New Delhi: Volvo has unveiled the new all-electric, seven-seat EX90 SUV as the brand’s new flagship. Due to go on sale worldwide in 2024, the new EV is essentially the all-electric equivalent of the current Volvo XC90.
It is the Swedish brand’s third electric model after the XC40 Recharge and C40 Recharge, but it is the first to be supported by the specialized EV SPA2 architecture. It’s closely related to the recently revealed Polestar 3, but unlike it, the EX90 has three-row seating.
Exterior design and dimensions
In terms of design, the EX90 is based on the Recharge concept that was introduced last year and is more of an evolution compared to the current XC90 SUV. The EX90 retains familiar Volvo design cues such as Thor’s knock-off headlights and the shrouded grille seen on the XC40 Recharge.
In profile, it features flush door handles and sharply styled 22-inch five-spoke alloy wheels. There are some creases on the sides, but what looks similar to the XC90 is a large greenhouse. From the rear, it has a rather unique split tail lamp design with a C-shaped LED unit below and a pixel pattern for the unit above. 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 EX90’s design has been honed for aerodynamic efficiency to optimize range, and Volvo claims it has a drag coefficient of 0.29 Cd.
Interior design and features
The standout feature inside is the large 14.5-inch vertically oriented touchscreen with Volvo’s Google-based infotainment. The EX90 comes standard with 5G connectivity to facilitate wireless updates.
Currently, the EX90 is only offered with the top-of-the-line Ultra trim, which has amenities like a panoramic sunroof, a 25-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system with Dolby Atmos, and speakers integrated into the headrests. The EX90 also comes standard with phone key technology, where the smartphone functions as a car key.
The interior is upholstered in Nordico – a fabric made from recycled materials including PET bottles and cork – and features extensive use of natural materials. Overall, Volvo says the EX90 contains 15 percent recycled steel and 25 percent recycled aluminum, along with around 48 kg of recycled plastics and bio-based materials – about 15 percent of the total amount of plastics used in the car.
Safety technology
Volvo says the new EX90 is the safest car it has ever produced. The main emphasis was placed on safety features, both software and hardware, which are the basis of SUVs. Most notably, it will feature Lidar (light detection and ranging) as standard with a sensor mounted on the leading edge of the roof. This will work in sync with a range of other internal and external sensors and cameras to power advanced driver assistance and safety systems.
Initially, this will include an improved Pilot Assist system and a driving assistance function to help when changing lanes. Volvo says the systems will eventually offer an over-the-air subscription upgrade that will offer “unsupervised autonomous driving” in certain conditions and locations. Internal sensors can measure eye concentration and warn against driving when you’re 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 that uses advanced Nvidia Drive platforms along with the Qualcomm Snapdragon Cockpit platform mixed with Volvo’s own software.
Drivetrain, battery and charging
The EX90 will initially come with a twin-motor all-wheel drive powertrain with two power levels. The Twin Motor models get 408 hp and 770 Nm of torque, while the Performance models offer 517 hp and 910 Nm of torque. Both models will have a limited top speed of 180 km/h. Lower-powered single-engine versions are likely to follow later.
The energy is taken by a 111kWh battery with a range of 600 km (WLTP cycle). The EV SUV supports fast charging and can charge from 10 to 80 percent in less than 30 minutes.
The EX90 will support a “Plug and Charge” feature that, upon startup, will automatically begin charging the machine and sorting payments when plugged into a compatible charger.
Plus, it gets bi-directional charging, allowing it to send power to the home via a bi-directional wall box. The service will initially be offered only in select markets.
Volvo EX90 EV launch details
Production of the Volvo EX90 will begin at the company’s Charleston plant in the US late next year, followed later by production at the company’s Chengdu plant in China. Volvo says it aims to make production at both plants climate-neutral by the time production begins.
Volvo has committed to becoming an all-electric brand by 2030, and says the EX90 is the first of one new all-electric car it will launch each year to reach the goal. The firm has not confirmed what will follow the EX90, but it is known to be working on an entry-level SUV to sit below the XC40, with an electric equivalent of the current XC60 also likely to be a priority.
Volvo plans electric cars for India
Volvo recently decided to phase out existing plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) in favor of EVs. In India, the Swedish automaker said it plans to launch one electric car every year. The XC40 Recharge was launched earlier this year, the C40 Recharge is slated to launch in 2023 and the EX90 is expected to follow sometime after that in India.
