[Star Test Drive] Volvo EX90 Twin Ultra, Meet the "Best Volvo Electric Vehicle"

*This content was translated by AI.

Verdict

The electric version of Volvo's cautiously released XC90, a brand known for safety

Good

- Nimble handling and outstanding power output that belie its bulk and weight

- Handling crafted from the perfect harmony between power and chassis is flawless

Bad

- 121.2 million won… Volvo Korea introduced it as a world-class top-tier price

- Although driven cautiously, the driver assistance systems were irritable and overly sensitive

Competitor

- Hyundai Ioniq 9: More "Korean" ride comfort, acceleration performance, UX, and space versatility

- Volvo ES90: Contains all the core values of the EX90, but at an extremely high price

A flagship represents a brand's heritage and future — its essence. Volvo has shifted the identity of its brand flagship from internal combustion to electric vehicles, moving from XC90 to EX90. It applies "Hugin Core," Volvo Cars' proprietary core system developed to advance toward SDV (Software-Defined Vehicle). Based on advanced indoor and outdoor sensor suites, it collects and analyzes data, converts it into intelligent information, and uses that to train its driver assistance systems. In simple terms, the Volvo EX90 is a car that continuously evolves to better suit user preferences. I drove this vehicle extensively in Seoul and surrounding Gyeonggi Province during the peak of summer heat.

The test-drive Volvo EX90 is a seven-seater twin-motor performance model. With a maximum output reaching 680 horsepower, it is a powerful vehicle equipped with front and rear electric motors and a battery pack positioned at the base of the chassis — a typical electric SUV layout. As the successor to the XC90, once the core model of Volvo's 90 series, in the electrification segment, comparisons with the XC90 are inevitable. The Volvo EX90 measures 5,040mm in length, 1,965mm in width, and 1,740mm in height. In short, it is lower and larger. It also includes a trunk capacity of 46 liters and features a fresh new design.

Thanks to the buzz surrounding the Volvo XC90, the EX90 attracted attention even before its launch. Moreover, interest grew from the fact that it was built on the SPA2 (Scalable Product Architecture 2) platform — an electric vehicle-specific architecture co-developed by Volvo and China's Geely Automobile. This platform is not merely a structural frame for powertrain components but a modular platform integrated with Hugin Core. As a flagship, there was high expectation that the EX90 would showcase all of Volvo's SDV assets. Such expectations cannot be placed on models like Polestar 3 or ES90 that use the same platform. It feels like the excitement that arises when the eldest son of a noble family sets out for his first hunt.

However, although Volvo initially announced that the EX90 would be equipped with Luminar's Iris LiDAR sensors on the roof to lay the foundation for full autonomous driving at launch, several features were modified or removed due to development delays and supplier issues. The same applies to its introduction in Korea. The LiDAR sensor was omitted along with long-range camera sensors. With the hardware gone, the software built upon it also lost its place.

The battery CATL's large-capacity NCM batteries from China, with a capacity of 106kWh. It uses an 800V architecture and supports DC charging up to 350kW. Based on this, the driving range per charge in Korea is 448km. Looking at the vehicle's underbody, one can clearly see the massive battery pack.

The design inherits Volvo's traditional style while incorporating electrification elements, resulting in a sleek, streamlined appearance that looks like a single cohesive unit. The Volvo Iron Mark and Thor's Hammer DRL (Daytime Running Light) design, combined with HD pixel light technology for front and rear lamps, reflects electrification with a futuristic touch.

The highlight of the Volvo EX90 is its interior. It incorporates 48kg of recycled plastic materials, raising expectations for eco-friendliness. The next-generation user experience "Volvo Car UX," which integrates a 14.5-inch center display, a 9-inch driver display, and a Head-Up Display (HUD), allows users to check necessary information at the right time — it is truly fantastic.

One aspect that deserves praise without reservation is the seats. Personally, I have owned a Volvo for the past 12 years and have never had any complaints. However, the seats in the EX90 are about four times better than those in my old Volvo. They set a new standard for what a good seat should feel like. Moreover, these premium seats extend to the third row. While setting up all three rows slightly reduces trunk space, the third row is far from being merely cosmetic — it is fully functional.

On the day of the test drive, a severe heatwave warning was in effect, and the peak of summer heat raged on — truly "high noon." The electrochromic glass roof covered Volvo EX90's expansive canopy while effectively blocking natural light from entering the cabin. Adjusting transparency with a single button made operation easy.

The test route was mostly flat, traveling through Seoul's urban areas and outer ring roads before heading to nearby cafes in Gyeonggi Province via national highways. As expected of an electric vehicle, there is no engine sound; the only noise upon exiting a parking lot is tire noise. Despite being a high-output vehicle with around 600 horsepower, its propulsion feels smoother at low speeds. Although the front (47%) is slightly lighter than the rear (53%), giving the impression that the front might lift, it does not reach a level of discomfort.

Accelerating on straight roads provided an exhilarating experience with seamless speed buildup and no sense of interruption. There are no gear shifts or power interruptions. Speed increases continuously as soon as the pedal is pressed. Even during braking, there was no dizzying sensation that could affect the head — not even in the second or third rows. Regenerative braking appears to prioritize efficiency over smoothness. I only checked whether it was functioning and did not test its features further. Traditional foot brakes are recommended.

The key point of Volvo EX90's driving performance lies in its handling during turns. As befits a flagship SUV, the EX90 is equipped with air suspension. Even when forcefully pushing the vehicle into corners with sharp turns, it never loses grip on the road surface. This is likely the result of thorough chassis tuning that accounts for its high-output electric nature. Recently, large and powerful electric vehicles often show awkwardness or inability to handle such aggressive driving in certain sections. However, the Volvo EX90 earned a passing grade in this regard due to its excellent handling harmony. When encountering winding roads, curiosity naturally arises.

Honestly, I tried to identify what capabilities the Volvo EX90 possesses as an SDV but unfortunately failed to find them. The sensors installed behind the steering wheel detect eye movements, while those near the central speaker detect head movements to determine whether the driver's condition is optimal. However, no alerts were received regarding my disoriented state due to the intense heat. It seems it did not reach a warning level.

After completing the test drive, the EX90 left a truly rich sensory satisfaction as an electric vehicle. I also felt a desire to watch how it will further evolve as an SDV in the future. It feels like some unfinished homework remains. Unless someone has completely eliminated the burden of charging, they might still consider the XC90, but the EX90 is an excellent electric vehicle that fills the void left by the XC90. In terms of safety, convenience, and eco-friendly materials, this car shows even more advanced features compared to the XC90. Volvo's flagship lineup leading to the ES90 has now reached a stage of completion. This is why there is anticipation for how Korean consumers will evaluate the EX90.

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*This content was translated by AI.