The automotive landscape is rapidly shifting towards electric vehicles, and for families needing space and versatility, the 7-seater SUV segment is becoming increasingly electrified. As we look towards 2024, several models are vying for the top spot, but one contender is generating significant buzz: the Volvo EX90. Volvo, a brand synonymous with safety and Scandinavian design, is going all-in on electric, and the EX90 is leading the charge as their new flagship SUV. This article dives into what makes the Volvo EX90 a potential leader in the best 7-seater SUV category for 2024, comparing it to the competition and highlighting its key features.
Volvo EX90: Redefining the 7-Seater Electric SUV
The 2025 Volvo EX90, available for pre-order now and slated to hit the market in early 2024, is more than just an electric version of the XC90. It’s built on Volvo’s first dedicated EV platform, making it slightly larger and packed with more cutting-edge technology than its predecessor. This full-size, three-row SUV is designed to be a true luxury vehicle, positioning itself against established players in the high-end electric SUV market. Volvo’s commitment to launching a new EV model each year, aiming for a fully electric lineup by 2030, underscores the EX90’s importance in their future strategy.
Electric Performance and Range
While detailed specifications are still being rolled out, Volvo promises the EX90 will deliver a range of 300 miles or more. It will be equipped with a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive system, ensuring robust performance and confident handling in various conditions. Although it might not be the most powerful SUV in its class, the EX90 aims to strike a balance between performance and efficiency, a key consideration for families looking for a practical yet environmentally conscious vehicle.
Luxury and Technology Inside
Stepping inside the EX90, you’re greeted by a minimalist, Tesla-esque interior dominated by a large, vertical touchscreen. This central hub controls most of the vehicle’s functions, reflecting a modern and streamlined approach to in-car technology. Volvo is known for its comfortable and well-appointed interiors, and the EX90 is expected to elevate this further, using sustainable materials and focusing on a premium passenger experience.
Safety First: Volvo’s Commitment
Volvo has long prioritized safety, and the EX90 is touted as their safest vehicle yet. It incorporates advanced driver-assistance systems and is designed with hardware and software ready for future hands-free highway driving capabilities. A distinctive feature is the bulge at the top center of the windshield, housing lidar sensors. These sensors enhance the accuracy of lane and obstacle detection, even in complete darkness, reinforcing Volvo’s commitment to passenger and pedestrian safety.
Alt text: Front view of the Volvo EX90, a 2024 7-seater electric SUV showcasing its Thor’s Hammer headlights and modern design.
Design and Style
Externally, the EX90 maintains classic Volvo design cues. Signature Thor’s Hammer headlights, prominent Volvo logo, and vertical taillights are instantly recognizable. The SUV features strong, slab-like sides and muscular rear haunches, giving it a confident and sophisticated stance. It’s unmistakably a Volvo, blending familiar design language with modern EV aesthetics.
Competition in the 7-Seater Electric SUV Market
The Volvo EX90 enters a competitive segment, facing off against several established and upcoming luxury electric SUVs. Key rivals include:
- Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV: A direct competitor offering high-end luxury and electric performance.
- Rivian R1S: Known for its ruggedness and off-road capabilities, the R1S is another strong contender in the electric 7-seater space.
- BMW iX: While technically a 5-seater, the iX represents BMW’s electric SUV offering and is often considered alongside 7-seater competitors.
- Lucid Gravity: An upcoming model promising impressive range and luxury, the Gravity is poised to challenge the established players.
- Tesla Model X: While aging, the Model X with its optional third row remains a significant player in the electric SUV market, known for its performance and technology.
Alt text: Side profile of the 2024 Volvo EX90 electric SUV, highlighting its spacious 7-seater design and elegant silhouette.
The EX90 is positioned to be competitively priced, expected to start under $80,000. This pricing strategy, combined with Volvo’s reputation for safety and quality, could make it a compelling option against rivals that are often more expensive. Furthermore, being built in Volvo’s South Carolina plant, certain EX90 configurations may qualify for the federal clean vehicle tax credit, further enhancing its value proposition.
Conclusion: Is the Volvo EX90 the Best 7-Seater SUV for 2024?
The Volvo EX90 presents a strong case for being the best 7-seater SUV in 2024, particularly in the electric vehicle category. It combines Volvo’s renowned safety, luxurious design, and commitment to sustainability with cutting-edge electric technology. While we await final specifications and driving reviews to fully assess its competitiveness, the EX90 is undoubtedly a frontrunner. For families seeking a spacious, safe, and technologically advanced electric SUV, the Volvo EX90 is definitely a vehicle to watch and consider pre-ordering as deliveries begin in early 2024. As Volvo transitions to an all-electric future, the EX90 sets a high standard and signals an exciting direction for the brand and the 7-seater SUV market as a whole.
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