Volvo EX90 Expert Review

The Volvo EX90 is based on the SPA2 architecture, and carries a minimalist design that remains recognisably Volvo. Its closed-off front end is complemented by distinctive LED headlights that open to reveal the main lamps, while pixel-based lighting technology can shape the beam to avoid dazzling oncoming traffic. The EX90 is slightly longer than the XC90 and rides on standard 21-inch wheels. Ground clearance is 210mm in its lowest air-suspension setting and can be increased to 250mm in Off-road mode. Pop-up door handles, minimal cladding and split LED tail-lamps further add to its clean, understated appearance.

The EX90’s cabin follows a minimalist theme, dominated by a 14.5-inch touchscreen and premium materials such as Nappa leather, brushed aluminium and open-pore wood. The front seats are particularly comfortable, offering heating, ventilation, massage and extensive powered adjustment. The India-spec EX90 is a six-seater with second-row captain’s chairs, which offer good space, legroom adjustment and recline but miss powered adjustment, heating, ventilation and massage. Four-zone climate control is provided, though the lack of window sunblinds and limited sun protection from the panoramic roof are notable omissions. The third row is best suited to children or shorter adults. Boot space is 324 litres with all rows up and 690 litres with the third row folded, while a 46-litre frunk and full-size spare wheel add practicality.

Most functions are controlled through the vertically oriented 14.5-inch Google-powered touchscreen, which is smooth to operate but requires too much menu navigation for basic functions such as mirror adjustment. A 9-inch digital driver display provides essential information including speed, range, battery level and navigation. One of the standout features is the 1,610W, 25-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system. Safety equipment is extensive, with nine airbags, five cameras, five radars and 12 ultrasonic sensors supporting a comprehensive ADAS suite. A 360-degree camera, auto-parking, door-opening alert and post-impact braking are also included.

The India-spec EX90 gets a dual-motor setup paired with a 106kWh battery, producing 456hp and 670Nm. It can accelerate from 0-100kph in 5.5 seconds, though performance is delivered in a smooth and progressive manner rather than with an aggressive initial punch. Range, Standard, Performance and Off-road drive modes alter the character of the powertrain and chassis, with Standard offering the best overall balance. Refinement is exceptional, with very little road or wind noise entering the cabin. The EX90 also uses microphones and speakers to make conversations between passengers across different rows easier without having to raise their voices.

The 106kWh battery has a claimed WLTP range of 625km. During the test drive, the EX90 returned around 5km/kWh in mixed conditions, translating to an indicated real-world range of approximately 530km. Regenerative braking can be set to Off, Low, High or Auto, although brake-pedal feel is inconsistent. An 11kW AC charger takes around 11 hours for a full charge, while the 800V electrical architecture allows DC fast charging at up to 350kW, enabling a 10-80 percent charge in a claimed 23 minutes. Battery pre-conditioning is also supported.

Ride comfort is one of the EX90’s strongest attributes. Its air suspension absorbs broken roads extremely well at medium and high speeds while remaining composed over low-speed bumps in the city. Standard, Firm and Soft suspension settings allow the driver to alter the balance between comfort and body control. Standard offers the best combination of suppleness and stability, while Firm improves high-speed composure. Soft can feel overly relaxed, resulting in more dive and body roll than necessary. Overall, the suspension’s ability to isolate occupants from poor road surfaces is a major highlight.

The Volvo EX90 will sit above the XC90 as the brand’s flagship SUV. It offers a plush and comfortable cabin, excellent materials, subtle styling, outstanding refinement and impressive ride comfort, making it particularly well suited to buyers seeking a chauffeur-driven luxury EV. However, the lack of rear sunblinds and some expected rear-seat comfort features, along with the heavy reliance on touchscreen controls and fiddly key-card operation, are shortcomings. Against rivals such as the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV and BMW iX, the EX90 strikes a strong middle ground between rear-seat luxury and driving ability, and makes a compelling case for buyers who value understated, minimalist luxury.