The Volvo EX90 Is for the Next Generation
A bridge between two eras.
Since it was announced two years ago, Volvo’s EX90 fully electric SUV has been hotly anticipated. The presumed successor to the wildly popular XC90 (although Volvo recently announced both models would be produced in tandem) the new 7-seater vehicle represents the next step in the Swedish manufacturer’s journey to full electrification.
On a recent first drive in Southern California the entire gamut of technological features that Volvo has at its disposal were on display: advanced driver assist; inbuilt 5G capability and google media software; radar technology to enhance safety; heating and cooling technology in the seats and much more. While having all this at a driver’s disposal is nice, it is also the source of the main drawback to the current iteration of the EX90. Much of the technology touted pre-release is not yet ready, and will be updated in future software patches. The ‘key’ as it exists is an app to be downloaded on a smartphone, and there were glitches. All of the controls are accessed through a central screen, even mirror positioning and seat adjustments that you would normally expect to have separate buttons. The baseline is strong however, and will only be improved as these features are rolled out.
Behind the wheel, the EX90 is a smooth ride that masks a surprising amount of power (the all wheel drive car boasts 510 horsepower) with its comfort. The car is big, and feels stable even as speeds increase or on windy mountain roads. For many, including myself, Volvo will evoke memories of a parents car, long before things like miles per gallon or horsepower were important, and a sense of safety in the big boxy models from the late 90s. The EX90, if not aesthetically, is a spiritual successor to these cars given how in control and safe the driving experience is. The range on a full charge is 499 kilometres, more than likely far enough for the intended consumer, but the comfort inside is such that it wouldn’t be so bad to go 4999 kilometres.
One feature that seems like a universal winner is the interior and the inbuilt Bowers and Wilkins hi-fi system. The cabin upholstery is available in a wool blend or Nordica, a sustainable suede like fabric, and smart lighting matches the outside world. The large central display utilizes a google entertainment system and 5g connectivity. For audiophiles, 25 speakers are strategically placed around the car and can be adjusted to focus on any of the areas, or even to resemble the sonic experience of a concert hall. The real boon is Dolby Atmos compatibility, which Volvo describes as an ‘immersive multi-dimensional soundscape.
Overall, the EX90 is a big, comfortable SUV that feels less like a step into the distant future and more like a bridge between two eras. The new features are flashy, but it is the safety and security one feels behind the wheel that really stands out.
