2025 Volvo EX90 Review: A Stealthy Swedish EV Evolution with a High-Tech Core

Analysis: The 2025 Volvo EX90 Electric Vehicle subtly transforms the company's image without being ostentatious

A hasty evaluation of the 2025 Volvo EX90 could lead to inaccurate conclusions.

This upcoming electric SUV embodies Swedish design in numerous ways, subtly presenting its futuristic elements not through its exterior, but rather through its sophisticated interior.

The Volvo EX90's outer design is a natural progression from its predecessor, the XC90. Meanwhile, the interior adopts a starkly minimalist design, heavily relying on a touchscreen interface for most functions, aligning with the upcoming era of vehicles defined by software.

During a recent day spent intimately examining the South Carolina-produced EX90, which is expected to hit the market this autumn, Volvo emphasized heavily on the car's software and its platform's genesis, which is tied to worldwide tech collaborations with industry giants like Google, Nvidia, Qualcomm, and Luminar. However, after spending a few hours behind the wheel, it became clear that Volvo has maintained its core strength with the EX90—ensuring passengers experience comfort, safety, and luxury in a subtly sophisticated manner.

2025 Model of the Volvo EX

Volvo EX90: Central Role of the Touchscreen Interface

As soon as you step into the 2025 EX90, the prominent feature that captures your attention is the large 14.5-inch touchscreen designed for vertical display. It's an essential component you'll quickly become acquainted with. Supplementary to this are a 9.0-inch digital instrument panel and a head-up display, both providing vital information at a glance. However, the touchscreen stands as the main control center for various vehicle functions. Whether you're a fan or not, navigating through the digital menus is a must to adjust things like mirrors, the steering wheel, and seating positions—though the seats do offer a central button for cycling through their power adjustment options.

As someone who is still learning, I find that it's not quite as straightforward as having real buttons to tweak settings. Also, when it comes to the Volvo's steering wheel controls, they lack the refined level of control you get with Tesla's responsive thumbwheels.

Motorists might only need to utilize this feature once, as Volvo claims its system has an edge. Individual driver settings are linked to each recognized smartphone, utilizing technology that allows the phone to act as a key. As an individual approaches the car, signals from four to six ultra-wideband sensors positioned around the car identify which smartphone is near the driver's door. Ideally, this means the driver can get into a car that has automatically adjusted the seats, mirrors, steering wheel, and set their personal preferences. In instances where the system fails to accurately predict, Volvo assures that manual selection of these profiles is possible. Personally, I'm eager to see how this performs with multiple devices in a household.

The upcoming 2025 model of

The upcoming 2025 model of

Upcoming 2025 Model of

The newest touch screen functionality in the EX90 from Volvo will instantly resonate with most people, thanks to its intuitive, tablet-esque layout which manages the temperature settings. A permanent selection of icons sits at the screen's base, offering swift access to the homepage, applications, configurations, and specifics of the temperature management. Above this, there's a dynamic set of icons that adjust based on the current operation, and even higher on the screen, widgets for phone or music give a snapshot of current playbacks or options. The screen primarily dedicates space to the navigation feature, showcasing a straightforward, vertical map that's simple to check at a glance (and it can be displayed on the dashboard as well). Expect the system to improve over time, as Volvo plans ongoing updates for the life of the vehicle. Even if customers don't renew their 5G subscriptions for additional apps and media streaming, Volvo intends to maintain active navigation data and push updates through the air.

Upcoming 2025 model of

Volvo EX90 Model of

Upcoming Volvo EX90 Model for

Upcoming Volvo EX90 Model Scheduled

The Volvo EX90 showcases effectiveness, agility, and silence

During a day-long experience, I had the opportunity to test drive two identical variants of the SUV's Twin Motor Performance model, both in the premium Ultra category and priced identically at $93,345. One model featured a Sand Dune paint finish, which is a pale tan shade, complemented by a Dawn Quilted Nordico interior, while the second had a wool-blended cabin and was cloaked in a Vapour Grey color. Each was equipped with 22-inch five-spoke aero wheels.

This particular EX90 model tops the range in opulence and heft, tipping the scales at over 6,000 pounds according to specifications for global markets, which led to three unexpected delights during the time behind the wheel.

Initial impressions suggest that the EX90 is quite fuel-efficient for its size as a large SUV with three rows. On a 146-mile journey that encompassed varied driving conditions – from congested street driving in Orange County to challenging mountainous terrain and a stretch of rapid highway travel – I managed to achieve an average of 2.7 miles per kilowatt-hour. During a shorter 40-mile circuit that involved more street driving and heavier, slower traffic later in the day, the average efficiency improved to over 2.9 miles per kilowatt-hour.

The battery unit in the EX90 features cells made of lithium-ion nickel manganese cobalt, totaling an impressive 111 kWh in size. Volvo has indicated that the effective energy available for use is approximately 107 kWh. From our observations, this translates to an actual driving distance of about 300 miles under normal driving conditions, without the need to drive at reduced speeds or with excessive caution.

The Environmental Protection Agency has determined that Volvo's EX90 will have a range of 310 miles when equipped with 21-inch wheels and a slightly lower range of 300 miles for the versions with either 20-inch or 22-inch wheels.

Upcoming 2025 Model of

Volvo EX90 Model of

2025 Model of the Volvo EX

Upcoming 2025 Model of

The second delightful revelation was the EX90's unexpectedly agile handling, despite its hefty three-row, over 6,000-pound frame. During this event, we only had the opportunity to drive the Ultra versions, which come equipped with an air suspension and semi-active dampers that adjust through multiple stages. These advanced suspension components aren't featured in the more economically priced Plus models, so a future evaluation will be necessary to determine if they can match the Ultra's impressive cornering capabilities. Within the Ultra model, there's the option to individually tweak the steering and suspension settings to either soft or firm. I found the optimal setup was to have both on soft, as it provided a more precise steering return to center while still offering adequate stiffening for sharper turns.

The third point that really impressed me was the exceptional silence of the EX90's ride. This quietness was consistent during fast acceleration, high-speed cruising, or even on the most uneven road we came across in the predominantly smooth terrain of Orange County. Volvo's senior manager for propulsion systems, Hannes Veen, mentioned that this was achieved without resorting to active noise cancellation or artificial sound techniques. The secret, he revealed, was in the meticulous focus on soundproofing and the use of bushings, specifically those that are fluid-filled for the motor units.

This vehicle not only represents Volvo's initial foray into the realm of vehicles primarily controlled by software, but it also boasts a predominantly local development process, with most of the work taking place near the company's main base in Gothenburg, Sweden.

Upcoming Volvo EX90 Model Set

2025 Model of Volvo EX90

2025 model of the Volvo EX

Upcoming 2025 Volvo EX

The EX90, particularly in its high-end Twin Motor Performance Ultra variant, delivers swift and gratifying acceleration with one minor hiccup. Its performance feels more impressive from the driver's seat than the official 0-60 mph acceleration figure of 4.7 seconds would imply, which is a common perception with larger electric vehicles. All EX90 versions use the same motor units, but the Twin Motor configurations produce a combined 402 horsepower and 568 pound-feet of torque, whereas the Performance versions ramp up to 510 horsepower and 571 pound-feet of torque. The EX90 generally relies on the front motor during regular driving, conserving the rear motor for quicker starts and additional traction. However, in Performance AWD mode, the power distribution to the rear wheels is consistently variable between 19-81 mph, resulting in more even handling. During my experience, I found the transition when the EX90 engages the rear motor to be smooth and nearly undetectable.

The responsiveness of the accelerator and steering was notably sharp, yet the EX90 was lacking in one aspect of its polished handling. Volvo has limited the regenerative braking system to only three settings: off, automatic, and on. Additionally, during our evaluation, the brake pedal in the test models felt excessively soft when the vehicle was not moving, making it challenging to discern whether the brake pads were engaging or not.

The "on" option enables a genuine single-pedal driving experience, which is so effective at slowing the car that you may not have to use the brake pedal except for unexpected stops. Turning it "off" allows the car to coast as if there's no regenerative braking, similar to how a car with a traditional combustion engine behaves in Neutral. The "auto" mode adjusts the braking response based on the car's sensors, though I didn't get the chance to fully experience this during my limited time driving. I found myself wishing for an intermediate regenerative braking option that would reduce speed gradually, mimicking the deceleration of a gasoline car either in Drive or shifted down a gear.

Upcoming Volvo EX90 Model Set

2025 Model of Volvo EX90

2025 Model of Volvo EX90

The upcoming 2025 model of

The Volvo EX90 offers opulent seating options

During my time with both models, I had the opportunity to try out Volvo's premium interior fabrics for the EX90. One model featured the Nordico artificial fabric, incorporating botanical elements and seeming more maintenance-friendly. However, I was particularly fond of the wool blend option, which combines repurposed polyester, delivering the cozy and airy sensation akin to wearing a woolen pullover designed for outdoor activities.

The space is effortlessly cozy and accommodating. Individuals of various statures and builds will easily settle into the front and middle rows, with the added convenience of an integrated booster seat in the middle for little ones. Access to the back row may be a bit cramped for the taller crowd, but our experience showed that individuals up to six feet tall could comfortably sit one behind the other in the first two rows. There's a generous amount of room in the front seats, with the passenger side boasting an extended foot area that cleverly doubles as a shoe rest, which, according to Volvo, is actually designed with safety in mind.

Specific figures for the cargo capacity of the U.S. model are yet to be released, but the space seems significantly more ample than that of the XC90. With the third row collapsed electronically, a cargo length of 50.2 inches is accessible behind the second row, which can extend beyond 80 inches to accommodate longer objects with the second-row seats folded as well. Beneath the extended hood, there is a front storage compartment; although it spans a broad space, its utility is somewhat limited due to its lack of depth and the rigid plastic dividers segmenting it.

2025 Model of Volvo EX90

2025 model of the Volvo EX

Upcoming Volvo EX90 Model Set

Upcoming 2025 model of

Volvo EX90 Equipped with Cutting-Edge Safety Features Including Lidar

The latest Volvo EX90 debuts with an advanced safety package, featuring a lidar sensor that enhances the vehicle's active-safety capabilities by providing a more extended and precise view of upcoming road conditions. Volvo suggests this technology could potentially reduce major accidents by up to 20%.

Volvo's advanced driving aid, named Pilot Assist, is designed to support drivers during highway trips. It utilizes the car's array of safety detectors and includes capacitive sensors to ensure the driver maintains contact with the steering wheel. Currently, it adopts a cautious strategy. To activate it, drivers must nudge the gear lever down to the position marked "B" in some cars. The system permits the driver to remove their hands from the wheel for a brief period of 14 seconds. While one hand can remain on the wheel during a steady drive, the driver must place both hands on the wheel to initiate an assisted lane switch. In practice, I discovered that this somewhat nullifies its convenience, and due to its overly cautious nature, it's not particularly useful in congested traffic conditions.

The dcbel charging device, capable of charging in both directions, will be

The dcbel charger, which can both supply and draw power, is designed

The dcbel charging device, capable of two-way charging, is designed for

Volvo's associate dcbel is introducing a two-way charging system which can function at a maximum of 25 kilowatts, adapting to various scenarios. It's designed to provide emergency electricity for the household, manage energy usage during peak times, or even supply electricity to the power network. Further information will be released in the near future.

The challenging aspect: In its Ultra version, the 2025 Volvo EX90 I evaluated comes with added features like the Bowers & Wilkins sound system and larger 22-inch rims, bringing the total to $94,640, destination charge of $1,295 included. The base model of the EX90 is priced at $81,290. This is roughly $6,000 more than Kia's highest-end EV9 GT-Line with all-wheel drive, which is also a three-row SUV with the capability for bidirectional charging. It seems that, for the time being, the EX90 might not be eligible for the electric vehicle tax incentive.

In the end, it seems Volvo has maintained its focus on what's important. The EX90 represents a fresh and innovative approach to vehicle interiors, boasting numerous clever enhancements. Owners of this vehicle will likely appreciate its qualities without the need to boast about them.

Volvo covered the travel costs enabling us to provide you with this review of our test drive experience.

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