The delay of the Volvo EX90, also the Polestar 3 sibling, has hardly escaped anyone.
Now, however, both cars are finally here. We boarded the flight to the US West Coast for a first test drive of the EX90.
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The Volvo EX90 is investing heavily in the American market. (Photo: Volvo Cars) Calm and composed
The first thing you notice about the new EX90 is how quiet it is, and truly stands out in the segment – something that is not entirely obvious on the rough roads of California.
The silence becomes even more noticeable when you press the plate into the carpet. The electric motors make no fuss at all and the acceleration is thus quiet and undramatic.
In fact, the acceleration is so effectively masked by the distinguished comfort that the EX90 feels a bit sluggish even though with the Performance add-on it can do 0 to 100 in 4.9 seconds.
If the ambition had been to create a pure performance car, the slightly slow experience would have been a problem, but the character of the car is perfectly suited to the purpose for which it is intended.
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The EX90 is one of the most expensive Volvo cars ever. (Photo: Volvo Cars) The EX90 will live alongside the XC90. (Photo: Volvo Cars) The king of comfort
In terms of comfort, the EX90 delivers with flying colours, not least with the air suspension on in the softest setting. Combining the driving experience with the sonorous Bowers & Wilkins system is a joy.
The car never feels sporty, but it is safe, it performs as expected and it can actually take corners at higher speeds than you think.
In addition to great highways to drive on, California also offers plenty of sunshine. This sun has a tendency to find its way through the fixed sunroof and turn the EX90 into a greenhouse. Admittedly, the AC cools the car, but there is no way to block the sun, neither through the roof nor the windows in the rear doors.
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The interior offers a digital history. (Photo: Volvo Cars) The back seat is not as spacious as you might think. (Photo: Volvo Cars) EX90 can be had with up to seven seats. (Photo: Volvo Cars)Plastic en masse
The EX90 will not be offered with any conventional leather at all. It is the upholstery material Nordico that is offered, the name of Volvo’s new imitation leather, which in other words is plastic. The top performance will instead be the wool upholstery that we tested in, among other things current XC90.
The wool fabric is delicious with a lovely texture that also works well in warm climates. On the other hand, what is completely incomprehensible to me is how the beautiful material was allowed to be soiled with white imitation leather on, among other things, the headrest. Since when has imitation leather in the color white aged well in the presence of hairspray, wax and sweat?
It is above all the choice of materials that somewhat detracts from the impression of the interior. The feel of the imitation leather that covers the steering wheel, dashboard and several other surfaces simply does not reach the level that high quality leather offers. In terms of design, however, the interior is a hit.
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EX90 has a relatively long way to go before solving all software problems. (Photo: Volvo Cars) A stable foundation to stand on
Volvo’s new flagship offers a delicious design and plays hard on the Scandinavian design drum. In terms of driving dynamics, it is pleasant to drive, while the comfort level is high and the performance good.
But the severe delays indicate that Volvo has not really grasped how to work with a central computer and that software development is terribly difficult when you have a challenging organizational starting point.
Hopefully, the worst years can be consigned to history now that the technology has largely been tamed. On the other hand, it will take a number of years before all the promised functions are in place and deliver as intended, which really shouldn’t be the case.
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The EX90 is an important step in Volvo’s electrification journey. (Photo: Volvo Cars)First impressions of the Volvo EX90: 4/5
Volvo EX90 Twin Engine (2024)
Engine: Two electric motors, 409 horsepower, 770 newton meters
Transmission: One-speed automatic transmission, four-wheel drive
Acceleration: 0-100 km/h in 5.9 seconds
Top speed: 180 km/h
Electrical range: 614 km
Weight: 2580 – 2780 kg
Dimensions: (length/width/height): 5037/1964/1747 mm
Price: from SEK 997,000
Volvo EX90 Twin Engine Performance (2024)
Engine: Two electric motors, 517 horsepower, 910 newton meters
Transmission: One-speed automatic transmission, four-wheel drive
Acceleration: 0-100 km/h in 4.9 seconds
Top speed: 180 km/h
Electric range: 614 km
Weight: 2580 – 2780 kg
Dimensions: (length/width/height): 5037/1964/1747 mm
Price: from SEK 1,051,000