It's no surprise that Volvo is going electric. In fact, they plan on putting a million EVs on the road by the year 2025, and every new model introduced from 2019 going forward will be an EV. Their first full-sized EV is the next step in redesigning the long-in-the-tooth (but still gorgeous) XC90 three-row SUV. It's called the EX90, and it shows the world what to expect from Sweden in the coming years.
Rather than a revolutionary redesign, it's clear that Volvo wants to make evolutionary changes to their design language. That's great news because we just happen to think that Volvos are some of the best-designed vehicles in the industry. They hold up really well over time because the brand doesn't try to do anything radical. Most important, however, is the fully-electric powertrain which should take Volvo even further than its sole EV offering, the current XC40 Recharge.
The EX90's Electric Powertrain
The EX90 will have two twin-motor, all-wheel-drive powertrain choices. The first one delivers a substantial 402 horsepower and 568 lb-ft of torque. 0 to 60 mph will arrive in 5.7 seconds. The performance version will provide 496 horses and 671 lb-ft, good for a 4.7-second sprint to 60.
The EX90's 111-kilowatt-hour battery will provide up to 300 miles of all-electric range from a full charge, and it will be able to utilize a DC fast charger for a 10-80% charge in just 30 minutes at a peak charging rate of 250 kW. The EX90 will also have what's known as bi-directional charging, which lets the EX90 power your home or another Volvo.
The EX90's Technology Set
Volvo always emphasizes how safe their vehicles are, and the EX90 will have a boatload of safety technology that includes multiple cameras, radar and lidar, as well as Nvidia-powered software that will assess data of the surrounding driving environment along with driver data such as eye position and inattention cues. The OTA updates will also allow the EX90 to adapt over time and incorporate new data inputs.
The XC90's existing 9-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen jumps to a huge 14.5-inch infotainment screen in the EX90. It continues to be powered by Google and will have Google Maps, Google Play apps, and Google Assistant voice recognition software. The excellent Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system featuring Dolby Atmos will be paired with headrest speakers for a truly immersive sound experience.
The Modern Interior
In terms of interior styling, things will get cleaned up even more for a truly architectural interior. The seats, door panels, etc. will use sustainable materials including Nordico synthetic fabric made from recycled materials, Forest Stewardship Council-certified wood, and optional wool fabric sourced from sustainably raised sheep. The EX90 even use 15% recycled steel, 25% recycled aluminum, and 15% recycled plastic in its construction. The brand aims to send a message that it's all about safety, environmental sustainability, and efficiency.
Volvo CEO Jim Rowan stated, “the Volvo EX90 is a statement for where we are, and where we are going,” said Volvo CEO Jim Rowan. “It’s fully electric with a range of up to 300 miles on a single charge, designed to further raise our safety standards, the first Volvo car to be truly defined by its software and part of a wider ecosystem, connecting to your home and your other devices. The Volvo EX90 is the start of something new for Volvo Cars in many ways.”
Preorders have already started, and you will be able to configure your exact vehicle in the fall of next year with deliveries occurring in 2024. Pricing will be just under $80,000.
