First Look: Volvo’s All-Electric EX90 Arrives in Australia
Volvo is expanding its electric vehicle lineup in Australia with the introduction of the EX90, its largest, most powerful, and most expensive EV to date. I recently spent a day behind the wheel of this impressive seven-seater luxury SUV, exploring the roads of Adelaide and the scenic Barossa Valley. The question is: has Volvo successfully translated its renowned Scandinavian design into a luxurious EV package, complete with all the benefits of electric driving?
The EX90 certainly positions itself in the luxury car market. The entry-level Plus Twin Motor starts at $124,990 (before on-road costs), while the Ultra Twin Motor Performance variant is priced at $134,990.
Volvo emphasizes safety with this new luxury SUV. The EX90, according to Volvo, is the safest car they’ve ever built. Both models boast a robust 111 kWh Nickel Cobalt Manganese (NCM) battery pack, providing a range of up to 570 kilometers on a single charge. Despite its size, the battery supports fast charging up to 250 kW on compatible DC fast chargers, allowing for a 10-80% charge in approximately 30 minutes. Furthermore, the EX90 supports AC charging up to 11 kW, which is beneficial for owners with access to three-phase power at home or work.
The Volvo EX90, a high-tech, all-electric SUV, is now available in Australia.
The charging port is located on the passenger side towards the rear, a convenient design choice for those utilizing Tesla’s V3 Supercharger network, which is now accessible to non-Tesla vehicles.
The entry-level Plus Twin Motor variant offers a 300 kW powertrain, capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds. The Ultra Twin Motor Performance variant elevates this performance, delivering 380 kW of power and reducing the 0-100 km/h sprint to just 4.9 seconds.
Safety is a priority in the EX90, with an array of advanced technologies. The SUV incorporates a LiDAR system that works with Nvidia Drive hardware and Volvo’s software to create a 360-degree view of the surrounding environment. This system can identify small objects hundreds of meters away, helping to prevent accidents or inform driver maneuvers. During highway driving, the safety systems functioned seamlessly, without the distracting alerts common in other vehicles.
The EX90’s interior features a minimalist design, dominated by a large touchscreen.
Autonomous driving is easily engaged with a simple tap. When navigating curves and suburban streets, the steering felt responsive in the firmer setting. A softer setting is also available for those who prefer lighter steering feel.
One-pedal driving is a key aspect of any EV, and Volvo has executed it well in the EX90. The regenerative braking can be customized, allowing the driver to choose the level of deceleration. The auto-hold function is a practical feature for those who prefer not to utilize regenerative braking with creep turned on. The EX90 provides a comfortable ride, largely due to its dual-chamber air suspension system. This helps maintain stability on the road and reduces body roll when cornering.
Inside the cabin, the EX90 features Volvo’s signature minimalist design, which accentuates the available space. A panoramic glass roof with high UV protection enhances the open feeling of the cabin. The front seats are comfortable and plush, and the centerpiece of the interior is a large 14.5-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system, powered by Google’s Android Automotive. This system offers easy access to Google Maps and other applications, facilitating route planning and showing available charging stations along the route within a route, this is a big step forward for both the new and experienced EV driver.
The EX90 offers plenty of space in its rear seats, as well as a functional third row.
The trip planning features available in the Volvo vehicles are a big bonus, and it is done for you once a destination has been selected and charging is required. On the entertainment front, the Bowers and Wilkins 25 speaker sound system enhances the listening experience for the driver and passengers. The rear seats offer ample space, and the third row is quite functional, too. These third-row seats can also be controlled up or down with the touch of a button, adding convenience for those who may only use the third row occasionally.
In the boot, the third row up does limit the space, but you could fit a few smaller suitcases in. For more space, the third-row seats down would be the way to go. The EX90 has impressive towing capabilities – rated at 2.2 tonnes, one of the highest ratings in any EV on the market.
The EX90 test drive showcased Volvo’s direction in electrifying its lineup. With impressive technology, a luxurious interior, a well-balanced ride, and the brand’s minimalist Scandinavian design, this vehicle could be a winning product for Volvo.
