Volvo is making a bold move into the electric vehicle future, and the 2025 EX90 is leading the charge as their new flagship model. This full-size, seven-seat SUV isn’t just another electric vehicle; it’s a statement. Built on Volvo’s first platform designed exclusively for EVs, the EX90 is slightly larger and packed with more advanced technology than the current XC90, Volvo’s top-selling SUV. This launch is part of Volvo’s ambitious plan to introduce a new EV annually, aiming for a fully electric new car lineup by 2030. You can already pre-order the EX90, with sales expected to begin in early 2024. Following its release, Volvo will also launch the 2025 EX30, a smaller, more affordable subcompact crossover SUV, arriving in dealerships in the latter half of 2024.
Priced to start under $80,000, the EX90 firmly positions itself in the luxury SUV segment. It’s poised to compete head-on with other premium all-wheel-drive electric SUVs such as the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV, Rivian R1S, BMW iX, the forthcoming Lucid Gravity, and the three-row configurations of the Tesla Model X. While Volvo’s sister company Polestar is also entering the electric SUV market with the Polestar 3, it’s important to note that the Polestar 3 is smaller than the EX90, though it shares the same underlying platform but with distinct tuning and suspension setups to cater to different driving dynamics.
While the 2025 EX90 may not be the most powerful or largest in its class, it holds its own against its rivals, and crucially, it comes with a more accessible price tag than most, with the Rivian being a notable exception. Furthermore, the EX90 is not just about luxury and electric power; it’s also a showcase of Volvo’s commitment to safety and innovation. It boasts updated safety and driver-assistance technologies, including both the software and hardware necessary for potential hands-free highway driving in the future. Volvo confidently states that the EX90 will be the safest vehicle they have ever produced, reinforcing their long-standing reputation for prioritizing passenger protection.
Under the hood, the EX90 will offer dual-motor, all-wheel-drive systems, promising robust performance and all-weather capability expected of a top-tier luxury SUV. Volvo estimates a range of 300 miles or more for the EX90, ensuring it can handle both daily commutes and longer journeys with ease, addressing range anxiety concerns often associated with electric vehicles.
Stepping inside the EX90, the interior design leans towards a minimalist, tech-forward aesthetic, reminiscent of Tesla’s approach. A prominent, vertically oriented touchscreen dominates the clean dashboard, serving as the central hub for vehicle controls and infotainment. Externally, the EX90 retains classic Volvo design cues. It features the iconic Thor’s Hammer headlights, a prominent Volvo logo, vertical taillights, and strong, sculpted side panels that give it a commanding SUV presence. A key indicator of the EX90’s technological leadership is the bulge located at the top center of the windshield. This houses an array of advanced lidar sensors, enabling the vehicle to “see” in complete darkness and significantly enhancing the precision of its lane-keeping and obstacle detection systems. This lidar technology is a significant step forward in driver-assistance and safety, setting a new benchmark in the luxury SUV category.
Deliveries of the EX90 are scheduled to commence in early 2024, and Volvo is offering pre-order customers the opportunity to configure their vehicles later this year with priority delivery. While availability is expected across all states, initial supplies will likely be concentrated in regions with higher EV adoption rates, such as Southern California, Silicon Valley, the Pacific Northwest, the East Coast, Colorado, and Texas. The Volvo EX90 will be manufactured at Volvo’s plant in South Carolina. Importantly, models priced below $80,000 may qualify for the federal clean vehicle tax credit of up to $7,500, provided they meet battery content requirements, making it an even more attractive option in the Best Luxury Suv market.
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. Therefore, a comprehensive assessment of the EX90’s overall competitiveness in the luxury SUV segment will require real-world driving experience and further information. However, based on what has been revealed, the 2025 Volvo EX90 is shaping up to be a strong contender for the title of the best luxury SUV, blending Scandinavian design, cutting-edge technology, and Volvo’s renowned safety standards in a compelling electric package.
