After multiple delays since its 2022 global debut, Volvo's flagship seven-seat electric SUV, the EX90, has finally reached Australian shores. Priced from $124,990 before on-road costs, the EX90 enters a niche market of premium electric family haulers, positioned between the Kia EV9 GT-Line ($121,000) and Mercedes-Benz EQS450 SUV ($195,900).
Pricing and Variants
Volvo Australia offers two variants of the EX90, both featuring dual-motor AWD and a 111kWh battery. The entry-level Plus Twin Motor starts at $124,990 before on-road costs, delivering 300kW of power and 770Nm of torque, paired with a Bose audio system.
For those seeking more performance, the Ultra Twin Motor Performance variant is priced at $134,990 before on-road costs, boasting 380kW and 910Nm, along with an upgraded Bowers & Wilkins sound system. Notably, the Ultra variant undercuts the mechanically similar Polestar 3 Long Range Dual Motor ($131,054) by $6,064, despite matching its 380kW output.
Performance and Range
Built on Volvo's SPA2 EV platform, the EX90 combines power with practicality. Both variants utilize a 111kWh lithium-ion battery (107kWh usable) to achieve a WLTP-rated range of 570km.
Charging capabilities are impressive, with 250kW DC fast charging allowing a 10-80% charge in just 30 minutes, while 11kW AC charging caters to overnight home charging.
The EX90 also boasts a 2200kg braked towing capacity, addressing a common concern for SUV buyers transitioning to electric.Performance figures underscore the EX90's dual nature as a family hauler and a potent electric vehicle.
The Plus Twin Motor accelerates from 0-100km/h in 5.9 seconds, while the Ultra Twin Motor Performance shaves this down to 4.9 seconds. Both variants are electronically limited to a top speed of 180km/h, aligning with Volvo's safety-first philosophy.
Design and Dimensions
The EX90 measures 5037mm long with a 2985mm wheelbase, offering generous interior space across three rows. Cargo capacity ranges from 310 liters with all seats up to a cavernous 1915 liters with rear seats folded. Volvo offers a standard seven-seat configuration, with an optional six-seat layout available for those prioritizing second-row comfort.
Externally, the EX90 features Volvo's evolved design language, including full-width LED lighting and retractable door handles. Wheel sizes range from 20 to 22 inches, balancing aesthetics with efficiency. The color palette offers eight choices, from classic Onyx Black to the eye-catching Mulberry Red, catering to diverse tastes.
Interior and Tech
Volvo's minimalist Scandinavian design ethos shines through in the EX90's interior. The centerpiece is a 14.5-inch portrait touchscreen running Google Built-in, offering seamless integration of Maps, Assistant, and the Play Store. This is complemented by a 9.0-inch digital driver cluster and a head-up display, ensuring critical information is always in the driver's line of sight.
Comfort features include heated and ventilated front seats in the Ultra variant, Nordico vegan leather upholstery, and a panoramic glass roof, enhancing the cabin's airy feel. Audio enthusiasts will appreciate the Bose 14-speaker system in the Plus model, while the Ultra steps up to a 25-speaker Bowers & Wilkins setup, promising an immersive sound experience.
Safety and Driver Assistance
While yet to be tested by ANCAP, the EX90 comes equipped with Volvo's most advanced safety suite to date. Central to this is a lidar-based system enabling 360-degree awareness, complemented by blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.
Volvo's Pilot Assist feature combines adaptive cruise control with lane-centering for semi-autonomous highway driving. Collision avoidance technologies include pedestrian and cyclist detection, along with autonomous emergency steering. Structurally, the EX90 features a reinforced battery cage and boron steel reinforcements, designed to maintain cabin integrity in severe impacts.
Warranty and Servicing
Volvo backs the EX90 with a comprehensive warranty package, offering 5-year/unlimited kilometer coverage for the vehicle and an extended 8-year/160,000km warranty for the battery.
In a nod to total cost of ownership concerns, Volvo includes a complimentary 5-year/75,000km service plan, with maintenance intervals set at 12 months or 15,000km, whichever comes first. This approach aims to alleviate potential buyer hesitation regarding the long-term costs of EV ownership.
Market Context and Challenges
The EX90 enters a unique competitive landscape in Australia. Its seven-seat practicality, premium technology offerings, and competitive pricing relative to European rivals position it strongly. However, it faces challenges including a late arrival compared to the Kia EV9, untested safety credentials in the Australian market, and the ongoing issue of limited charging infrastructure for long-distance travel. Volvo Australia aims to leverage its established XC90 customer base, targeting families seeking a direct EV replacement for their diesel SUVs.
The EX90's pricing and specifications make it a compelling option for luxury EV buyers prioritizing space and brand prestige. However, its success hinges on overcoming several key challenges.
Firstly, Volvo must establish consumer trust in the EX90's reliability, particularly in light of the global software-related delays that pushed back its launch. Secondly, the realities of charging a 2.8-tonne vehicle and its impact on real-world range will need to be effectively communicated and managed.
Lastly, establishing strong residual values in Australia's cautious EV market will be crucial for long-term success.With first deliveries slated for March 2025, the EX90 has the potential to redefine expectations for electric family vehicles.
Its success will largely depend on Volvo's dealership network effectively communicating the vehicle's technological advancements and sustainability credentials to a market still in the early stages of EV adoption.
As Australia's charging infrastructure continues to expand and consumer attitudes evolve, the EX90 could play a pivotal role in accelerating the transition to electric mobility in the premium segment.
