The Volvo EX90 2024 will be the car that reinforces the Swedish manufacturer’s goals in the field of electric vehicles for North America. Unveiled to the world Wednesday morning in Stockholm, this new seven-seat crossover looks to Volvo’s all-electric future while similar in form and function to the petrol-powered XC90 SUV that redefined the brand. brand.
With three rows of seats and an expected range of up to 300 miles, the new full-size EV (shown here in European trim) is the defining model for Volvo in the U.S. As with Volvo XC90would still be performed in parallel with the EX90, followed by smaller brethren that sell for less and in more volume — but the EX90 sets the tone for what’s to come. Volvo says it will launch a new battery-powered car each year and will only sell electric vehicles by 2030.
Importantly for US buyers, the EX90 will be built at Volvo’s assembly plant in Ridgeville, South Carolina, starting next year. That meets one of a number of new requirements to qualify for federal incentives under new rules passed after the Inflation Reduction Act was passed. It will also be built in China. U.S. customers can configure their cars starting next fall, with delivery as early as 2024. Prices for a “well-equipped” EX90 will start at less than $80,000, Volvo said.
2024 Volvo EX90
The faithful echo of its predecessor
EX90 is not a premium electric vehicle previewed by Volvo Concept Recharge The “brand statement” design exercise is shown in the summer of 2021. Instead, the 2024 model is immediately identified as a full-size Volvo SUV in the XC90’s circuit. It’s so faithful to that pioneering model, it could almost be a slight refresh of that model—until you take a closer look at the details.
On the surface, the rear of the car is a bit more smoothed and the upper body is tapered to the back. The traditional vertical taillights remain the same for now, but they are now separated from the rack-shaped bottom lights, which are connected at the top in a new variant at the rear of the Volvo brand.
At the front, the smooth white paneling with the brand’s large “iron mark” continues to be introduced into the more reversed corners under the headlights with Volvo’s “Thor’s hammer” pattern into the fenders. But the embossed bodywork and wheels are so identical to its predecessor, that we expect friends, neighbors and loved ones to see the EX90 as the new XC90 model and perhaps not at all remember that. it runs on electricity.
Inside, three rows of seats sit under a full glass canopy, providing headroom while removing a precious inch or two from the EX90’s aerodynamic configuration. The central tablet-style touchscreen is larger, 14.5-inches, and has fewer buttons and knobs on the dashboard. We’ll wait to drive the EX90 before considering how well it performs. Some other EVs have gone too far in removing hard controls for on-screen buttons and swipes, to their detriment.
2024 Volvo EX90
Promised ‘Performance Edition’
The 2024 EX90 is powered by two electric motors that draw their current from a 111 kilowatt-hour battery pack located under the cabin. The standard version has a combined output of 300 kilowatts (408 hp), while the “performance version” will have a higher power output of 370 kW (496 hp) and 671 lb-ft of torque. Volvo quotes an estimated range of “up to 300 miles” on a single charge, though readers should wait for the EPA range ratings, which are unlikely to arrive for a year or more.
The company spent quite a bit of time on the launch with the idea that the EX90 is a “software-defined vehicle,” short for a vehicle whose defining characteristics are heavily defined by the transportation software. operating system as well as the hardware it controls. As Tesla introduced 10 years ago, software by definition can be updated, which means such cars can add new capabilities (as well as fix any bugs) through updates. Update software online.
The EX90 will run on Volvo’s own operating system, with in-house developed software running on a pair of central computing platforms from Nvidia Drive AI called Xavier and Orin. Much of what drivers see on the digital display is running on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Cockpit Platform. All are integrated to provide the next generation of user interface that replaces the Volvo Sensus system on the XC90.
The front trunk is deep enough to hold at least one suitcase in the center, with shallower trays on either side to hold items like portable charging cords.
2024 Volvo EX90
Cover for additional driver assistance functions
All but invisible in a black cover at the top of the windshield, but the EX90 is one of the first cars in the world to offer a Lidar scanner as a factory device. It combines with both a camera and a radar sensor to create what Volvo calls a safe “surrounding shield”.
Lidar is now considered a requirement for advanced levels of autonomous driving assistance software, allowing manual driving on highways and other roads. Volvo’s driver assistance function is called Pilot Assist, and in the EX90, automatic lane change adds to functions already available on previous models, including active lane keeping and cruise control. Adaptation.
Cameras inside the cabin monitor the driver’s eyes, and the system issues warnings — with increasing frequency, first “gently” and then “more insistent” — if driving is detected. distraction. If the driver does not react in time, the car will stop by itself and call for help (the driver’s heart palpitations).
2024 Volvo EX90
Two-way charging
Like many other manufacturers, Volvo sees huge benefits in allowing electric cars to act as portable energy storage – for home backup and other functions. The EX90 is the first electric Volvo with that capability built-in, although Volvo warns that it will be offered “later” in certain markets.
As for fast charging, the company says the EX90 will charge from 10 to 80% in about 30 minutes. That is, of course, under ideal circumstances including battery temperature, ambient temperature, and a charging station that can supply the required current.
There’s much more to know about the Volvo EX90 2024, and the company will have more details as the US launch date draws closer. Meanwhile, we now know what it looks like and some technical details. Owners of current Volvo XC90s will likely feel reassured and delighted.
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Volvo has provided airfare, accommodation and meals to Green car report to bring you this first-person report.
