The automotive world is rapidly shifting towards electric vehicles, and Volvo is at the forefront of this transformation. With the upcoming 2025 EX90, Volvo is not just entering the electric SUV market; they are aiming to redefine it. This three-row, seven-seater SUV is poised to be Volvo’s flagship EV, built on a brand-new electric-only platform. Slightly larger and packed with more advanced technology than the current XC90, the EX90 is generating significant buzz as a potential leader in the best 7-seater SUV category for 2024 and beyond. Volvo’s commitment to launching a new EV annually, with a goal of full electrification by 2030, underscores the importance of the EX90 in their future strategy. Pre-orders are already open, and the EX90 is expected to hit the market in early 2024. Following closely behind is the 2025 Volvo EX30, a smaller, more accessible subcompact crossover, set to arrive in dealerships in the latter half of 2024.
Priced starting under $80,000, the EX90 positions itself as a genuine luxury electric SUV. It’s set to compete head-on with other high-end, all-wheel-drive electric SUVs such as the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV, Rivian R1S, BMW iX, the anticipated Lucid Gravity, and three-row configurations of the Tesla Model X. While Volvo’s sister company, Polestar, will offer the smaller Polestar 3 SUV on the same platform, the EX90 distinguishes itself with unique tuning and suspension. Although not the largest or most powerful in its class, the 2025 EX90 comes remarkably close to matching its rivals in key performance metrics, while potentially offering a more competitive price point, especially when compared to all but the Rivian. Moreover, the EX90 boasts significant advancements in safety and driver-assistance technologies, including hardware and software designed for future hands-free highway driving capabilities. Volvo boldly claims it will be the safest vehicle they have ever produced.
The EX90 will offer dual-motor, all-wheel-drive systems, and Volvo projects a range of 300 miles or more. Inside, the design leans towards a minimalist, Tesla-esque aesthetic, featuring a clean dashboard dominated by a prominent, vertically oriented touchscreen. The exterior design is unmistakably Volvo, characterized by the iconic Thor’s Hammer headlights, a large Volvo emblem, vertical taillights, and robust, sculpted sides. Highlighting its technological leadership, the EX90 features a noticeable bulge at the top center of the windshield, housing an array of lidar sensors. These sensors utilize laser imaging, detection, and ranging technology to provide enhanced visibility even in complete darkness, significantly improving the precision of the EX90’s lane and obstacle detection systems.
Deliveries are slated to commence in early 2024, with Volvo offering pre-order customers the opportunity to configure their vehicles later this year for priority delivery. Initial availability is expected to be concentrated in EV-friendly regions, including Southern California, Silicon Valley, the San Francisco Bay Area, the Pacific Northwest, the Eastern Seaboard, Colorado, and Texas, before expanding to broader markets. The EX90 will be manufactured at Volvo’s plant in South Carolina, and select models priced under $80,000 may qualify for the federal clean vehicle tax credit of up to $7,500, contingent on battery content requirements.
Volvo unveiled the EX90 well in advance of its production start, and details regarding standard versus optional features are still emerging. Driving evaluations are also pending. A comprehensive assessment of the EX90’s overall competitiveness in the Best 7-seater Suv 2024 category will require driving experience and further specifications. However, based on preliminary information, the Volvo EX90 is strongly positioned to be a leading contender, blending Scandinavian luxury, cutting-edge EV technology, and Volvo’s renowned safety standards in a compelling package for families seeking a premium, eco-conscious SUV.
