2025 Volvo EX90 First Drive: Luxury 3-Row EV Ready for Prime Time?

MotorTrend

In Volvo's all-electric transition

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00:00Volvo is one of the first automakers to commit to going all electric, and that commitment

00:13culminates in this vehicle, the 2025 EX90 three-row luxury SUV.

00:22Every EX90 is equipped with a dual motor powertrain for electric all-wheel drive, and that draws

00:27electrons from a 111-kilowatt-hour battery pack.

00:31In the base specification, you have just over 400 horsepower to use, but in this so-called

00:36performance model, which I'm driving today, there are 510 horsepower to play with.

00:41That's good for a 0-to-60 time of 4.7 seconds, according to Volvo, but impressively, both

00:46models get the same range rating of over 300 miles on a full charge.

00:50An available air suspension system like this car is equipped with does a nice job of improving

00:56the EX90's luxurious feel.

00:58That air suspension rides in a way that's very floaty and plush, however, the 22-inch

01:03wheels that this particular car is equipped with doesn't do such a great job of ironing

01:08out road textures.

01:09Perhaps a different set of smaller wheels could do a better job of insulating against

01:13potholes and road rash, while maybe boosting the range just a little bit, too.

01:18I have to highlight just how impressively quiet it is inside the EX90.

01:22Aside from a little bit of wind noise coming off the mirrors and a satisfying hum from

01:25the motors, there's hardly a sound to be heard inside this SUV.

01:29It's a very relaxing place to cruise along.

01:32Volvo knows that sustainability goes beyond just being electric, and to that end, the

01:37automaker includes a digital battery passport with the EX90.

01:41That battery passport shows all sorts of information about the battery, such as where it's made,

01:47how it's made, what kind of minerals are inside, and what to do to recycle it at the end of

01:51the battery's life cycle.

01:55Volvo says this is its safest vehicle ever, which, considering it's a Volvo, is really

01:59saying something.

02:01Among the EX90's safety tech is LiDAR hardware, which promises to enable advanced hands-free

02:08driving at some point in the future.

02:10The software isn't ready yet, but Volvo's working on it.

02:15The fact that the EX90 is electric makes it interesting, but I would say its interior

02:20is what gives it true appeal.

02:22The EX90 seats six or seven passengers between its three rows of seats.

02:27Material quality in the cabin is quite strong.

02:30There's lots of attractive attention to detail throughout, like with textured metal speaker

02:35grates, sustainable wood trim.

02:38It's all assembled to a high standard of quality that befits the EX90's steep starting price.

02:44This EX90 has interior upholstery crafted from a blend of sustainable wool and recycled

02:50polyester.

02:51Volvo takes care of everyone on board by providing air vents and USB-C ports for all three rows.

02:57The glass roof lets in quite a lot of sunshine, but provides an expansive panoramic view for

03:03those riding in the second and third rows of the EX90.

03:07There is, of course, no shortage of technology inside the EX90.

03:11At the center of the dashboard is a 14-inch infotainment touchscreen.

03:15Ahead of me is a small but useful 9-inch reconfigurable gauge cluster display, and this high-end model

03:21is equipped with a bright head-up display as well.

03:24This 25-speaker Bowers & Wilkins sound system that includes speakers in the headrests sounds

03:29pretty good too, especially with the Dolby Atmos immersive sound technology activated.

03:34Material and build quality in the EX90 is quite good, but it seems like its software

03:39could still use some more refinement.

03:41For example, right now the car is showing me that my two backseat passengers are not

03:46buckled in.

03:47I don't have any backseat passengers right now.

03:50So I'll give Volvo some more time to figure out its software, but I know that any future

03:53improvements could arrive via an over-the-air update, so they can work out the kinks and

03:58also add enhancements to the car over time.

04:02Our route today takes us on some lovely Southern California canyon roads, and even in this

04:07twin-motor performance EX90, there's plenty of power and good poise, but I can't say I'm

04:14having the most fun I've ever had in a three-row SUV.

04:17Clearly, this big Volvo is all about comfort, quietude, and luxury, rather than a riveting

04:23or engaging driving experience.

04:28The EX90 arrives at an interesting time.

04:30Not only are there more three-row electric SUVs on the market than ever, but consumer

04:35interest in electric vehicle might not be what it once was.

04:39But with its minimalistic styling, unique approach to luxury, and Volvo's commitment

04:44to safety and sustainability, the EX90 seeks to find its own appeal among today's upscale

04:50SUVs.

04:52The EX90 is built by Americans for Americas, and it will be on Volvo lots by the end of

04:57this year.

04:58For more details and a full review on the new Volvo EX90, head to MotorTrend.com.

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