Volvo EX90: Test drive with the electric giant

The XC90, Volvo's largest SUV model series, is getting an electric counterpart: The new Volvo EX90 aims for long ranges and wants to set new standards, especially in safety. Test drive, technical data, prices.

• Large SUV with large battery: 111 kWh

• Range of more than 600 km announced

• Prices from 83,700 euros

Bigger, more elegant and purely electric: Volvo's large SUV becomes a high-mounted premium sedan with outstanding driving and noise comfort as the EX90. In other respects, however, the designated successor to the XC90 does not reach a top level despite its price of at least 83,700 euros.

The 5.04-meter-long Swede from US production will be launched on the market almost a year and a half later than planned. Not because fine-tuning of the cool, elegant Scandinavian design was necessary, but because, as with other European manufacturers, software development caused delays.

Huge: Volvo EX90 is 5.04 meters long

Interior: Fine materials, hardly any buttons

The spacious interior is lined with either fabrics or imitation leather, both in a very high-quality design in terms of look and feel. The large infotainment screen with very high resolution and fast graphics processor also makes a fine impression. It is powered by an Android-based infotainment system, which takes another big step forward in terms of usability compared to the XC90.

However, numerous operating functions that were previously located on buttons and switches have moved to the touchscreen menus, including the exterior mirror adjustment and the more detailed air conditioning settings. Those who have found their feel-good configuration can cope with it, beginners have to search for a long time.

Volvo SUV with excellent ride comfort

In contrast to the operating system, there should be no discussion when driving. At least that applies to the top drives provided for test drive on US roads (from 91,700 euros, "Core" equipment). Its two-chamber air suspension, which is subject to an extra charge, absorbs road bumps confidently and keeps the body stable even in faster corners, but raises the total price to just under 99,000 euros. In conjunction with the per se quiet electric motor and the optional insulation package, the big Swede completely decouples its drivers from all the hardships of traffic and road construction.

On the highway and over winding canyon roads, you can travel both quickly and relaxed, and when maneuvering in Californian city traffic, the EX90 seems sufficiently manageable even without rear-axle steering, but with comprehensive camera assistance. Whether this is also true in Europe remains to be seen. Just as close as the basic variants with steel chassis and without excess insulation come to the comfort level of the top model.

The up to 380 kW/517 hp of the top variant "Twin Motor Performance AWD" (from 96,800 euros) is pure luxury. And even the 300 kW/400 hp in the "Twin Motor AWD" model is unlikely to be used to capacity in most everyday situations. The sprint time is just under 5 or 6 seconds, and a maximum of 180 km/h is possible, as is typical for Volvo. Alternatively, a version with 205 kW/279 hp and pure front-wheel drive is available, which reaches 100 km/h after 8.4 seconds.

More than 100 kWh for long ranges

At the AC charger, the Volvo makes do with a meagre 11 kW instead of the 22 kW available from some competitors. A completely empty battery is therefore only fully recharged after about 10 hours at the home wallbox or public AC stations. This is particularly annoying at public charging stations, because after four hours there is usually a "blocking fee".

Safety: This is where the electric Volvo is top

In assistance systems and electronic aids, on the other hand, the brand's flagship is in the top group of the industry as usual. Among the usual items, the lidar sensor unit on the roof should be highlighted, which could also offer highly autonomous driving functions in the future after a software update. However, the Swedes have not yet said when this will happen in Germany. Until then, the laser scanner will be used to support conventional assistance systems.

Result

Except for the not outstanding charging technology, the EX90 easily fulfills the brand's flagship promise and does not have to hide from the German competition such as a BMW iX and Mercedes EQE SUV or EQS SUV or the Audi Q8 e-tron. Above all, driving and noise comfort are convincing. However, those who want to fully enjoy technology and ambience quickly reach six-figure price ranges.

Volvo EX90: Technical specifications and prices

Text: Holger Holzer/SP-X

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