The automotive world is rapidly shifting towards electric vehicles, and Volvo is at the forefront of this change. With their commitment to becoming an electric-only automaker, the 2025 Volvo EX90 emerges as their new flagship model. This full-size, seven-seat SUV is not just another addition to the luxury SUV market; it’s a statement. Built on Volvo’s first dedicated EV platform, the EX90 is larger and packed with more advanced technology than the current XC90, signaling a bold step into the future of luxury automobiles. As Volvo plans to introduce a new EV each year, aiming for a fully electric lineup by 2030, the EX90 leads the charge, available for pre-order now and set to hit the market in early 2024. Following closely behind is the 2025 Volvo EX30, a smaller, more accessible subcompact crossover, slated for release in the latter half of 2024.
Volvo EX90: Stepping into the Electric Future of Luxury
Expected to start just under $80,000, the Volvo EX90 is firmly positioned as a luxury SUV contender. It’s poised to compete head-on with other high-end, all-wheel-drive electric SUVs, including established names and rising stars in the segment. Think of rivals like the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV, the rugged Rivian R1S, the sporty BMW iX, the highly anticipated Lucid Gravity, and the three-row versions of the Tesla Model X. While Volvo’s sister company, Polestar, offers the smaller Polestar 3 SUV on the same platform, the EX90 distinguishes itself with its size and flagship status, offering a unique blend of Scandinavian luxury and cutting-edge technology.
Luxury and Innovation Combined: Key Features of the EX90
The 2025 EX90 may not be the largest or most powerful in its class, but it certainly holds its own, and crucially, often at a more accessible price point than many competitors, except perhaps the Rivian R1S. Volvo emphasizes safety and driver assistance, equipping the EX90 with advanced technologies, including hardware and software designed for potential hands-free highway driving in the future. Volvo boldly claims it will be the safest vehicle they have ever produced, a testament to their long-standing commitment to passenger protection.
Powering this luxury SUV are dual-motor, all-wheel-drive systems, promising robust performance and confident handling in various conditions. Volvo estimates a range of 300 miles or more for the EX90, placing it competitively within the electric SUV landscape and alleviating range anxiety for discerning drivers.
Stepping inside the EX90, you’ll find an interior aesthetic that nods to Tesla’s minimalist approach, featuring a clean dashboard dominated by a prominent, vertically oriented touchscreen. However, the exterior design remains distinctly Volvo, showcasing signature elements like the Thor’s Hammer headlights, a bold Volvo logo, vertical taillights, and strong, sculpted rear haunches. A key indicator of its technological leadership is the bulge at the top center of the windshield, housing an array of lidar sensors. These laser-based sensors enhance the precision of the EX90’s lane and obstacle detection systems, even in complete darkness, further reinforcing Volvo’s safety claims and pushing the boundaries of driver-assistance technology in luxury SUVs.
Alt text: Sleek exterior design of the Volvo EX90, showcasing signature Thor’s Hammer headlights and strong shoulder lines, a hallmark of modern luxury SUVs.
Competition in the 2024 Luxury Electric SUV Arena
The Volvo EX90 enters a fiercely competitive segment of the Best Luxury Suvs 2024. It’s vying for attention against established players and exciting newcomers. The Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV offers unparalleled Mercedes luxury in an electric format, while the Rivian R1S brings rugged capability and adventure-ready features to the electric SUV space. The BMW iX delivers a sporty driving experience and BMW’s signature technology, and the Lucid Gravity, when it arrives, is expected to challenge the segment leaders with its range and performance. Even the Tesla Model X, despite its age, remains a popular choice, particularly for those within the Tesla ecosystem. The Polestar 3, while sharing a platform, targets a slightly different, smaller segment.
Alt text: The Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV, a strong contender in the best luxury SUVs 2024 category, known for its opulent interior and advanced technology.
Compared to these rivals, the EX90 aims to carve its niche by offering a compelling combination of luxury, safety, advanced technology, and competitive pricing. While it may not boast the outright size or power of some competitors, its well-rounded package and Volvo’s brand reputation for safety and reliability position it as a serious contender in the luxury electric SUV market.
Availability and Pricing: Getting Your Hands on the EX90
Deliveries of the Volvo EX90 are scheduled to begin in early 2024. Volvo is currently accepting pre-orders, allowing early customers to configure their vehicles later in the year and secure priority delivery. While availability is expected across all states, initial supplies will likely be concentrated in EV-friendly regions such as Southern California, the San Francisco Bay Area, the Pacific Northwest, the Eastern Seaboard, Colorado, and Texas. Production of the EX90 will take place at Volvo’s plant in South Carolina. Crucially, models priced below $80,000 may qualify for the federal clean vehicle tax credit of up to $7,500, provided they meet battery content requirements, making the EX90 even more attractive to potential buyers looking for the best luxury SUVs 2024 with tax incentives.
Volvo’s early debut of the EX90, months ahead of production, has generated significant buzz. However, details on standard versus optional features remain somewhat unclear, and driving evaluations are still pending. To fully assess the EX90’s competitiveness within the best luxury SUVs 2024 segment, we await the opportunity to drive and thoroughly review this promising electric flagship from Volvo.
In Conclusion
The Volvo EX90 is poised to be a significant player in the best luxury SUVs 2024 market. It represents Volvo’s commitment to an electric future, offering a blend of luxury, safety, and innovative technology in a spacious and well-designed package. While final judgment awaits driving impressions and complete specifications, the EX90 is undoubtedly a compelling option for those seeking a premium electric SUV. Its competitive pricing, potential tax credit eligibility, and Volvo’s reputation for safety make it a strong contender to consider when exploring the best luxury SUVs arriving in 2024.
