The “minimalism is essential” principle is central to Swedish design, reflecting the Scandinavian aesthetic characterized by practicality, sleek lines, and a deep appreciation for nature that Volvo has mastered in its vehicles. Meticulously assembled with focus on detail, their flagship electric SUV follows this tradition. For its worldwide launch, Volvo presented the upscale three-row model through picturesque drives along Southern California’s famous coastal Highway 101, the undulating hills of Temecula Valley, and the Volvo Landscape experience at the luxurious Newport Beach retreat Pelican Hill. Both visually appealing and highly practical, the EX90 provided an enjoyable driving experience. It was smooth and exceptionally quiet on the road, and environmentally friendly materials offered a wonderful ambiance inside as well.
The Most Secure Volvo Yet
Volvo has become synonymous with security, and many of its breakthroughs have set the benchmark for the automotive realm, particularly the three-point seatbelt and Side Impact Protection System (SIPS). In line with its “Vision Zero” initiative (aiming for no fatalities or severe injuries in a new Volvo by 2030), the EX90 is crafted to be the “safest Volvo yet,” emphasizing the brand’s assurance and dedication to cutting-edge safety innovations.
A new multicamera driver-monitoring system (including a camera on the dashboard and another beneath the steering wheel, with a total of eight strategically placed throughout the vehicle) allows for vigilant mirror and blind spot checks, but a distracted driver may receive an alert from the display. In an unexpected instance, it advised my partner to take a break, hinting that they appeared fatigued during a particularly winding stretch of the Ortega Highway. During our lunch break in Temecula, technology manager Eva Lahti, crucial to EX90’s safety enhancements, explained how Volvo’s Safe Space Technology occupant detection system monitors activity when parked by identifying minute movements. “Radar sensors are meticulously positioned around the cabin. So if a pet or child remains inside while you attempt to lock the doors, it will prevent locking, or prompt a notification to check the interior,” she stated.
A Technological Marvel on Wheels
Besides being the most secure Volvo to date, the EX90 is also the most technologically sophisticated. This evolution allows you to forgo the conventional fob in favor of your smartphone as the key for almost every function, including Remote Actions like ensuring doors are secure or prepping the engine on a chilly morning via the Volvo Cars App. Equipped with new AI-compatible software and 5G capabilities for wireless updates, convenience and tech integration are crucial to this “smart and connected computer on wheels,” with personalized settings stored in profiles in the app. As you approach the vehicle, doors unlock, and mirrors and seats adjust almost magically – tailored to the last driver.
Once seated, the pristine dash – aside from buttons on the steering wheel and a rotary dial for audio on the central console – features a suspended 14.5-inch Google-powered tablet that also includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This configuration means that functions (adjusting mirrors, lowering rear windows, even opening the glove compartment) are accomplished through a series of taps on the touchscreen. The interface will be intuitive for those tech-savvy, but I easily managed to comprehend the essentials from the passenger seat. Also conveniently accessible via a docked touchscreen button was the one-pedal driving mode, which we chose to deactivate for our journey looping east through Lake Elsinore to Temecula and then north on Interstate 5 and Highway 101 back to Newport later on.
Whether tackling winding cuts through the canyon or gliding on the freeway, the EX90 provided a smooth and well-managed ride. The steering was light yet responsive, while the computer-controlled dual-chamber air suspension absorbed bumps seamlessly. For those desiring a more athletic ride, driving dynamics settings can be adjusted via the touchscreen, transitioning the suspension and steering from “soft” to “firm.” Its dual-motor powertrain produces a remarkable 510 horsepower, accelerating the near three-ton SUV from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.7 seconds – quite an achievement for its size.
High-Fidelity Audio, Scandinavian Elegance
Thanks to the absence of artificial engine sound, the EX90 may be one of the most serene vehicles I’ve driven, making the enjoyment of the outstanding Bowers & Wilkins sound system even more pronounced. Exclusively available on the Ultra trim (and a $3,200 upgrade for Plus models), it will be hard for audio enthusiasts to resist. Featuring 25 speakers, some built into the headrests, the surround sound can replicate audio in various remarkable modes, including one that mimics the acoustics of the iconic Abbey Road Studios in London. Every seat in the seven-seater delivers an experience that is genuinely as incredible as it sounds.
With sleek lines marked by subtle aerodynamic touches and a fresh interpretation of Volvo’s Thor’s-hammer design headlights, the exterior boasts refined minimalism that extends into the glass-roofed interior. Senior design manager Marie Stark, an alumnus of The Swedish School of Textiles, has collaborated with Volvo for nearly two decades, drawing inspiration from fashion, Scandinavian furniture, and most significantly, nature. This led her to blend sustainably sourced ash and birch wood accents into the dashboard trim – a remarkable first for Volvo.
The 2025 EX90 offers four color and interior theme configurations, but we had the opportunity to experience two: Charcoal complemented with birch décor, featuring elegant zinc grey wool-blend fabric created from recycled polyester alongside a Vapor Grey exterior, and my personal favorite, the Dawn interior with light ash trim and Dawn quilted leather-free Nordico upholstery, accented by a subtle beach-inspired Sand Dune exterior that feels perfect for Southern California.
Specifications & Pricing
Charging fully takes around ten hours or with a quick charge, you can achieve 80% in thirty minutes (utilizing the Volvo Cars app to find public chargers, handle payments, and monitor charging progress). With an EPA-rated range of 310 miles on its 107.0-kWh underfloor battery, the EX90 is equally suitable as a daily vehicle for city driving as it is for family journeys or weekends with friends. The EX90 Plus is available for $81,290, while the top-tier Ultra model, complete with the optional Bowers & Wilkins audio system and 22-inch wheels, approaches the $100K mark.
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