Volvo recently invited us to Newport Beach, California, to experience their highly anticipated EX90, a 7-seat all-wheel-drive SUV that’s generating considerable buzz. For families and EV enthusiasts alike, the Volvo EX90 represents a compelling blend of electric vehicle innovation, luxurious comfort, and versatile functionality. It aims to be a jack-of-all-trades: part luxury sedan, part capable off-roader, part trailer-hauler, and crucially, part family-friendly minivan. The question is, how effectively does the Volvo EX90 combine these diverse attributes? Let’s delve into our firsthand Volvo Ex90 Review to find out.
Volvo EX90 front view with Thor's Hammer headlights
First Impressions: Volvo EX90 Exterior Design
The Volvo EX90 immediately asserts its Volvo identity with its signature design cues. The front fascia features the now-iconic closed grill, a hallmark of Volvo’s electric vehicle lineage, flanked by distinctive Thor’s Hammer LED headlights. This front profile is unmistakably Volvo, projecting a modern yet familiar aesthetic. Moving to the rear, the design becomes more understated, perhaps even blending in with traditional Volvo XC90 models or similar SUVs. During the test drive event, the available color palettes, sandstone tan and gray, lent the EX90 a dignified and refined presence, albeit somewhat muted in tone.
Volvo EX90 side profile in sandstone tan
One of the more prominent design elements is the noticeable hump at the top of the windshield. While it might initially evoke images of London taxis or stealth police vehicles, its purpose is far more forward-thinking. This housing accommodates Volvo’s advanced Lidar system, a critical component for enhancing safety and paving the way for future autonomous driving capabilities.
Volvo EX90 Lidar sensor housing on windshield
Adding to the exterior narrative is the “Volvo for Life” tagline subtly positioned underneath the front grille. This inscription proudly proclaims Volvo’s long-standing commitment to safety, a core tenet of the brand’s identity. While some might perceive it as slightly overt, it underscores Volvo’s unwavering focus on occupant protection. Volvo’s dedication to safety is not a recent development. They famously pioneered the three-point seatbelt, a safety innovation they generously shared with the entire automotive industry, a decision that has saved countless lives globally. Volvo anticipates its new Lidar system will have a similar life-saving impact, further solidifying their safety leadership.
Volvo EX90 front grille with Volvo for Life tagline
The overall stance of the EX90 strikes a harmonious balance between sedan and SUV. The ride height is thoughtfully calibrated to provide excellent visibility and enable light off-road excursions, without compromising handling and cornering performance with excessive elevation. From an exterior styling perspective, the Volvo EX90 receives high marks. However, the crucial question remains: Does the interior and driving experience live up to the promise of its attractive exterior? Let’s explore the inside.
Volvo EX90 exterior design details including wheels and taillights
Volvo EX90 rear three quarter view showcasing taillight design
Volvo EX90 front headlight and grille close up
Volvo EX90 Thor's Hammer headlight detail
Volvo EX90 side mirror and window controls
Volvo EX90 wheel and tire detail
Volvo EX90 in sandstone color
Inside the Cabin: Volvo EX90 Interior and Comfort
During our volvo ex90 review, we had the opportunity to experience two distinct interior configurations: one featuring synthetic leather upholstery and the other utilizing recycled cloth. Both interiors distinctly embodied Volvo’s signature “spartan luxury” ethos. The cabin design avoids unnecessary clutter, offering a refined and calming environment, yet it steers clear of the stark minimalism often associated with Tesla interiors, finding a comfortable middle ground. The front and second-row seats proved exceptionally comfortable, even during extended drives exceeding three hours. The cabin’s tranquility and ride smoothness were remarkable – so much so that passengers might find themselves drifting off to sleep.
Volvo EX90 interior front seats and dashboard
Volvo EX90 interior steering wheel and digital display
Volvo EX90 interior second row seats and door panel
Volvo EX90 interior front seat and center console detail
Volvo EX90 interior panoramic sunroof and overhead console
The third-row seating, however, presents a compromise. It’s perhaps telling that the Polestar 3, which shares the same platform as the EX90, is exclusively offered as a 5-seater. A taller passenger, around 6 feet, found the third row quite cramped unless the middle row seats were adjusted forward. Therefore, the third row is best suited for children or shorter trips like airport runs or school commutes, rather than accommodating seven adults on long journeys. We also explored the 6-seat configuration, featuring captain’s chairs in the second row (a notable feature absent in the Tesla Model X without additional cost). This setup significantly improved third-row spaciousness and is likely the preferred configuration for those prioritizing passenger comfort in all rows.
Volvo EX90 cargo space with third row seats up
Even with the third row seats in use, the EX90 offers a usable cargo area behind the third row, sufficient for groceries. Additional storage is available beneath a false floor in the rear cargo area for stowing less frequently accessed items. However, the “frunk,” or front trunk, is disappointingly small and somewhat difficult to access. Improving the front-end packaging to create a larger and more accessible frunk would be a welcome enhancement. With the third row folded down, the EX90 unveils a substantial cargo capacity while still comfortably seating five passengers.
Volvo EX90 cargo space with third row seats folded down
A minor drawback in the 7-seat configuration is the second-row middle seat. It is positioned higher, feels firmer, and is less comfortable due to a folded armrest pressing against your back. This reinforces the argument for opting for the 6-seat configuration if maximizing passenger comfort is a priority.
The EX90’s infotainment system is powered by Android Automotive OS, providing a deeply integrated Google experience. This integration is seamless and intuitive. Volvo commendably retains wireless Apple CarPlay compatibility, allowing users to seamlessly integrate their iOS devices within the Google-based system. While many users may find the built-in Google Maps navigation sufficient, which also projects onto the heads-up display, the inclusion of CarPlay provides valuable flexibility. Google’s OS offers a comprehensive suite of apps mirroring smartphone functionality, yet Volvo’s commitment to customer choice is evident in maintaining CarPlay compatibility.
Volvo EX90 center screen displaying 360 camera view
The 360-degree camera system performed reliably overall, though it occasionally displayed slightly misinterpreted obstacles. Despite minor quirks, it proved to be a valuable aid when maneuvering in tight spots or unfamiliar environments.
Driving Dynamics: The Volvo EX90 on the Road
The driving experience of the Volvo EX90 proved to be a standout aspect of this volvo ex90 review. The electric powertrain and meticulously insulated cabin contribute to an exceptionally quiet ride, arguably the most silent driving experience in recent memory. Combined with the smooth, vibration-free nature of electric propulsion, the comfortable and ventilated seats, and the advanced driver-assistance systems, the EX90 delivers a driving sensation akin to a luxury sedan in a higher price bracket. Torque vectoring technology enhances handling, instilling confidence and ease when navigating curves and corners. Excellent visibility further boosts driver confidence, complemented by the reassuring presence of the Lidar-enhanced safety suite.
However, the motor performance felt somewhat restrained. Volvo engineers acknowledged that the acceleration has been intentionally softened, though the precise reasons – whether for optimizing ride quality, minimizing component wear, or other factors – remain unclear. We pointed out the slight incongruity that the more affordable Volvo EX30 boasts a quicker 0-60 mph acceleration time. The consensus was that driver-controlled acceleration is generally preferable to algorithms dictating responsiveness.
Despite this, a 0-60 mph time of 4.7 seconds is still respectable for a vehicle of this size. The Polestar 3, sharing the same SPA platform drivetrain but with a slightly higher 517 horsepower output, achieves only a marginally quicker 0-60 mph time of 4.5 seconds. While there’s room for improvement in outright acceleration, Volvo consistently emphasizes safety as a priority, which is understandable.
Depending on the chosen wheel and tire configuration, the Volvo EX90 is projected to achieve a range exceeding 300 miles. This range figure seems to strike a sweet spot for vehicles in this class. While the Rivian R1S offers greater range, it comes with a larger battery pack and a higher price tag. The Tesla Model X, while boasting a higher range on paper, often falls short of 300 miles in real-world driving. The Kia EV9, a key competitor, is expected to offer comparable range figures.
Bidirectional Charging: Powering Your Home with the Volvo EX90
An often-overlooked but highly significant feature of the Volvo EX90 is its robust bidirectional charging capability. Moving beyond the typical 2kW output found in many EVs, the EX90 can deliver up to 20kW of power. This substantial power output means the EX90 can not only power household appliances during outages but can also contribute to home heating and cooling when connected to compatible systems. During the event, Volvo demonstrated various use cases with a DCBEL bidirectional charging system connected to the EX90, showcasing its potential for vehicle-to-home (V2H) applications.
Fast charging performance was somewhat limited during our test due to a busy Electrify America charging station. However, we still observed a peak charging rate of 185kW at a 30% state of charge. Volvo anticipates peak charging speeds exceeding 250kW at optimal charging stations, with a claimed 10-80% charge time of approximately 30 minutes, adding around 210 miles of range.
Final Verdict: Volvo EX90 Wrap Up
The Volvo EX90, manufactured in Volvo’s South Carolina facility, emerges as a significant contender in the electric SUV market. Historically, the Rivian R1S and Tesla Model X have dominated the three-row electric SUV segment. More recently, luxury entrants like the Mercedes EQS SUV, BMW iX, Audi Q8 e-tron, and value-oriented options like the Kia EV9 have introduced greater competition. However, the Volvo EX90 distinguishes itself with its compelling blend of performance, sophisticated styling, luxurious comfort, and refined driving dynamics. With a starting price range of $80,000 to $90,000 before incentives, depending on trim level, the EX90 is poised to be a popular choice in this expanding market segment.
The ultimate test for any vehicle is the “Do I want one?” question. Often, after completing a car review, the answer is a polite “no thanks.” However, in the case of the Volvo EX90, the answer is a resounding “yes.” As a Rivian R1S owner, reflecting on daily driving needs prompts a re-evaluation of priorities. Do we truly require blistering 3-second 0-60 acceleration, extreme off-roading capabilities, or the last 100 miles of battery range that are seldom utilized? The appeal of captain’s chairs in the second row (albeit at the expense of fold-flat seats) becomes increasingly attractive. Most compellingly, the smoother, quieter ride and the enhanced safety features offered by the EX90 resonate deeply. Ultimately, as Volvo rightly emphasizes, it’s all about safety, comfort, and a balanced approach to modern family transportation, and the Volvo EX90 delivers on these fronts exceptionally well.
