the Volvo EX90, BMW iX and Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV

Which has the most range?

The BMW iX offers the most official range, with up to 701 kilometres WLTP in the xDrive60 version. The Volvo EX90 reaches up to 617 kilometres and the Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV up to 606 kilometres.

Which charges fastest?

The Volvo EX90 offers the best fast-charging time: 10 to 80% in 22 minutes. The Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV needs 32 minutes and the BMW iX xDrive60 needs 35 minutes.

Which has the largest boot?

The Volvo EX90 offers the greatest maximum capacity, with up to 2,135 litres and a 46-litre front boot. The BMW iX reaches up to 1,750 litres and the Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV up to 1,675 litres.

Which is best for families?

The Volvo EX90 is the most family-oriented because it is the only one with seven seats and the one offering the greatest cargo versatility.

Which is the most technological?

It depends on the focus. The Volvo EX90 stands out for safety, lidar, sensors, built-in Google and OTA updates. The Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV stands out for MBUX Hyperscreen, augmented reality, comfort and digital luxury. The BMW iX excels in range, performance and efficiency on the road.

Which should you buy?

The Volvo EX90 is the most complete option for families and safety. The BMW iX is more interesting if maximum range and performance are the priority. The Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV is the best choice if you are looking for luxury comfort, interior technology and refinement.

Opinion

The most complete premium electric SUV in this comparison is the Volvo EX90. Its victory does not come from a single figure but from balance: seven seats, fast charging, an 800-volt architecture, up to 617 kilometres of range, a large boot and a safety proposition more advanced than that of its direct rivals.

The BMW iX remains the strongest rival if the main criterion is range, and the Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV keeps a very solid position as an electric SUV focused on comfort and interior technology. But if the goal is to find the most complete model for family use, long journeys, safety and versatility, the Volvo EX90 offers the most convincing package.