Thing promised, thing due. Volvo had given us an appointment on November 9, 2022 to learn more about the EX90, its new 100% electric SUV. Motorization, safety, autonomy, we take stock together of this serious competitor to the Tesla Model X.
Faced with the ban decreed by the European Union on the sale of new thermal vehicles from 2035, car manufacturers are making sure to accelerate their energy transition and electrify their offers. At Volvo, it is currently necessary to deal with only two electric vehicles: the XC40 SUV, launched in 2021, and its cut version, the C40 Recharge.
Nevertheless, during an online conference broadcast on YouTube in September 2022, the Swedish brand lifted the veil on the EX90, its brand new 100% electric 7-seater SUV. With the EX90, Volvo’s ambitions are displayed: launch the safest car in the brand’s history.
The Volvo EX90 is all about safety
To do this, the SUV embarks “one of the most advanced sensor sets on the market” comprising eight cameras, five radars, 16 ultrasonic sensors and a LiDAR sensor installed directly on the roof. But that’s not all, since two cameras installed in the cabin will analyze the driver’s eye movements. The goal ? Determine if driver attention is impaired or diminished by alcohol or fatigue. If dangerous behavior is detected, the car sounds alarms to wake up the driver and if he remains amorphous, the car can automatically stop on the roadside.
To find out more about the motorization, the price or the autonomy of the EX90, you had to wait until November 9, 2022. Thing promised, thing due, Volvo officially presented its new SUV on Wednesday. The brand sums it up this way: “A versatile and elegant family car with modern proportions, combined with state-of-the-art technology in basic computing, connectivity and electrification to optimize safety, efficiency and aesthetics”.
A sporty and family SUV at the same time
Regarding elegance, the interior is indeed sober, and Volvo specifies that the seats are not made of animal leather. The materials used for the interior are mostly natural and from responsible sources (we don’t have exact figures, let’s specify). For the family side, this EX90 can count on a nice space in the trunk. Already offering a generous capacity of 655 liters volume, it is possible to reach 1040 liters by lowering the row of rear seats, and 1915 liters up to roof height. The icing on the cake, an additional 37 liters will be available in the front trunk.
At the front, driver and passenger will be able to enjoy a large 14.5-inch infotainment screen, with integrated Google. You will find all the services and flagship apps of the Mountain View firm such as Google Maps, Hands-free help from Google Assistant or the Google Play Store. Compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is also confirmed. Another 8-inch screen will act as the head-up display high in front of the driving position. Note that the car will support standard 5G connection, and it will carry a Bower & Wilkins audio system compatible with Dolby Atmosa first in the history of the brand.
A heavyweight capable of reaching 0 to 100 km / h in 6 seconds
What about the engine? The initially available twin-motor all-wheel-drive version is powered by a 111 kWh battery. The two permanent magnet electric motors deliver together 380kW (517 hp-) and 910 Nm of torque in the Performance version of the EX90. The basic model Twin refill displays a power of 300 kW (408 hp) for a torque of 770 Nm.
In fact, and despite a substantial weight on the balance of 2.8 tons, this EX90 will have some under the hood. So he waits 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.9 seconds (Recharge Twin model) and in 4.9 seconds (for the Performance model). Regarding autonomy, Volvo announces between 560 and 580 km of autonomy on a WLTP combined cyclewhile it will be possible to reach 680 km if we are content to make short trips in town.
As for charging, Volvo promises to reach 100% in just 30 minutes on a 250 kW fast terminal, when it will take about 11 hours from a home mains socket (up to 11 kW). Moreover, the manufacturer specifies that a “home energy management offer”, composed in particulara two-way wall box and an energy management system”, will be offered in certain markets. This will allow users to monitor and optimize your home’s energy consumption before your EX90 arrives.
Now let’s talk about the price. Unsurprisingly, the EX90 is not intended for modest budgets, far from it. In its Recharge Twin Motor version in Ultra finish (the 1st model available in France), it will be displayed at €107,900. For the Performance model and its 517 hp engine, it will be necessary to put on the table 113 100 €. The car will be guaranteed for 3 years, while the battery will be covered for 8 years by the Swedish brand.
