The automotive world is rapidly shifting towards electric vehicles, and the luxury SUV segment is no exception. As manufacturers race to electrify their lineups, discerning buyers are presented with a growing array of choices. Among the newest contenders vying for the title of best luxury electric SUV is the 2025 Volvo EX90. This all-electric, three-row SUV marks a significant step for Volvo as they transition to a fully electric automaker. But how does the EX90 stack up against the established and emerging competition in the best luxury electric SUV market?
The Volvo EX90 is not just another electric SUV; it represents Volvo’s vision for the future of luxury and sustainability. Built on a dedicated EV platform, the EX90 is slightly larger and more technologically advanced than the current Volvo XC90. Volvo’s commitment to electrification is clear, with plans to launch a new EV model each year and aim for a fully electric new car lineup by 2030. The EX90, available for pre-order now and slated for release in early 2024, will soon be joined by the 2025 Volvo EX30, a smaller and more affordable electric SUV, expanding Volvo’s reach in the EV market.
Priced starting under $80,000, the Volvo EX90 enters a competitive landscape populated by established luxury electric SUVs. Its rivals include the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV, known for its opulent interiors and advanced technology, the rugged and adventurous Rivian R1S, the sporty and dynamic BMW iX, the highly anticipated Lucid Gravity, and the three-row version of the Tesla Model X, a pioneer in the electric SUV space. These vehicles represent the pinnacle of luxury and electric vehicle technology, each offering a unique blend of features, performance, and range.
While the upcoming Polestar 3, from Volvo’s sister electric vehicle brand, is smaller, it shares the EX90’s platform, indicating Volvo’s strategic approach to platform sharing and technology development within its EV ecosystem. The 2025 EX90, while not the largest or most powerful in its class, offers a compelling package that balances size, performance, and price. Importantly, it undercuts most of its rivals in price, with the exception of the Rivian R1S, potentially making it an attractive option for buyers seeking value in the best luxury electric SUV segment. Furthermore, Volvo emphasizes that the EX90 will be their safest vehicle to date, incorporating advanced safety and driver-assistance systems, including hardware and software designed for future hands-free highway driving capabilities.
Performance in the Best Luxury Electric Suvs is paramount, and the EX90 is expected to deliver. Volvo has announced dual-motor, all-wheel-drive configurations for the EX90, targeting a range of 300 miles or more. This range places it competitively within the luxury electric SUV market, ensuring it can handle both daily commutes and longer journeys with ease.
Stepping inside the EX90 reveals a minimalist, tech-forward interior reminiscent of Tesla’s design philosophy. A large, vertically oriented touchscreen dominates the dashboard, streamlining controls and providing access to vehicle functions and infotainment. The exterior design, however, remains distinctly Volvo, featuring the iconic Thor’s Hammer headlights, a prominent Volvo logo, vertical taillights, and strong, sculpted rear haunches. A key differentiator for the EX90 and a testament to Volvo’s focus on safety and technology is the bulge at the top center of the windshield. This houses an array of lidar sensors, enhancing the vehicle’s ability to perceive its surroundings, even in complete darkness, and improving the precision of lane keeping and obstacle detection systems. This lidar technology is a significant feature positioning the EX90 as a leader in safety innovation within the best luxury electric SUVs category.
Deliveries of the EX90 are scheduled to begin in early 2024, and Volvo is allowing pre-order customers to configure their vehicles later this year, promising priority delivery. While availability is expected across all states, initial deliveries are likely to be concentrated in regions with higher EV adoption rates, such as California, the Pacific Northwest, the Eastern Seaboard, Colorado, and Texas. Adding to its appeal, the Volvo EX90 will be manufactured at Volvo’s plant in South Carolina, and select models priced under $80,000 may qualify for the federal clean vehicle tax credit of up to $7,500, depending on battery component sourcing regulations. This potential tax credit further enhances the EX90’s value proposition in the competitive best luxury electric SUV market.
Volvo’s early unveiling of the EX90, months ahead of production, indicates their confidence in this new flagship model. However, details regarding standard versus optional features are still forthcoming, and driving impressions are yet to be released. To fully assess the Volvo EX90’s competitiveness and definitively place it among the best luxury electric SUVs, we await the opportunity for a thorough driving evaluation and complete specifications. Nevertheless, the Volvo EX90 presents a compelling blend of luxury, technology, safety, and value, making it a strong contender in the evolving landscape of best luxury electric SUVs.
