Volvo Unveils New EX90 Electric SUV

Volvo is continuing its push toward electrification with the introduction of the brand-new EX90 electric SUV. The EX90 is the company's third all-electric model, but it's the first to be built on the SPA2 platform developed by parent company Geely, which also served as the foundation for sister company Polestar's EVs, including the newly unveiled 3 SUV. The EX90's technology, which Volvo claims makes it the safest Volvo on the road, is the car's main selling point.

The EX90 has an entirely new design from the bottom up, but it still has the controlled Volvo aesthetic. A blanked-out grille with T-shaped headlamps on either side that have vertical fog lamps further down make up the nose. With black cladding along the bottom border, the bumper has a large air vent in the center.

The EX90 and XC90 are very similar in silhouette. With a smooth shoulder line that runs the length of the car, Volvo's signature clean design is extremely noticeable around the flanks. Around with the sparing application of cladding along the lower edge of the vehicle, creases on the lower door and atop the wheel arches give the side some further character.

The sloped rear windscreen, integrated spoiler, and C-shaped taillamps joined by a blacked-out strip define the back. On either side of the windscreen, stacked lights are situated.

The cabin is noticeably more high-tech even though the outside looks similar to the basic XC90. The simple interior design is typical of Volvo, and the huge central touchscreen in portrait orientation houses all of the in-car features. As with existing Volvos, Google is incorporated into the 14.5-inch touchscreen, which also has 5G connectivity for OTA updates. All pertinent information is displayed to the driver on a second, smaller screen that is located behind the steering. The EX90 will have seven seats and three rows of seating, just like the XC90.

The technology included in the EX90, however, is its best feature. With "state-of-the-art sensors including cameras, radars, and lidar" coupled with high-performance core computers powered by NVIDIA DRIVE and proprietary software to provide a 360-degree image of the car's surroundings, Volvo claims the EV will be the company's safest vehicle yet.

Most of the essential car components, including the infotainment and battery management systems, are also run by a combination of NVIDIA systems, Snapdragon Cockpit Platforms, and proprietary software. Unreal Engine is also used by the infotainment system to provide immersive graphics and quick processing.

The EX90 will first be offered as an all-wheel drive vehicle with a 111 kWh battery pack and two electric motors. The system will supply up to 600 km of range (WLTP) on a full charge and combine to produce 509 horsepower and 910 Nm of torque. The technology will also offer bi-directional charging, allowing the car to charge other Volvo automobiles as well as other types of vehicles.

By the end of 2023, the US will start producing the EX90, and China will follow in the months that follow.