• 3 months ago
In Volvo's all-electric transition
Transcript
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.