Words and Photos by Atif Kazmi for Por Homme
The new Volvo EX90 marks a new chapter for Volvo by setting the course toward a fully electric future. The 7-seater fully electric vehicle embodies classic Scandinavian design through its minimalist yet functional approach, prioritizing safety, elegance, sustainable technology, and practicality. We took a trip to Orange County, getting some firsthand experience with the all-new, all-electric SUV.
EX90’s Exterior Design
Though safety has become synonymous with the Volvo brand, a clean, contemporary design also feels natural to the marque’s ethos. With the EX90, function meets form in an effortless manner. Inspiration comes from yacht design where beautiful proportions and confidence help to slice through the ocean with ease. With the EX90, we’re greeted by a rounded front that wraps to flush glazing and door handles to deliver optimized air flow. While some competitors are leaning into more boxy designs, Volvo’s design direction helps the EX90 achieve a drag coefficient of 0.29. Not sure how many 7-seater SUVs can deliver that.
Colors like Sand Dune and Vapour Grey accentuate each of the EX90’s fluid lines. The SUV’s lidar system looks more like an aero-efficient roof scoop, positioned and blended to perfection.
EX90’s Interior Design
The car’s interior incorporates sustainability and contemporary Scandinavian design. The Twin Motor Performance in colors like the Sand Dune mentioned features progressive Nordico material from responsibly managed forests in Sweden and Finland. The interior draws inspiration from the classic Scandinavian living room, with warm backlit wood panels that create a Nordic wilderness atmosphere. A Vapour Grey finish is also available with a wool blend interior. Both versions include 22” EU summer tires.
EX90’s All-Electric Performance
The all-wheel-drive EX90 is powered by new-generation electric Twin Motors, one in the front and the other in the rear. The powertrain produces 300kW/408hp and 770Nm of torque for incredible acceleration and drivability. A Twin Motor Performance variant is also available for even greater power delivery, producing 380kW/517hp and 910Nm of torque. Advanced braking systems are equipped, including the One Pedal Drive technology, which uses regenerative braking to slow down the vehicle and recharge the battery.
The all-electric drive is achieved through the 111kW battery, which charges 10-80% in 30 minutes and delivers up to 300 miles of tail-pipe emission-free driving range on a single charge. In addition to the new large-capacity battery, the car is also the first to feature bidirectional charging for more efficient and sustainable energy utilization.
Volvo’s Safety Standards
The new Volvo incorporates a higher safety standard than any other Volvo car. It features state-of-the-art sensors like cameras, radars, and lidar, as well as high-performance computers and software running on NVIDIA DRIVE to provide a real-time 360-degree view of the surroundings. The advanced safety system monitors the car from the outside and inside to keep the driver and passengers safe while driving on the highway or in traffic.
On the outside, the lidar system can detect small objects from hundreds of meters ahead, even in low-light conditions or high speeds. The sensors also improve the performance of the Pilot Assist driving function, with a new steering wheel support while changing lanes. Inside, the sensors monitor the driver’s concentration and provide alerts when attention wavers. The sensors react instantly, even when the driver may be slow to respond. If the driver falls asleep or gets unconscious, the EX90 safely stops and calls for help.
Volvo EX90’s Cabin Tech
The advanced technology doesn’t just stop on the EX90’s safety system but continues to the core functions inside the car, making it not just a vehicle but an advanced computer on wheels. The car’s head-up display and in-car screens feature lightning-fast computing power and high quality graphics offered by Snapdragon’s Cockpit Platforms, Unreal Engine, and Epic Games. The 14.5inch center screen is the gateway to one of the best infotainment systems, with Google apps and services are built-in, and 5G connectivity is offered while offering compatibility with wireless Apple Carplay. Bose premium audio is standard; however, the new Bowers & Wilkins audio system is available in the Ultra package, featuring Dolby Atmos for an immersive sound experience while on the road.
Volvo EX90 Pricing & Availability
The Volvo EX90 is built in South Carolina and is available for under $80,00 for the Twin Motor variant and under $85,00 for the Performance version. An Ultra package is available for both variants, which includes air suspension, active chassis, soft close doors, front massage seat, laminated rear windows, puddle light, and 21-inch wheels (optional 22-inch). Overall, the 7-seater Volvo EX90 is an all-electric SUV with the highest level of safety, power, and advanced technology without sacrificing aesthetics. For more details, visit the Volvo website.
