“Volvo has always been the go-to choice for practicality, and is renowned for its focus on safety. Although this might not tick the box for thrill-seekers, when it comes to daily duties like the school run, it’s perfect. The Swedish automaker set the bar in 2002 when it released the seven-seater XC90 SUV, gaining notoriety as the gold standard for practical luxury vehicles. While other manufacturers tried to imitate it, none were able to match its capabilities.
Now, Volvo has introduced the EX90, its all-new, all-electric seven-seater SUV bringing the same standard of excellence. The main attractions of this vehicle are the comfort it provides and its safety features – making it ideal for family transportation.
The EX90 is a spacious vehicle. It boasts a length of over 5 metres and breadth surpassing 2.1 metres, it has a significant presence on the road. However, its height is not as towering as you might presume for such a large SUV. The interiors are generous enough to comfortably seat seven, with the third row spacious enough even for teenagers and most adults.
Volvo’s commitment to family-friendly practicality is evident in the seating arrangement: not only does it provide seven seats, but also fixtures for four Isofix child seats. Plus, there’s a built-in booster seat tucked into the second row’s middle seat. Despite being fully occupied, there’s still room for 360 litres of boot space – just short of the space offered in a VW Golf.”
While the EX90 undoubtedly showcases its true essence on the road, its main draw is the impressive comfort it provides. Driving this Volvo is more like gliding on air, a characteristic that typically brings Range Rovers to mind. However, the Swedish automakers have amazingly captured the ethos of the British brand, yielding a Volvo that balances superb tranquillity with a strikingly soundless interior.
During a test, a colleague recorded the interior noise level at a mere 52 decibels, a whisper typically only heard in churches. Strangely enough, these calming features conflict with the car’s performance stats. As is the case with most electric vehicles, the EX90, despite its hefty 2.5-tonne weight, boasts a remarkable power output. Racing from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.9 seconds, the EX90’s acceleration is jaw-dropping, especially considering its size. This became even more evident with the “Performance” model shaving a whole second off the time.
Fast forward to a decade ago, and the notion of a seven-seater family SUV offering 408hp, or even 517hp in its “Performance” variation, would have been dismissed as absurd for any brand other than Lamborghini. It would have been considered laughable for such a vehicle to bear the Volvo logo. However, this is the norm in today’s world where top-performance is wrapped in the guise of family-friendly functionality.
Despite the EX90’s potential to perform stupendous driving feats, everything about it screams calmness. Equipped as standard with an active suspension, the vehicle effortlessly absorbs shock from bumpy roads while still ensuring optimal control. Yet, there is sufficient body roll in curves to remind you that this is not a high-performance vehicle, and that your passengers would rather not revisit their breakfast. So the aim is to relax and enjoy the Volvo’s smooth navigation.
This ease is further enhanced by a host of safety features and driving aids. Volvos have always been synonymous with safety, pioneering innovations in this area. However, besides physical seat belts, the true revolution lies in less visible tech enhancements, like sensors and software.
/”The EX90, a model from Volvo, is equipped with the impressive Pilot Assist system for steering assistance. It also carries a Lidar, eight cameras, five radars, and 12 ultrasonic sensors, all set to equip the car for prospective self-driving applications in the future. There’s uncertainty over when this will become a reality, as Volvo’s engineers remain uncommitted. Nevertheless, it’s speculated that the feature may enter some markets – provided necessary legislation passes – in as soon as three years.
Though the current self-driving systems present in the car at launch are entry-level, there are expectations for improvements through over-the-air updates and applications, promising full utilisation of each car’s safety features in the coming years. As one engineer is quoted, unlike traditional cars (much like fine wine), the EX90 will only get better over time.
In terms of mileage, the Volvo model alleges a maximum range of 614km (in both standard and performance variant), conditional on one’s driving manner and environment. Realistically, a distance of 500km should be achievable and in city conditions, Volvo suggests that an impressive distance of 817km could be possible. A respectable rate of 20kWh/100km was accomplished during a 200km drive, that had a blend of mountainous and motorway terrains.
With its 111kW battery pack, it can accept a DC charge of up to 250kW. Engineers ascertain that on superfast chargers, the car can charge from 10 per cent to 80 per cent in just 30 minutes.
The prime concern, however, will be the extravagant cost. The EX90 will appear on the Irish market this autumn at a retail price of either €117,910 for the 408hp model or €122,910 for the Performance 517hp variant. Some might argue that it’s unwise to spend the extra €4,000 on increased power, especially for a seven-seater family car. The dilemma faced by many potential buyers, having a large family but an inability to afford a vehicle costing €120,000, remains unresolved by Volvo or any other car manufacturer. This remains a challenge awaiting a solution, especially in an electric vehicle format. When that happens, the provider will likely receive high acclaim. “/
The truth of the matter is that acquiring the EX90 is a rational decision, provided you can bear the cost.
An Overview of the Volvo EX90 Performance:
The EX90 is powered by a pair of electric motors, one in the front and the other at the back, combined to deliver a horsepower of 517bhp and a torque of 910Nm, thanks to a 111kWh battery pack. It can accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in just 4.9 seconds. It requires 21.1 kWh of power to travel 100 kilometers, as per the World Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure. It has a range that stretches to 602 kilometers.
As for its price, the tested model stands at €122,910, though you can get the base model starting at €117,910.
Our assessment grants it a commendable 4 out of 5, thus making it a sensible choice for a seven-seater electric vehicle.