With my phone stowed away, I slide into the Volvo EX90 EV, and as I draw near this three-row SUV, the driver’s door unlocks, the seat adjusts to my preferred position, and the mirrors and steering wheel align to their ideal settings. My preferred options and climate controls refresh seamlessly.
Full honesty here: This is the intended experience. However, I must admit that when I first entered the EX90, I spent nearly 10 minutes trying to decipher a myriad of screen settings. Each time my driving companion and I swapped positions, we faced the same struggle. Similar to Tesla, Volvo has eliminated traditional fingertip controls, making it impossible to adjust settings even while idling at a stoplight in Drive.
What’s the reasoning behind this? Design minimalism, of course. Although the EX90 features a classic Volvo design—boxy and clean on the exterior—it adopts a minimalist yet stylish aesthetic on the inside. It includes all the expected Volvo characteristics, from Thor’s hammer lights to sharply defined taillights, albeit presented in a more subdued manner. At first glance, it appears to be a natural progression of Volvo’s design for the electric era, without any radical departures.
The 14.5-inch touchscreen interface serves as the centerpiece of the EX90’s cabin. Based on my initial experience, it ranks among the more competent systems built on the Google Android Automotive OS, which is beginning to standardize the look of various infotainment interfaces. However, Volvo has opted for a different layout, consolidating climate control functions and quick access to the home screen, apps, and settings at the bottom of the display. Just above that, widgets and contextual icons are placed, with most of the screen real estate dedicated to navigation—though it can also be mirrored on the 9.0-inch gauge cluster.
Those who aren’t fond of Tesla’s approach of relegating all controls to the touchscreen and fully embracing the minimalist trend will likely feel the same about Volvo’s strategy. However, unlike Tesla, Volvo provides a customizable gauge display, a heads-up display, and various options for changing the touchscreen layout.
Among the functions Tesla has moved to the touchscreen, Volvo has retained physical controls for turn signals and gear shifting, and it has not delegated the repositioning of climate-control vents to the screen. I appreciate the tactile experience of manually adjusting the vent. Thank you, Volvo—it’s a refreshing feature.
Volvo’s inaugural software-defined vehicle
Volvo emphasizes its narrative about the EX90, produced in South Carolina and set to arrive at dealerships this fall, despite having faced delays due to software problems, by categorizing it as a software-defined vehicle. It’s expected that the interface will progress and incorporate additional features through a lifecycle of vehicle updates. Volvo highlights its partnerships with Google, Qualcomm, and Nvidia, indicating that the EX90 represents the starting point for advanced technology and an interface that will eventually extend throughout its upcoming EV offerings. The company also notes that it will maintain navigation data and over-the-air update capability, even if customers choose to discontinue their 5G data subscription for apps and streaming; however, it has not yet provided details on how this will be implemented.
Offered insights into the expected costs of data for this new system following its introductory period.
As I became more acquainted with the technology over several hours of driving, it became evident that Volvo has upheld its reputation in the EX90 for prioritizing passenger comfort, safety, and luxury in a subtle manner.
When the latest XC90 lineup was first introduced, Volvo was already elevating its brand, and the EX90 seems to further this trend in its interior design. While the interface and dashboard present an ultra-minimalistic and almost stark appearance, the cabin exudes a rich, finely textured ambiance—at least in the top-tier Ultra models I experienced during the launch event. The front seats are equipped with extendable thigh supports and accommodate a wide variety of body types; the second-row seating is spacious enough for adults. Plus, while it’s possible to fit a six-foot passenger in the third row, accessing it can be a bit challenging.
2025 Volvo EX90 Performance
For the 2025 model year, the EX90 is available in two different powertrain configurations, each offered in Plus or Ultra trims. In the Twin Motor Performance variant I tested, the dual-motor setup generates a total of 510 hp and 671 lb-ft of torque, enabling it to reach 60 mph in just 4.7 seconds. Conversely, the Twin Motor versions provide 402 hp and 568 lb-ft. Both variants feature permanent magnet motors, although they produce slightly varied outputs. Additionally, both configurations utilize a disconnect clutch for the rear motor, allowing the EX90 to operate as a front-wheel-drive vehicle during steady cruising or light acceleration, with the rear motor typically engaged during initial acceleration. A Performance AWD mode functions similarly to a sport mode, locking the rear motor from 19 to 81 mph to enhance cornering dynamics. There’s also an off-road mode available.
In terms of straight-line performance, the EX90 is remarkably quiet and accelerates as rapidly as the figures suggest. Volvo has eliminated cabin noise and vibration without employing active noise cancellation, and the EX90 lacks sound enhancement; the minimal noise is attributed to the carefully selected bushings, which include fluid-filled mounts for the motor units.
Despite its weight of approximately 6,100 pounds, making it the heaviest model in the series, the EX90 was surprisingly agile—although I cannot yet comment on the entire lineup. This agility is attributed to the Ultra model’s air suspension and semi-active (multi-mode) dampers, which allow drivers to select between softer or firmer ride qualities and adjust steering feedback correspondingly. Personally, I preferred the softer settings for both as it yielded a more natural steering feel and improved ride quality without compromising dynamic control when navigating aggressively; however, I did observe that this setting resulted in a bit more nosedive during sudden stops.
On the subject of braking, I found the soft brake pedal response unappealing, along with the limited regenerative braking options. Besides an “auto” mode that I struggled to assess, drivers can opt for a strong one-pedal driving mode or completely disable regenerative braking, causing the vehicle to coast as if in neutral. While sitting on a steep incline with my foot on the brake, I realized I could move the pedal several inches without pinpointing the friction point of the brake pads. Volvo managed to nail the brake feel in the XC40 Recharge, so this could be an isolated issue. It would be beneficial if they were to introduce an intermediate regen option for the sake of passengers.
A 300-mile range for EX90 in the real world?
The EX90 is fitted with a 111-kWh battery pack that includes nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC) lithium-ion cells, with Volvo providing 107 kWh as usable capacity. According to the manufacturer, a road trip fast charge from 10% to 80% takes about 30 minutes when using a connector of 250 kW or higher; using a 150 kW connector adds just five more minutes to the charging session.
With its 11-kW onboard charger, the EX90 can achieve a full charge in under 10 hours when using a 48-amp, 240-volt home charging unit.
Another noteworthy feature of the EX90 is its bidirectional charging capability, which is expected to improve through various accessories and over-the-air software updates. Starting later this year, a unit provided by Volvo partner dcbel will enable EX90 owners to store energy for their homes or potentially sell electricity back to their utility provider in the future.
Volvo cites U.S. **EPA-cycle range estimates of 310 miles** when equipped with 21-inch wheels, while the range drops slightly to 300 miles with either 20-inch or 22-inch wheels.
Early assessments under 80-degree conditions suggest that the EX90 can meet or exceed these estimates in practical driving scenarios. After covering approximately 185 miles in Orange County, across various vehicles and road conditions—including high-speed freeway travel and mountainous regions—I observed nearly 2.8 miles per kWh, translating to around 300 miles of range without extensive focus on efficiency.
EX90 Safety and Pilot Assist: Highly Competent Yet Cautious
Volvo has undertaken significant steps to enhance its interface; however, its aptly named Pilot Assist driver-assistance features maintain a more cautious stance. **Pilot Assist does not utilize mapped highways** in the same manner as other systems and incorporates a unique element that sets it apart: lidar technology. The EX90 is equipped with a Luminar lidar sensor that enables it to detect pedestrians up to 250 meters away, offering a longer and more precise perspective than traditional camera systems.
In comparison to GM’s Super Cruise, Ford’s Blue Cruise, and certainly Tesla’s Navigate on Autopilot, Pilot Assist opts for a more conservative strategy. Initiating an automated lane change necessitates both hands on the wheel for a significant duration, and drivers cannot remove their hands from the steering wheel’s capacitive sensors for more than 14 seconds at a time.
The price tag reflects its premium features. The 2025 EX90 begins at $81,290, which includes a $1,295 destination fee. The Plus trim offers an array of luxurious amenities such as four-zone climate control, third-row air conditioning, a power-folding third row, a power tailgate, a heated steering wheel, and heated front and second-row seats. Higher-end Ultra trims, like the one I tested, equipped with features such as air suspension, massage seats, soft-close doors, and flush door handles, are priced starting at $85,640 for the Twin Motor version and $90,640 for the Twin Motor Performance model.
Overall, Volvo continues to prioritize its core brand values. The existing XC90 has successfully provided owners with comfort, safety, and a sense of luxury without being overly ostentatious. The **2025 Volvo EX90** builds on this foundation while confidently embracing the future.
Image Source: Doug DeMuro @ YouTube
