Volvo’s XC90 successor has been revealed as a seven-seater, all-electric EX90 – is seen as a new era for the brand as the electric-only future draws ever closer.
Revealed overnight in Stockholm, the new EX90 may have an improved design reminiscent of the car it’s intended to replace, but it’s almost completely new – like new ‘radiator grille’ and lights, grips and handles. Flat doors and LiDAR roof suggested.
In Volvo’s words, it’s “a stylish, versatile family car with modern proportions, combined with cutting-edge technology in core computing, connectivity and electrification”.
As well as in its home country of Sweden, the EX90 will be manufactured for world markets at supposedly climate-neutral factories in the US and China (probably Australian sources), and will share many with Polestar 3.
Based on the new Volvo EV architecture, the EX90 will be launched with a large 111kWh battery pack driving two permanent magnet motors – i.e. electric all-wheel drive – with system outputs up to 380kW and 910Nm.
This is the same powertrain as Launch of Polestar 3 Performance.
Volvo promises this EX90 launch will have a driving range of up to 600 km during the WLTP test cycle and can charge from 10 to 80% in less than 30 minutes with a DC fast charger.
We expect cheaper versions with smaller batteries and lower output power to be rolled out in phases, with companies often choosing to start with the most expensive.
As detailed beforeThe EX90 will be the first Volvo equipped with all the necessary hardware for two-way charging, which means the rollout will be back up.
For those who like to burn, an updated (and undisclosed) XC90 is on the way, presumably bringing more of the EX90’s tech into the older car. However, it is yet to confirm whether this will make it to Australia, but there is plenty of time to make the call either way.
While Volvo has withheld more mechanical data, the Polestar 3 is probably a good reference. It features adjustable regenerative braking with a single-pedal steering option, electric torque vectoring via a clutch on the rear axle, and an efficient rear-engine decoupling function.
The Polestar 3 will also come standard with a dual-chamber air suspension and active dampers, with at least two driving modes called comfort and dynamic.
Volvo says each EX90 contains about 15 percent recycled steel, 25 percent recycled aluminum, and about 48 kilograms of recycled plastic and biomaterials, which corresponds to about 15 percent of the total plastic used in cars. That was before any other Volvo.
Volvo is Volvo, Safety is paramount, and the EX90’s standard safety level is higher than that of any previous vehicle in the brand. It’s designed to understand you and your surroundings, and become smarter and safer over time as it learns from new data and receives updates.
Sensors beyond the camera and radar – in LiDAR’s world – are connected to the car’s high-performance core computers, where Nvidia Drive runs Volvo Cars’ in-house software to create “a 360-degree view and real-time about the world”.
As well as all the familiar driver-assist features, there’s also a new Pilot Assist with steering assist when changing lanes. Sensors and interior cameras also assess eye focus and prompt you to pay attention or safely slow down if you’re dozing.
Finally, thanks to state-of-the-art sensors, the Volvo EX90 is the first Volvo to be hardware-ready for unattended driving in the future – if that happens.
One New Volvo system revealed also uses radar sensors to detect movements as small as millimeters in the vehicle’s interior, helping to protect against accidentally leaving children or pets inside. The system is also linked to the climate control system.
Inside, a 15-inch central screen has 5G connectivity and is built-in by Google, using its operating system. That means available Google apps and services including Google Assistant and Google Maps, as well as wireless Apple CarPlay.
Technologically, the EX90’s core and AI systems are powered by Nvidia Drive Xavier and Orin platforms, Qualcomm Technologies’ Snapdragon with Unreal Engine rendering from the gaming world and the engineers’ in-house software. Volvo Master.
“In other words, your Volvo EX90 will not just be a new car, it will be the most advanced computer on wheels. Even better, just like your smartphone or laptop, the Volvo EX90 is designed to get better over time, thanks to regular over-the-air software updates,” claims Volvo .
The Bowers & Wilkins sound system features Volvo’s first Dolby Atmos, as well as built-in speakers in the headrests for more immersive sound.
Instead of having to carry a fob, you can use your smartphone as a car key that is synced with your driver profile – presumably using the NFC protocol.
Starting with the EX90, Volvo says it will unveil an all-electric vehicle every next year. By 2030, it aims to sell only fully electric cars and wants to be a climate-neutral company by 2040.
In Australia, it plans to get there earlier, starting only with trams from 2026.
“Volvo EX90 is a statement for where we are and where we are going,” said Volvo Car CEO Jim Rowan.
“It is all-electric with a range of up to 600 km on a single charge, is designed to further raise our safety standards, is the first Volvo car truly defined by its software and is part of a broader ecosystem that connects to your home and your other’s devices.
“Volvo EX90 is the beginning of something new for Volvo Cars in many ways.”
Australia
Volvo’s flagship electric SUV will make the trip Down Under in the second half of 2024but it’s unclear whether an upgraded version of the petrol-powered XC90 that will go with it globally will appear with it.
The updated XC90 has not yet been revealed. At launch, it will provide Volvo with a gasoline alternative to the EX90 in markets that are not ready for pure electric power as it will phase out internal combustion systems globally by 2030.
However, in Australia, the brand has committed to will only have EVs in 2026.
“EX90 comes with a leather plate [of the XC90]but my preference is not to take it all,” Volvo Car Australia CEO Stephen Connor recently told the media.
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