Volvo Finally Gets Its Flagship EV, the EX90

• Volvo launches its first full-size electric SUV under the EX90 nameplate, joining the XC40 Recharge in Volvo's growing EV lineup.

• With a 111-kWh battery and dual-electric motor AWD, the EX90 is set to make up to 517 hp and have a range of 300 miles, showing certain similarities to the Polestar 3.

• The EX90 is fitted with state-of-the-art safety systems, from Luminar's Iris Lidar to a total of 10 cameras and a new Driver Understanding monitoring system.

Volvo's journey toward electrification has been unorthodox. From wholly owning an all-electric brand with suspiciously similar-looking cars to withdrawing from Europe's biggest automotive manufacturer association over sustainability concerns, Volvo has taken the non-traditional way in a market that is fresh itself. But now the company has its own claim to the rising world of electrification, thanks to its newest model and first full-size all-electric offering, the 2024 Volvo EX90.

Loosely based on the company's flagship XC90 SUV, the seven-seat EX90 represents a new era for Volvo, both in propulsion and safety technology. And the EX90 is set to be more than adequate from a performance basis, with a twin-motor all-wheel-drive performance version powered by a 111-kWh battery and two permanent-magnet electric motors delivering 517 hp and 671 lb-ft of torque.

An entry-level model will also be available, with derated power figures at 408 hp and 567 lb-ft of torque. Zero to 60 mph arrives in 4.9 seconds and 5.9 seconds, respectively. All EX90 models will be AWD and will feature one-pedal drive, torque vectoring, and a towing capacity of 4850 pounds. The 17-module battery pack is placed within the floor of the car and makes for a low center of gravity, following the trend of current EV production.

There's no denying the EX90 is a family SUV, and the suspension setup reflects that target market. Double wishbone suspension in the front and an integral link rear suspension are characterized by smooth riding dual chamber air suspension and hydraulic shocks. This setup gives the EX90 an acceptable level of ground clearance, at over 9 inches, and relatively sharp approach and departure angles of 19.3 and 21 degrees, respectively. It's unlikely that EX90 owners will do any serious off-roading or performance driving with their 6200-pound SUV, but the model is capable nonetheless.

Similarly in line with the current EV market is the EX90's EPA estimated range, coming in at 300 miles. Keeping the model charged is made easy by 250-kW DC fast charging capability and an estimated optimal charge rate of 111 miles every 10 minutes or so. Battery pre-conditioning is baked into the floor-mounted pack, meaning owners can remotely optimize the battery's temperature for the task at hand. As seen on the recently released Polestar 3, the EX90 will also be equipped with bi-directional charging hardware, allowing for charging at targeted high-efficiency times, energy storage, and even the ability to sell energy back to the grid. Other uses of bi-directional charging include vehicle-to-home power and vehicle-to-vehicle charging.