When Volvo first introduced the EX90 back in November 2022, it was clear they were aiming to set a new benchmark in the electric vehicle (EV) market. In late 2023 the first production models of this fully electric successor to the XC90 are finally rolling off the assembly line at Volvo’s US production facility in Ridgeville, South Carolina. This marks a significant milestone not just for Volvo but for the entire automotive industry.
The first production-spec Volvo EX90, finished in a striking Denim Blue, will be ready for delivery in the following months. While it maintains the sleek, stylish design that wowed us 18 months ago, the production delay allowed Volvo to fine-tune the EX90’s safety hardware, including a state-of-the-art lidar system. Additionally, the integration of Nvidia’s “Drive Orin” platform enhances vision processing, AI capabilities, and infotainment systems. It’s a powerful chip, and it’s a shame it won’t run any games.
Volvo CEO Jim Rowan couldn’t have said it better: “The EX90 comes with a powerful core system, is always connected, and can be improved over time through software updates.” This commitment to continual improvement through real-time data collection and AI-driven updates ensures that the EX90 remains at the forefront of automotive technology for years to come.
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Built in the Heart of Innovation
Volvo’s Ridgeville plant, which also produces the S60 sedan, is buzzing with excitement as the new EX90 hits the production lines. This facility, with its £1.6 billion investment, shows Volvo’s dedication to innovation. Equipped with over 600 robots and advanced AI technology, the plant uses “digital twin” monitoring to ensure each vehicle is produced to the highest standards. In other words, the chances of a vehicle rolling off the assembly line with a loose bolt are almost non-existent.
Spacious, Stylish, Safe, and High-Tech
The Volvo EX90 is the brand’s largest EV to date, and it doesn’t disappoint in terms of space and luxury. With dimensions of 68.7 inches in height, 77.3 inches in width, and 198.3 inches in length, it competes directly with other top-tier luxury SUVs like the Rivian R1S, BMW iX, and Porsche Macan EV. Offering up to 67.6 cubic feet of cargo space and available in both six and seven-seat configurations, the EX90 is built for versatility and comfort.
The EX90 embodies Volvo’s signature Scandinavian minimalist design. Its clean lines and elegant simplicity make it unmistakably a Volvo. But don’t let the minimalist aesthetic fool you; this SUV is loaded with next-gen EV tech that puts it ahead of the competition.
Step inside the EX90, and you’re greeted by a tech-savvy wonderland. The centerpiece of this high-tech interior is the massive 14.5-inch infotainment screen, complete with built-in Google. It’s got everything you need, from Android Auto to Google CarPlay support. Volvo’s latest software and connectivity enhancements ensure that the EX90 stays ahead of the curve in the tech department.
Volvo’s reputation for safety is unparalleled, and this Swedish tank is no exception. Boasting advanced safety features and a vast array of sensors, the EX90 is designed to protect not only its occupants but also other road users. This is a vehicle that truly redefines what it means to be safe on the road.
Power and Performance
Under the hood, or rather under the floor, the EX90 packs a 111 kWh battery, offering up to 300 miles of range. Fast charging capabilities mean you can go from 10% to 80% charge in just 30 minutes, perfect for those long road trips. And for those who love adventure, the EX90 can tow up to 4,850 lbs, which is what a Tesla Model S weighs. This makes it a versatile choice for families and thrill-seekers alike.
In a world first, the EX90 will launch with an EV battery passport, utilizing blockchain technology. No, the Volvo isn’t a new type of cryptocurrency, nor can it mine Bitcoin. This passport provides transparency about the battery’s composition, origin of materials, and carbon footprint. Buyers can simply scan a QR code inside the driver’s side door to access this information, ensuring they are making an informed and environmentally conscious purchase.
Production Challenges and Triumphs
Producing a vehicle like the EX90 is no small feat. Initial production was slated to begin around the end of 2023 but was postponed to ensure the model met Volvo’s criteria. Even though the delay was inevitable, Volvo delivered, and it will launch US production in mid-2024. The South Carolina plant, opened in 2018, has ramped up to produce up to 150,000 vehicles per year, including the EX90 and the S60 sedan.
Jim Rowan, CEO of Volvo Cars, described the EX90 as “the start of a new era for Volvo Cars – a new era for safety, sustainability, and human-centric technology.” This electric SUV represents a paradigm shift for the brand, combining cutting-edge tech, safety, and style in a way that reaffirms Volvo’s leadership in the ongoing technology shift in the car industry.
Pricing and Availability
The Volvo EX90 is priced to compete in the luxury SUV market. Starting at $76,695 for the Twin Motor Plus 7-seater and going up to $86,545 for the Performance Ultra 6-seater, Volvo is positioning the EX90 as a premium offering. Unfortunately, the price point means that not all trims are eligible for the federal tax credit. However, as initial buyers wane and discounts begin, it’s likely that more models will become eligible.
| Available Trims | Starting Price Without Destination |
|---|---|
| Twin Motor Plus 7-seater | $76,695 |
| Twin Motor Plus 6-seater | $77,195 |
| Twin Motor Ultra 7-seater | $81,045 |
| Twin Motor Ultra 6-seater | $81,545 |
| Performance Plus 7-seater | $81,695 |
| Performance Plus 6-seater | $82,195 |
| Performance Ultra 7-seater | $86,045 |
| Performance Ultra 6-seater | $86,545 |
Is the EX90 the Future?
The Volvo EX90 is more than just a flagship SUV; it’s a statement about Volvo’s future. This all-electric vehicle blends luxury, advanced technology, and Volvo’s renowned safety features into a package that sets new standards in the EV market.
While its price might be steep, Volvo’s introduction of the world’s first EV battery passport underscores a commitment to transparency and sustainability. Buyers can track the battery’s lifecycle, from material sourcing to carbon footprint.
As Volvo moves towards an all-electric lineup by 2030, the EX90 sets the pace. It’s not just participating in the electric revolution; it’s leading it. With the EX90 now hitting the roads, Volvo’s ambitious vision for the future is clear and achievable.
Volvo isn’t stopping with the EX90. The smaller electric EX30 SUV is set to go on sale this summer, adding another exciting model to Volvo’s growing electric lineup. With plans to become an all-electric car manufacturer by 2030, Volvo is charging ahead into a future where sustainability and innovation go hand in hand.
