Is The New All-Electric Volvo EX90 Worth £100,000?

By Jeremy Taylor & Jessica Talbot-Ponsonby

2 months ago

Jeremy Taylor and Jessica Talbot-Ponsonby discuss

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This seven-seat SUV is packed with technology and emission-free – but it comes at a price. Motoring editor Jeremy Taylor and Jessica Talbot-Ponsonby discuss the new Volvo EX90.

Inside The Volvo EX90

J-TP – So, how was your first drive in the long-awaited EX90? Is it just a battery version of the popular, petrol-powered XC90?

JT – You might think so, but look closer. The EX is sleeker and rather more stylish – apart from that lump at the front of the roof, but we’ll come back to that in a moment.

I know the EX was designed from the chassis up as a pure electric vehicle, but it appears very similar. What’s the story?

Volvo’s latest flagship is something of an homage to the brand’s safe and sustainable ethos. The all-wheel drive even uses state-of-the-art radar and camera systems to detect potential risks on the road ahead.

I assume that has something to do with the roof hump which looks remarkably like a ‘taxi’ light?

You aren’t the first to notice. Normally, that sort of radar tech is hidden inside the windscreen. Totally spoils the streamlined, minimalist shape I think, but obviously Volvo design bosses signed it off anyway.

Shame – I’m guessing the interior is up to scratch?

Passengers are cossetted in a stylish, minimalist cabin made of premium materials. Naturally, the eco-conscious seats are made from wool blended with recycled plastic bottles. However, on the launch event, some pieces of trim had become detached.

Oh dear, very unlike Volvo.

At least the technology was up to scratch. 5G and Google Maps are built in, with over-the-air updates on a 14.5-inch infotainment screen. A delightful Bowers & Wilkins stereo system is equipped with Dolby Atmos surround sound and speakers embedded in the headrests. The sound of silence is further enhanced by thicker window glass.

The cockpit looks very smart and Google Maps means you can search for hotels and other places by name, rather than just a postcode.

Unfortunately, some of that shine is dulled by other systems in the Volvo. Too many of the controls – such as door mirror and steering column adjustment – are accessed via a combination of both the touchscreen and buttons on the steering wheel, far more distracting than a physical toggle switch.

Sounds like Volvo is trying to reinvent the wheel. Sometimes, a physical button is far better. What are the power options?

Two, twin-motor versions are available, a 402hp standard model and a 502hp Performance, the latter managing 0-60mph in 4.7 seconds.

Does it drive well?

Even with standard air suspension, the bulk of a 111kWh battery pack weighs heavy on the EX90’s road handling. It’s supremely comfortable on the motorway, but feels more cumbersome on a fast and bendy country road.

I’m assuming the battery range is up to par?

It’s OK, but not outstanding. Expect up to 308 miles on a single charge, but less in real-world driving conditions. That figure also lags behind rivals from Mercedes and BMW.

Not totally blown away then?

Not really, but the seven seats mean the EX90 is almost in a field of its own if you want to drive electric. There is one brilliant alternative – the Kia EV9 which we drove in April is considerably cheaper, but not quite as plush.

We loved the EV9 – it was also 2024’s World Car of the Year.

The EX90 is quiet, refined and very safe. However, buyers will need to be very serious about their eco credentials with prices starting at £96,000 and climbing to an eye-watering £101,000.