Volvo EX90
The Volvo EX90 is a battery electric full-size luxury crossover SUV produced by the Swedish automaker Volvo Cars, serving as the flagship model in its electrification lineup and designed as a seven-seater (or optional six-seater) vehicle emphasizing safety, sustainability, and premium comfort.[1][2] It features a dual-motor all-wheel-drive powertrain with options for 402 horsepower in the standard Twin Motor configuration or 510 horsepower in the Twin Motor Performance variant, delivering torque outputs of 568 lb-ft and 671 lb-ft respectively, along with 0-60 mph acceleration times of 5.7 seconds and 4.7 seconds.[3] The vehicle is equipped with a 111 kWh battery pack, providing an EPA-estimated range of up to 310 miles on 21-inch wheels or 300 miles on 20- or 22-inch wheels, and supports rapid DC charging from 10% to 80% in about 30 minutes at up to 250 kW.[3] Production of the EX90 commenced in June 2024 at Volvo's manufacturing facility in Ridgeville, South Carolina, with initial customer deliveries starting in the second half of that year for the 2025 model year.[4] Measuring 198.3 inches in length, 77.3 inches in width, and 68.8 inches in height with a 117.5-inch wheelbase, the EX90 offers a spacious interior with configurable seating for families, up to 75.4 cubic feet of cargo space when the rear rows are folded, and a towing capacity of 4,850 pounds.[3] Its design incorporates Scandinavian minimalism with sustainable materials, such as recycled plastics and bio-based textiles, while the cabin integrates advanced infotainment via a 14.5-inch center touchscreen powered by Google built-in services, including Google Assistant, Maps, and Play, alongside wireless Apple CarPlay compatibility.[5] Safety remains a hallmark, with features like a reinforced Safety Cage structure, multiple radars, cameras, and ultrasonic sensors for collision avoidance, and equipped with lidar for initial data collection to support future autonomous driving enhancements, though lidar has been discontinued for the 2026 model year.[5] The EX90 has been critically acclaimed for its blend of performance, luxury, and environmental focus, earning the 2025 World Luxury Car award from the World Car Awards jury, which praised its impressive interior comfort, advanced technology, and silent electric propulsion as the standout new luxury vehicle of the year.[2] However, initial 2025 models faced notable software issues and recalls, prompting comprehensive upgrades for the 2026 model year. Looking ahead, the 2026 model introduces an upgraded 800-volt electrical architecture for faster charging—adding up to 155 miles of range in 10 minutes—and improved efficiency, building on the original's foundation as Volvo's most advanced electric SUV to date.[6][7][8]Background and development
Announcement and reveal
The development of the Volvo EX90 began with a preview through the Concept Recharge, unveiled on June 30, 2021, as a teaser for Volvo's upcoming electric SUV lineup and a manifestation of the company's shift toward a fully electric future.[9] This concept vehicle showcased design elements and interior innovations intended for production models, emphasizing spaciousness, sustainable materials, and advanced electric architecture without internal combustion engine compatibility.[10] Volvo officially revealed the EX90 on November 9, 2022, in Stockholm, positioning it as the brand's flagship all-electric SUV and direct successor to the XC90.[11] Initially considered for the name "Embla"—a reference to the first woman in Norse mythology—the model was ultimately branded EX90 to maintain naming consistency with Volvo's electric vehicles and meet customer expectations for familiarity.[12] At the reveal, Volvo announced key early specifications, including its construction on the new Scalable Product Architecture 2 (SPA2) platform dedicated to electric vehicles, and a targeted EPA-estimated range of up to 300 miles.[13] In April 2023, Volvo unveiled the EX90 Excellence variant at the Auto Shanghai motor show, presenting it as a luxury-oriented showcase with enhanced features tailored for high-end markets, particularly in China.[14] This limited-edition, four-seat configuration highlighted premium amenities and bespoke styling, building on the standard EX90 to demonstrate the platform's versatility for upscale chauffeur-driven applications.[15]Platform and engineering
The Volvo EX90 is built on the Scalable Product Architecture 2 (SPA2), an electric vehicle-exclusive platform evolved from the original SPA1 to optimize battery integration, structural rigidity, and high-voltage systems.[16] This architecture features a centralized core computing system and supports advanced electrification, with recent updates incorporating an 800-volt electrical architecture for improved efficiency and faster charging compared to the initial 400-volt setup.[17] The SPA2 enables a flat-floor design that enhances interior space while maintaining Volvo's signature safety standards through ultra-high-strength steel reinforcements around the battery pack.[18] Engineering efforts for the EX90 emphasize sustainability, incorporating approximately 50 kilograms of recycled plastics and bio-based materials per vehicle, along with 15% recycled steel and 25% recycled aluminum in its construction.[19] These choices align with Volvo's broader goal of achieving climate-neutral manufacturing operations across its plants by 2025, supported by renewable energy sources like hydroelectric power and biogas.[20] The platform's design also prioritizes circularity, with components selected for high recyclability to minimize environmental impact over the vehicle's lifecycle.[21] Development of the EX90 began in 2021, but faced significant challenges including multiple delays in production start from early 2024 to mid-2024 due to complex software integration issues related to AI systems and lidar, ultimately costing over $1 billion; it culminated in its public reveal in November 2022 and production readiness by mid-2024 at Volvo's Ridgeville, South Carolina facility.[11][22] A key aspect of this timeline involved collaboration with NVIDIA, integrating DRIVE Orin-based computing for AI-driven features from the outset, with expansions to dual Orin systems and future DRIVE Thor adoption for enhanced processing power.[23] Engineers addressed significant challenges in battery integration, treating the pack as a structural element to boost torsional rigidity by 50% over the XC90 while reducing overall weight through optimized material placement.[24] This approach not only improves handling and crash performance but also contributes to efficiency by minimizing energy losses in the chassis.[25] During the engineering phase, Volvo partnered with Luminar Technologies starting in 2020 to integrate Iris lidar sensors into the EX90's roofline for initial 2025 models, enabling advanced driver assistance and future autonomy through long-range object detection without compromising aerodynamics or aesthetics; however, in November 2025, Volvo announced the termination of the partnership, removing lidar from the EX90 beginning with the 2026 model year.[26][27][8]Design and specifications
Exterior styling and dimensions
The Volvo EX90 measures 5,037 mm in length, 1,964 mm in width without mirrors (2,113 mm including mirrors), 1,748 mm in height, and features a 2,985 mm wheelbase, providing a spacious footprint for a three-row electric SUV.[3] These proportions draw from the SPA2 platform, contributing to balanced handling and stability.[3] The EX90's exterior emphasizes aerodynamic efficiency with a drag coefficient of 0.29, achieved through sculpted lines that guide airflow smoothly over the body, flush door handles that minimize protrusion, active grille shutters that adjust to optimize cooling and drag, and a covered body-colored grille.[28][3] This design not only enhances energy efficiency but also imparts a sleek, modern silhouette characteristic of Volvo's electric lineup. Styling cues include the signature Thor's Hammer-shaped LED headlights, which incorporate advanced pixel technology for adaptive lighting, paired with an illuminated grille featuring the Volvo emblem for a premium front fascia.[28] The Excellence variant adds distinction with optional two-tone paint schemes, such as contrasting roof and body colors, accentuating its luxury positioning.[29] Wheel options range from 20-inch to 22-inch alloy designs, with aero-optimized covers on select sizes to preserve range by reducing turbulence.[3][30] Exterior-accessible storage includes a rear cargo area offering up to 2,135 liters with all seats folded and a front trunk (frunk) providing 46 liters of space for items like charging cables.[3][31]Interior layout and capacity
The Volvo EX90 features a standard seven-seat configuration, with an optional six-seat layout that replaces the second-row bench with individual captain's chairs for enhanced comfort and easier third-row access.[3] The third row includes power-folding seats that stow flat into the floor, providing flexibility for cargo needs, though headroom measures approximately 36.3 inches, making it suitable primarily for children or shorter adults, with limited space for those over six feet tall.[32][33] Interior materials emphasize sustainability and premium quality, including a tailored wool blend upholstery composed of 30 percent natural wool and 70 percent recycled polyester, alongside Nordico—a sustainable alternative to leather made from recycled and bio-based materials—and recycled plastics incorporated into various components.[34][35] The cabin also incorporates ambient lighting that enhances the serene atmosphere, drawing from Scandinavian design principles for a warm and inviting space.[36] Front seats are power-adjustable with multi-way support, offering heating, ventilation, and massage functions featuring five programs at varying intensities to promote driver and passenger well-being during long journeys.[37] The second row provides ample legroom at 36.5 inches and supports the optional captain's chairs with integrated armrests, while all seats contribute to a spacious feel aided by the vehicle's overall interior dimensions, including 40.9 inches of front legroom and 41.6 inches of second-row headroom.[3][38] Cargo capacity offers versatility, with 384 liters (approximately 13.6 cubic feet) available behind the third row, expanding to 2,135 liters (75.4 cubic feet) when the second and third rows are folded.[33][35][39] A powered tailgate with hands-free operation facilitates loading, complemented by underfloor storage for added utility.[38] The EX90 is equipped with a standard four-zone automatic climate control system, allowing independent temperature and fan adjustments for the driver, front passenger, and two rear passengers, while preconditioning via the Volvo Cars app enables remote heating or cooling to optimize comfort before entry.[5][40]Powertrain and performance
Electric motors and battery
The Volvo EX90 features a lithium-ion battery pack with a gross capacity of 111 kWh and a usable capacity of 107 kWh, employing nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) chemistry for balanced energy density and performance.[41][42] The pack utilizes a 400-volt architecture.[3] The EX90's propulsion system is built around permanent magnet synchronous electric motors integrated into the Sustainable Premium Architecture 2 (SPA2) platform, Volvo's dedicated electric vehicle chassis. The available configurations are all-wheel-drive (AWD) variants with dual motors—one on each axle—providing enhanced traction and performance.| Variant | Configuration | Power Output | Torque | 0-60 mph Acceleration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Twin Motor | AWD | 300 kW (402 hp) | 770 Nm (568 lb-ft) | 5.7 seconds |
| Twin Motor Performance | AWD | 380 kW (510 hp) | 910 Nm (671 lb-ft) | 4.7 seconds |