Volvo introduces its safest car ever, the EX90 electric SUV

KUALA LUMPUR: After much teasing, Volvo has finally pulled the wraps off the all-electric alternative to the seven-seater XC90, the EX-90. The electric SUV is the brand’s flagship EV and slots above the C40 Recharge and XC40 Recharge electric offerings. It is touted as the safest Volvo car ever. Let’s dive deeper to know what all this luxury EV has to offer.

Also read: 5 things to know about the upcoming Volvo C40 Recharge EV

Exterior

As the  EV represents the brand’s vision for future electric mobility, it adopts an evolutionary design language with a sleek and aerodynamic appearance giving an impression of a road-going spaceship. 

Among the main exterior highlights of the EV are Thor’s hammer headlamps, a closed panel with a diagonal line and Volvo badge, 22-inch aero-optimised wheels, flush door handles, a prominent bump on the roof for LiDAR sensors, and C-shaped tail lights with lower parts stretching to the boot lid. We can also notice Christmas tree-like lighting units on either side of the rear windscreen. 

Interior

The cabin of Volvo’s new electric SUV looks clean and minimalistic with elegant touches and premium finishings. It is loaded with several hi-end technology features like - 

• 14.5-inch portrait-oriented central touchscreen with built-in Google OS and 5G compatibility
• High-res digital driver’s display
• Touch controls on the steering wheel
• Ambient lighting within the wood trims
• Smartphone key function
• Bowers and Wilkins audio system with Dolby Atmos surround sound and headrest integrated speakers
• Panoramic sunroof

If we talk about the usage of sustainable materials in the cabin, the EV is decked up with plush upholstery which is made of synthetic fibres derived from recycled materials and natural fibres like wool. As for interior panels, the automaker uses Nordico (a composite material) made from recycled PET bottles and pine resin. Also, the wood veneers we can see on the dash are derived from FSC-certified wood that does not have any negative impact on the environment. 

Safety

As mentioned above, the EX90 is Volvo’s safest car ever as it has a serious obsession with safety.  It is packed with a LIDAR system supported by several sensors, radars, and cameras; it can detect a range of up to 250 metres.

The automaker has also kitted the EV with all hardware needed for self-driving tech, however, it still needs approval from authorities for public use. The system will enable a real-time 360-degree view of the car’s surroundings and will detect all possible hazards to ensure safe travelling. Also part of the safety pack is multiple airbags and an advanced driver attention monitoring system. 

Drivetrain 

Volvo will initially offer the EX90 in a single trim, equipped with an AWD dual-motor setup churning out 408 PS of maximum output. It is mated to a 111-kWh battery pack adequate for cruising up to 600 km on a single charge. With the fast charging outlet, the EV will charge from 10 to 80% in almost 30 minutes, claims the automaker. 

The EX90 will enter into production next year in the US with deliveries expected to commence in early 2024. 

Also read: All-electric Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric open for booking