Volvo EX90 review: Cracking looks plus space, comfort and range too

Introduction

If you’ve already spotted the dinky EX30 on our roads and loved it, the dazzling new Volvo EX90 will likely fill you with similar enthusiasm. Having driven a good few miles in one now and experienced first-hand the generous helpings of passenger comfort that are on offer, that enthusiasm isn’t misplaced. It’s premium in feel, while also packing plenty of Scandinavian minimalist appeal. So basically it’s posh, without being shouty about it.

Two model variants are coming at launch: the Twin Motor Ultra, which costs £96,255 on-the-road, and the Twin Motor Performance Ultra. The latter is the pricier of the two, with a jaw-dropping £100,555 asking price. It’s the more potent of the pair, but as is the case with most EVs, performance is sprightly whichever you go for. Range is up to 374 miles.

Volvo is keeping things wonderfully straightforward elsewhere, with just a single trim level. The interior is sensible and clever, with a great use of sustainable fabrics that give the cockpit a fresh, upbeat feel. Better still, this being a at the larger end of the Volvo product portfolio, the EX90 comes with seven seats if you need it. It’s a fine successor to the lovely Volvo XC90, which continues to be available for the time being if you’re not quite ready to go fully electric yet.

The styling

As someone who loves what Volvo has done with the diminutive EX30, I’m just as keen on its larger relative. The lines are very similar, which keeps a consistent design theme right at the centre of this car’s appeal. The angular but sleek body shape also benefits from the sober exterior colours, with the Vapor Grey model I’ve been driving looking very sensible but also sophisticated. Pixel LED headlights set off the corners to great effect, while the model seen here sits on a stylish set of 22in alloys.

With a length just over five metres the Volvo EX90 is certainly sizeable, but it doesn’t feel quite as intimidating as something like the Kia EV9. With a width of just over two metres and a height over 1.7 metres the SUV also feels like it’ll fit into most geographical locations, including tight city streets and even trickier backwaters out in the sticks.

While the clean exterior lines are all about being practical and no-nonsense, the interior is a fantastic place to be, no matter which of the three rows you occupy. Up front, the cockpit benefits from the likes of Nordico upholstery (a composite collection of recycled and sustainable materials), which provides seats that are fabulous to sit on. There are neat and typically inventive Volvo compliments too, like the slide out lumbar supports on both front seats, with massage functionality to boot.

Move further back and the rear seats work to great effect, although getting into the rear pair that occupy the third row is less easy than it appears. Small children should find getting into position back there great fun though. I think the ambient lighting behind the trim panels is particularly impressive when darkness descends, delivering a cool calming effect to occupants.

Better still, the addition of the panoramic glass roof really helps to lift the ambience of the interior, especially for those in the rear seats. A bonus is the four-zone climate control system, which allows rear occupants to set their own preferences on the temperature front. Useful for fidgety kids because you can simply leave it up to them.

Boot space can be beefed up from the standard 310 litres using all seven seats to a sizeable 1,915 litres with seats folded. There’s the natty little ‘Will it fit’ diagram inside the car too, which advises on what will go in. With some fettling, I reckon there’s not much the Volvo EX90 can’t carry, just as long as you don’t have to take the rest of the family at the same time. A compact frunk under the bonnet adds a touch more supplementary storage.

The drive

Volvo’s design team have given it their best shot on the exterior and interior, but driving the EX90 adds a lot to the overall appeal of this SUV. It’s electric, so there’s very little effort involved in getting up and running. The driver’s seat position is easily tweaked to suit your needs and, aside from dipping into the touchscreen to set the door mirror positing, I found the Volvo EX90 instantly ready for business.

The powertrain controls are basically the same as those found in the EX30, with a column shifter that let me select drive and get on my way with minimal effort. I did notice the slightly unusual way the indicator doesn’t always cancel to be odd, just as it was when I drone the EX30. Aside from that though, there’s a practical pod in front of the driver that can be customised via steering wheel controls to offer up alternating views including a view of the satellite navigation system. It’s simple but effective.

Backing up the ease of the system is the powertrain itself, which delivers everything you’d expect from the potent setup. The all-wheel drive arrangement that sits within Volvo’s new SPA2 electric platform is immediate and positive, which means it’s easy to throw the EX90 around if you want too.

This isn’t that kind of car though, because it’s a Volvo, and the SUV performs best when you’re driving it sensibly. The air suspension provides a delicious ride quality too, without being so smooth that it induces car sickness as happens in some EVs. Anyone considering the Volvo EX90 with kids to consider should find it ideally suited to their needs.

The technology

Much has been written about the emphasis on touchscreen tech in the little Volvo EX30 and the same applies for the Volvo EX90. Having used both systems for a while now I think the initial grumbles about the dominance of the screen to carry out commands has been a little on the hysterical side. It’s easy to get moderately wound up by having a touchscreen glove box button, and adjusting door mirrors via the 14.5in touchscreen is a drag. Overall, though, it’s relatively easy to live with.

Indeed, I think the tweaks and fine-tuning that has been done to the system, complete with a very user-friendly Google UI sitting right there are your fingertips is, on the whole, a great success. Things are even easier if you’re the only driver too, as once everything is set, there’s not much to worry about. The screen itself, including the Google navigation system, is a cinch to operate in much the same way as it is on a smartphone. Nice job.

Everyone gets the benefit of the Bowers & Wilkins premium sound system, with quality 1,610-Watt audio delivery throughout thanks to a 25-speaker setup. However, the front two seats also get the bonus of an additional boost from speakers in the headrests. The effect is understated, but really helps to bring out the best from all types of music. As expected, there are ports aplenty for anyone, no matter where they happen to be sitting. Meanwhile, bi-directional charging capability means the Volvo EX90 offers Vehicle-to-Grid and Vehicle-to-Home appeal too.

Volvo EX90 verdict

Anyone who’s a fan of the ever-popular Volvo XC90 should investigate the Volvo EX90. It takes the essence of what makes that SUV so great, but adds in all the benefits of an electric powertrain. The new platform works to great effect, despite its hefty 2,704kg overall weight, with a smooth and seamless drive that is complimented by lashings of premium interior comfort.

There are some quirks of course, like the hard-to-ignore LiDAR bulge above the windscreen and the dominance of touchscreen controls over physical buttons on the inside. This does feel like a quality car though and, if you’re so inclined, the Volvo EX90 will put on a performance show that is just as good as other seven-seat rivals. Sure, it’s expensive, but having picked over it for a while now, I think the premium price is fully justified.

Volvo EX90 technical specifications

Powertrain	Twin permanent magnet synchronous electric motors
Battery	111kW
Power	515bhp
Torque	671lb ft
0-60mph	4.7sec
Top speed	112mph
Range	374 miles
Charge rate	250kWh
Cargo volume	310-1915 litres