Volvo’s all-electric luxury SUV, the EX90, has arrived in South Africa with considerable fanfare. Priced at R2 650 000, this seven-seater flagship model represents what Volvo calls “the pinnacle of design, engineering, and safety innovation.” But does the experience behind the wheel match the impressive spec sheet?
For the time being, Volvo only offers the EX90 Ultra Twin Performance variant of the EX90 range to South African buyers. Supposedly it presents every bit of equipment a customer could want, but does it?
Underwhelming interior
Despite its premium positioning, the EX90’s interior quality falls short of expectations. The plastic panels beneath the steering column and throughout the cabin feel and look surprisingly cheap – a stark contrast to the premium feel of Volvo’s own C40. In a vehicle commanding over R2,6 million, these cost-cutting measures are difficult to overlook.
The cabin also revealed a slight but noticeable vibration during driving. While such vibrations aren’t uncommon in larger SUVs due to their expansive material sheets, it’s unexpected in a vehicle positioned at the top of Volvo’s range. Maybe it’s an isolated issue only present in the car I drove.
Ergonomic frustrations
The Volvo EX90’s reliance on touchscreen controls for basic functions proves frustrating. Adjusting the steering wheel, door mirrors, or even opening the glove compartment requires navigating through the 14,5-inch central touchscreen – an unintuitive solution that distracts from driving.
The panoramic glass roof, while impressive, lacks any covering option. Not all drivers will appreciate this design choice, with many preferring the option of a sliding screen or dimmable glass that’s available in some competitors.
Surprisingly for a luxury vehicle marketed as having “everything,” the EX90 I drove lacks ventilated seats. That’s a feature commonly expected in this price bracket. If a cooled backside is important to you, make sure the sales executive can hook you up with ‘blower’ seats.
Big ship energy
On the road, the EX90 lacks the composure one might expect from a modern electric flagship. It feels wallowy and somewhat disconnected, not delivering the planted feeling typically associated with EVs with their low centre of gravity. The standard air suspension provides a comfortable ride but at the expense of confident handling.
There’s none of that “shrinks around you” sensation. Instead, piloting the EX90 feels more akin to commanding a large vessel. This sensation is particularly disappointing when compared to the Volvo C40, which, despite being an older platform adapted from a petrol/diesel model, delivers a more engaging driving experience.
The specs behind the experience
Despite these criticisms, the EX90’s technical specifications are impressive. The Twin Performance electric drivetrain delivers 380 kW of power and 910 Nm of torque, enabling a 0-100 km/h sprint in just 4,9 seconds. Its 111 kWh battery provides a claimed range of up to 751 km in urban driving and 604 km on the combined cycle.
Safety features are comprehensive, as expected from Volvo. The EX90 includes an invisible safety shield with radars, LiDAR, and cameras, plus standard advanced driver assistance systems. These include adaptive cruise control, a 360-degree camera, and numerous collision avoidance technologies.
Space and practicality
One area where the EX90 partially delivers is in its spaciousness, though with caveats. Second-row legroom isn’t as generous as expected, but the third row offers more space than typical for the segment. The electrically deploying sixth and seventh seats are a nice touch, and luggage space behind the rearmost seats is better than in most seven-seat SUVs.
Technology and connectivity
The EX90 comes with Google built in, offering apps like Google Maps, Google Assistant, and Google Play, complemented by wireless Apple CarPlay. The Bowers & Wilkins audio system with Dolby Atmos delivers impressive sound quality, while a wireless smartphone charger, Bluetooth connectivity, and multiple USB ports round out the tech offering.
Value proposition
At R2 650 000, the EX90 comes with a three-year/60 000 km maintenance plan, a five-year/100 000 km warranty, an eight-year battery warranty, and five years of roadside assistance. Volvo also provides new owners with two years of free public charging, a GridCars wall box with installation, and 10 GB of Vodacom data monthly for three years.
However, when competitors like the superb BMW iX offer more convincing packages (with a face-lifted, more powerful version on the horizon), and with EVs like the Kia EV9 earning strong reviews internationally (though not confirmed for South Africa), the EX90’s value proposition becomes questionable.
Verdict
The Volvo EX90 arrives with impressive specifications and the promise of Swedish luxury, but the driving experience and interior quality fail to fully deliver on that promise. While it offers practical benefits with its seven-seat configuration and comprehensive safety features, the overall package feels less refined than expected from a flagship model at this price point.
Perhaps a longer test period will reveal more redeeming qualities, but my initial impression is of a vehicle that’s solid on paper but less compelling in reality.
Rating
The EX90 Ultra Twin Performance scores 3 out of 5.
3.0 out of 5.0 stars
