2025 Volvo EX90 Review: Understated Evolution, Inside Out

Insight: The 2025 Volvo EX90 Electric Vehicle refreshes the company's image without showing off

If you only glance at the 2025 Volvo EX90's initial impact, you could be misled.

This upcoming electric SUV embraces its Swedish roots in numerous ways, and while it might not outwardly showcase its futuristic qualities, it undeniably showcases them within its interior.

The outer design of the Volvo EX90 builds upon the foundation set by its predecessor, the XC90. Meanwhile, the interior adopts a highly minimalist design, relying heavily on a touchscreen for most functions and aligning with the trajectory of a software-centric vehicle era.

During a recent in-depth experience with the EX90 from South Carolina, slated for release this autumn, Volvo emphasized the vehicle's software and its foundational platform, which is a culmination of worldwide tech collaborations with giants like Google, Nvidia, Qualcomm, and Luminar. However, after spending a few hours behind the wheel, it became clear that Volvo remains true to its core strengths with the EX90—providing a sense of comfort, security, and luxury in a subtle, understated manner.

2025 Model of Volvo EX90

Volvo EX90: Central Role of the Touchscreen Interface

Upon entering the 2025 EX90, the prominent feature is the large 14.5-inch touchscreen designed in a vertical layout, which quickly becomes an integral part of the experience. Complemented by a 9.0-inch digital instrument panel and a head-up display that assist in monitoring vehicle stats, the touchscreen nevertheless stands out as the control center for numerous functions. Despite any resistance to adopting screen-based controls, users are required to navigate through on-screen menus to make adjustments to the mirrors, steering wheel, and seating—though the seats do offer a singular button to cycle through their powered settings.

As a beginner, I find that it's not as straightforward as using real adjustment knobs. Also, the arrow keys on the Volvo's steering wheel don't provide the same level of detailed control for settings as Tesla's touch-sensitive thumbwheels.

Motorists might find themselves adjusting their car settings just once, as Volvo claims their system is advanced. Each driver's profile is linked to their specific smartphone, utilizing Phone as Key technology. When someone walks towards the car, a network of four to six ultra-wideband sensors identifies which phone is near the driver's side. Ideally, this allows the driver to get into a car that's already adjusted to their personal settings like seat positioning, mirror angles, steering wheel height, and saved presets. If there's a mix-up, Volvo assures that profiles can be manually selected. This is a feature I'm eager to try out with multiple devices in the mix.

2025 Model of Volvo EX90

Volvo's 2025 Model

Upcoming 2025 model of

The new interface on Volvo's EX90 will seem intuitive to most, resembling a tablet design that manages the temperature settings. A permanent set of icons sits at the screen's base, allowing swift access to the main menu, applications, configurations, and specifics on temperature settings. Just above, there's a set of dynamic icons that shift based on the current function, while a level higher, widgets for the phone or music offer a snapshot of what's currently playing or accessible options. The main portion of the display is devoted to navigation, showcasing a prominent, vertical map that's quick to read (which can also be displayed on the dashboard). This system is expected to continuously improve, with updates for the life of the vehicle anticipated. Even if customers don't renew their 5G subscriptions for apps and streaming, Volvo plans to maintain active navigation data and update capabilities over the air.

Upcoming Volvo Model EX90 Set

The upcoming 2025 model of

2025 model of the Volvo EX

Upcoming 2025 Volvo EX

The Volvo EX90 showcases effectiveness, agility, and silence

During my time, I had the opportunity to experience a pair of Twin Motor Performance models of the SUV, both in the premium Ultra category and priced identically at $93,345. One sported a Sand Dune hue (a pale tan shade) on the outside with a Dawn Quilted Nordico finish inside, while the second one featured a crafted wool blend inside and a Vapour Grey color on the outside. Each was equipped with 22-inch five-spoke aero wheels.

This model tops the range as the most opulent EX90, tipping the scales at over 6,000 pounds according to specifications for global markets, which led to three unexpected delights during the test drive.

Initial impressions suggest that the EX90 is impressively fuel-efficient for a large SUV with three rows of seating. On a 146-mile journey that took me through varied conditions such as Orange County's congested streets, a challenging mountain route, and a stretch of rapid highway driving, the vehicle averaged a consumption of 2.7 miles per kilowatt-hour. Later, during a shorter 40-mile trip which involved more urban driving and heavier, slower traffic conditions typical of a busy afternoon, the efficiency increased to over 2.9 miles per kilowatt-hour.

The battery unit in the EX90 is composed of lithium-ion cells with nickel, manganese, and cobalt and has a total capacity of 111 kilowatt-hours (kWh). According to Volvo, 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 overly slow or cautiously.

The Environmental Protection Agency has determined that Volvo's EX90 can travel up to 310 miles on models equipped with 21-inch wheels and up to 300 miles on versions that have either 20-inch or 22-inch wheels.

Upcoming 2025 Model of

2025 Model of the Volvo EX

Upcoming Volvo Model: EX90

Upcoming 2025 model of

The second delightful revelation was the EX90's unexpectedly agile handling, despite its hefty weight and three-row seating. During the event, we had the opportunity to drive the Ultra models, which come equipped with an air suspension and semi-active dampers with multiple stages. These additional suspension features are not available in the more economical Plus models, so a future evaluation will be necessary to determine if those versions retain the same cornering agility. In the Ultra variant, one has the choice to customize the steering and suspension settings to either soft or firm independently. My preference was for both to be set to soft, which resulted in more precise steering alignment and a suspension that automatically adjusted to be more rigid in sharp turns when necessary.

The third highlight that really impressed me was the remarkable silence of the EX90, whether it was speeding up, cruising at a quick pace, or navigating the toughest terrain we encountered in the generally even roads of Orange County. Volvo's senior manager for propulsion systems, Hannes Veen, explained that they achieved this not by employing any active noise cancellation techniques or acoustic adjustments, but by focusing intently on soundproofing and cushioning elements, such as using liquid-filled mounts for the motor units.

This marks the inaugural "software-defined vehicle" that Volvo has developed independently, and it's interesting to note that the bulk of its engineering took place near the company's main base in Gothenburg, Sweden.

The upcoming Volvo model for the year

2025 Model of the Volvo EX

2025 Model of Volvo EX90

Upcoming 2025 Model of

The EX90, particularly in its high-end Twin Motor Performance Ultra variant, delivers an impressively rapid driving experience with a notable exception. The vehicle's acceleration feels even more vigorous than the recorded 0-60 mph acceleration time of 4.7 seconds, a common sensation in larger electric vehicles. Although all EX90 models have identical motor units, the Twin Motor versions produce 402 horsepower and 568 pound-feet of torque, while the Performance models ramp up to 510 horsepower and 571 pound-feet. The EX90 typically relies on its front motor during regular driving, conserving the rear motor for moments requiring swift acceleration or additional traction. However, in Performance AWD mode, the EX90 maintains a continuous, albeit adjustable, power supply to the rear wheels at speeds between 19-81 mph, resulting in a more even driving dynamic. During my time with the vehicle, I barely noticed any difference or the smooth integration of the rear motor through the clutch mechanism.

The responsiveness of the throttle and steering seemed accurate, yet the EX90's polished handling lacked a certain element. Volvo has chosen to offer only three settings for the regenerative braking system: deactivated, automatic, and activated. Moreover, the brake pedal in the models we tested 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, providing sufficient deceleration that could eliminate the need for the brake pedal except for unexpected stops. When set to "off," the car mimics a coasting experience similar to the Neutral gear in traditional gasoline cars, removing all regenerative braking. The "auto" mode takes a responsive approach, utilizing sensors to adjust, however, I didn't have ample time behind the wheel to fully evaluate its effectiveness. I found myself desiring an intermediate option for regenerative braking that would ease the vehicle's speed more smoothly, akin to a gasoline car in Drive or shifted down a gear.

Upcoming Volvo EX90 Model Scheduled

Volvo EX90 Model of

Upcoming 2025 Volvo EX

Upcoming Volvo EX90 Set to

I had the opportunity to experience the premium seating options in the Volvo EX90 across two different cars. One featured Volvo's Nordico artificial fabric, incorporating botanical elements and seemingly simpler to maintain. However, I preferred the second option – a bespoke wool mix that includes reused polyester, offering the cozy and airy sensation akin to a woolen jumper designed for outdoor activities.

The interior is quite cozy and accommodating. People of various statures can comfortably sit in the front and middle rows, with the middle row featuring an integrated booster seat for little ones. Access to the third row can be tight for those with more height, yet our tests showed that individuals up to 6 feet tall have enough room, even when seated behind others of the same height in the preceding rows. The space in the front seats is generous, with the passenger side offering an extended area for feet that cleverly doubles as a shoe shelf, although Volvo says it's designed with safety in mind.

The exact dimensions for the cargo space in the U.S. model are yet to be released, but it appears to be more spacious than the XC90. With the third row collapsed, there's a substantial 50.2 inches of flat storage stretching from behind the second row, and you can extend that space to over 80 inches for lengthier items by folding down the second row as well. Additionally, there is a storage compartment under the extended hood, which, despite its broad expanse, is not very deep and is compartmentalized by rigid plastic dividers, reducing its practicality.

Upcoming 2025 model of

The upcoming 2025 model of

2025 Model of Volvo EX90

The upcoming 2025 model of

Volvo EX90 Introduces Lidar and Advanced Driver Assistance for Enhanced Safety

The Volvo EX90 is breaking new ground by including a lidar sensor in its array of safety features. This addition enhances the vehicle's ability to effectively monitor the road, potentially reducing major accidents by up to 20%, according to Volvo.

Volvo's Driver Assist, aptly termed for its role in aiding highway navigation, utilizes the car's array of safety detectors, including capacitive sensors, to ensure the driver maintains contact with the steering wheel. Its implementation errs on the side of caution. To activate the system, the driver must flick the shift lever down to a position typically marked "B" in other cars. The system permits brief hand removal from the wheel for up to 14 seconds. However, the driver is expected to have at least one hand on the wheel while driving and both hands must return to the wheel for the system to help with lane changes. I noticed that this cautiousness somewhat negates the system's intended convenience, making it less useful in congested traffic conditions.

dcbel's two-way charging system for the 2025 Volvo EX90

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

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

Volvo collaborator dcbel is set to introduce a new DC bidirectional charger that can function at a maximum of 25 kW, adaptable to various scenarios. This device has the ability to provide emergency power to a household, manage energy usage during peak times, or even supply electricity back to the power network. Additional information will be released in the near future.

The challenging aspect: The model I reviewed, the 2025 Volvo EX90 in its Ultra version, comes with added features like the Bowers & Wilkins sound system and 22-inch rims, and is priced at $94,640, which includes the $1,295 fee for delivery. The base model of the EX90 starts at $81,290. This is roughly $6,000 more than the high-end, all-wheel version of the Kia EV9 GT-Line, which is also a three-row SUV offering bidirectional charging. It seems that, at least for the time being, the EX90 may not be eligible for the EV tax incentive.

In the end, it's clear that Volvo has remained true to its core values. The EX90 represents a fresh take on vehicle interiors and introduces numerous clever enhancements. Owners of this model will likely appreciate its qualities without the urge to boast about them.

Volvo covered the cost of travel allowing us to deliver this evaluation of the test drive.

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