Volvo says the EX90 is its safest car ever, equipped with a host of safety features, including a Lidar as standard.
Volvo revealed the all-electric EX90 7-seat SUV as the brand’s new flagship model. Due to go on sale globally by 2024, the new EV SUV is truly an electric-only vehicle equivalent to Volvo XC90.
- EX90 SUV is Volvo’s third electric model
- Promising 600km range, WLTP . cycle
- Support two-way charging
This is the third electric car model of the Swedish brand after Rechargeable XC40 and C40 rechargeHowever, it is the first device underpinned by the dedicated EV SPA2 architecture. It is closely related to Polestar 3but unlike it, the EX90 has three rows of seats.
Volvo EX90: exterior design and dimensions
In terms of design, the EX90 is based on the Concept Recharge introduced last year and has many improvements over the current XC90 SUV. The EX90 retains familiar Volvo design cues like Thor’s hammer headlights and the empty grille on the XC40 Recharge.
From the configuration, the car has flat door handles and sharp 22-inch 5-spoke alloy wheels. There are some creases along the edge but what looks similar to the XC90 is the large greenhouse. From the rear, it has a rather unique split taillight design with C-shaped LEDs below and a pixel texture for the upper light cluster. In terms of dimensions, at 5,037mm, the EX90 is slightly longer than the XC90. It’s also wider, but slightly lower than the XC90.
The design of the EX90 has been honed in terms of aerodynamic efficiency to optimize range and Volvo claims it has a drag coefficient of 0.29Cd.
Volvo EX90: interior design and features
The standout feature on the inside is a large 14.5-inch vertically oriented touchscreen that features Volvo’s Google-based infotainment. The EX90 has 5G connectivity as standard to support over-the-air updates. For now, the EX90 is only offered with the highest-end Ultra trim, which features a panoramic sunroof, a 25-speaker Bowers & Wilkins sound system with Dolby Atmos and built-in speakers in the headrests. The EX90 also comes with standard phone key technology where the smartphone serves the function of a car key.
The interior is finished with Nordico upholstery – a fabric woven from recycled materials including PET bottles and corks – and features extensive use of natural materials. Overall, Volvo says the EX90 contains 15% recycled steel and 25% recycled aluminum, along with about 48kg of recycled plastic and bio-derived materials – about 15% of the total plastic used in the vehicle.
Volvo EX90 EV: safety technology on board
Volvo says the new EX90 is the safest car it’s ever built. The main focus is on the safety features, both the software and the hardware that underpin the SUV. Most notably, it will feature Lidar (light detection and range) as standard with sensors mounted on the front edge of the roof. That will work in sync with a host of other interior and exterior sensors and cameras to power advanced driver assistance and safety systems.
The EX90 is equipped with a Lidar with a sensor mounted on the roof of the vehicle.
Initially, the system will include an upgraded Pilot Assist system and a steering assist function that will help change lanes. Volvo says the systems will eventually offer an over-the-air subscription update that will provide “unsupervised autonomous driving” under certain conditions and locations. Sensors inside can measure eye focus to warn about driving when distracted or drowsy.
The new safety suite, along with the EX90’s infotainment and battery management systems, will be powered by a core software system using the advanced Nvidia Drive platform along with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Cockpit platform combined with internal Volvo software.
Volvo EX90 EV: powertrain, battery and charger
The EX90 will initially come with a dual-motor, all-wheel drive system with two power levels. Twin Motor models will have 408hp and 770Nm of torque, with Performance models offering 517hp and 910Nm of torque. Both models will have a limited top speed of 180 km/h. Lower-power single-engine versions are likely to follow.
The EX90 can charge from 10 to 80 percent in less than 30 minutes.
Power is drawn from a 111kWh battery that provides a range of 600 km (WLTP cycles). The EV SUV supports fast charging, and it can charge from 10 to 80 percent in less than 30 minutes.
The EX90 will support a ‘Plug and Charge’ feature that, at launch, will automatically start charging and arrange payment when it’s plugged into a compatible charger.
In addition, it will be charged bidirectionally, allowing it to transmit power to the home via a two-way wall-mounted box. That service will initially be offered only in certain markets.
Volvo EX90 EV launch details
Production of the Volvo EX90 will begin at the company’s plant in Charleston, USA late next year, with production at the company’s Chengdu, China plant following at a later date. Volvo says it is aiming for production at both facilities to be climate-neutral by the time production begins.
Volvo has committed to becoming an electric-only brand by 2030, and says the EX90 is the first of an all-new model it will launch every year to achieve this goal. The company hasn’t confirmed what will follow after the EX90, but it is known it is working on a low-end SUV to sit under the XC40 and an electric motor equivalent to the current XC60 will likely also be preferred.
Volvo’s EV Plan for India
Volvo recent decision phasing out existing plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) to replace electric vehicles. In India, the Swedish automaker aims to roll out one EV per year, with the automaker launching the XC40 Recharge this year and the launch of the C40 Recharge expected next year. The EX90 is expected to arrive in India in 2025.
Also see:
Volvo XC40 facelift with mild hybrid powertrain debuts at Rs 43.20 lakh
