Even with some hesitation surrounding the future of electric vehicles, the luxury automotive market is embracing EVs wholeheartedly. Luxury brands, known for their long-term vision, are investing heavily in innovation, design, and cutting-edge technology to stay ahead of the curve. These brands operate in a distinct segment, and Volvo is strategically positioning itself there, especially with the Volvo EX90, a three-row electric SUV.
The luxury experience in the all-electric Volvo EX90, boasting a range of up to 310 miles on a single charge, begins with its robust 111 kWh battery pack. This battery provides exceptional power for a three-row SUV, offering either 402 hp in the Twin Motor variant or an impressive 510 hp in the Twin Motor Performance version. For context, the Twin Motor exceeds the 375 hp output of the BMW X7 40i, while the Performance model nearly matches the 523 hp of the BMW X7 M60i. The EX90 is available in two trims, Plus and Ultra, both of which feature all-wheel drive, premium sound systems, seating for six or seven passengers, a panoramic sunroof, a large central touchscreen with Google Built-in, and various new interior design options.
Design: Preserving Volvo’s Heritage
Volvo approached the EX90’s design – priced from $79,995 to $85,640 – by retaining key elements of the beloved Volvo XC90, a top-selling luxury three-row SUV. The XC90’s size and shape, characterized by its flexible space, additional seating, a reinforced frame, and comprehensive safety features, have resonated with families. Building upon the theme of a Scandinavian lounge with an open cabin feel, light colors, and sculpted seats, the EX90 elevates the concept. It incorporates a floating center console and a minimalist interior design.
This minimalist approach doesn’t mean a lack of detail, however. Instead, detail is enhanced with ambient lighting. This results in a minimalist dashboard, separated by elegant air vents. The minimalist aesthetic streamlines the interior, with USB ports discretely placed in a lower under-dash storage area; light wood veneer panels are subtly backlit at night, providing a calm and sophisticated ambience.
Streamlined Controls and Driver Experience
One of the many design features contributing to the EX90’s streamlined look is the reduced number of physical buttons and dials on the dashboard and center console. The multimedia controller on the center console is the only dial. Other driver functions are controlled via steering wheel stalks or the multimedia screen, where headlight controls and side mirror adjustments are located. The steering wheel features backlit control buttons that illuminate when the car is turned on.
Notably, there’s no traditional starter button. Starting the EX90 requires simply sitting in the driver’s seat with the key fob, key card, or an enabled smartphone, followed by pressing the brake pedal. The car automatically locks when the driver leaves with the key. Volvo has even removed some buttons for window controls; the new window buttons located on the driver’s side door require toggling between front and rear windows. To further reduce the vehicle’s carbon footprint, Volvo streamlined the interior design and took steps to eliminate unnecessary equipment.
A True Sense of Luxury on the Road
The driver’s seat might just be the most luxurious spot in the Volvo EX90, thanks to the vehicle’s impressive power and performance. The torque response is instant, a key element in Volvo’s definition of luxury. Flooring the accelerator on the highway provides the excitement of immediate propulsion. Even with one-pedal driving turned off (a selection available in the multimedia system), the Volvo EX90 handles low-speed city streets with ease. The one-pedal driving system allows drivers to stop the car quickly at low speeds, though with less effect at higher speeds. With practice, drivers can minimize use of the brake pedal and still maintain a comfortable ride for passengers.
Eco-Friendly Materials and Interior Design
One notable detail in the Volvo EX90 is the use of leatherette instead of genuine leather. Volvo’s proprietary faux leather, known as Nordico, is made from sustainable, renewable materials like pine sap and recovered plastics. This approach to interiors gave Volvo’s designers the chance to rethink the colors, textures, and materials used in the EX90’s interior, resulting in a layered aesthetic that adds to the Scandinavian salon feel. Both Plus and Ultra model buyers can choose heated and vented massaging seats, center-row captain’s chairs with integrated cup holders in the armrests, and also a woven upholstery option in lieu of leatherette. The Volvo EX90, which is a few inches longer than the XC90, features center seats that slide and tilt forward for ease of access to the third row. The third row is well-appointed, but can demand a bit more agility to get into. With the center-row seats fully pushed back, third-row leg room is limited, although the captain’s chairs in the second row improve access and comfort.
Google Built-in: The Future of Automotive Technology
The lack of physical buttons, dials, and control panels may concern those who prefer traditional controls. However, Volvo’s answer is a system designed around voice control, which is at the center of its Google Built-in system. Alongside “Hey Google” voice assistance, the system features Google Maps, apps, and other functions on the oversized touchscreen. Naturally, Apple CarPlay is also supported. The screen is logically divided into sections for easy use: The top of the screen displays the system in use, such as navigation or entertainment. Below it, two boxes feature current systems in use, such as radio or phone. A narrow toolbar below shows the most recently used apps for quick access, and below that a fixed climate panel offers temperature and fan settings.
Overall, the Volvo EX90 challenges drivers to rethink how they interact with their vehicle. Although there’s a learning curve with any new car, part of the mystique lies in the evolution of technology. Learning to drive smarter and more efficiently in a luxury car allows drivers to master the machine’s capabilities without sacrificing comfort or convenience.
