[Test Drive Review] Volvo EX90 Twin Ultra, Meeting 'Volvo's Best Electric Car'

*This content was translated by AI.

Verdict

The electric version of the XC90, carefully released by Volvo, the brand known for safety

Good

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

- Flawless handling achieved through perfect harmony between power and chassis

Bad

- 121.2 million won… Volvo Korea introduced it as the highest-priced model globally

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

Competitor

- Hyundai Ioniq 9: Offers a more 'Korean' ride comfort, acceleration performance, UX, and flexible space

- Volvo ES90: Embodies the core values of the EX90 but at an extremely high price

A flagship represents the heritage and future of a brand, embodying its essence. Volvo has shifted the identity of its brand flagship from internal combustion to electric vehicles, moving from the XC90 to the EX90. It applies 'Hugin Core,' Volvo Cars' proprietary core system developed to advance toward SDV (Software-Defined Vehicle). This system collects and analyzes data based on a suite of advanced interior and exterior sensors, converting it into intelligent information to train driving-assistance systems. In simple terms, the Volvo EX90 is a car that continuously evolves to better suit user preferences. We 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 typical electric SUV equipped with front and rear electric motors and batteries mounted at the vehicle's lower section. As the successor to the XC90—the core model of the Volvo 90 Cluster—in the electrification segment, comparison with the XC90 is 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 features a trunk capacity of 46 liters and boasts a fresh new design.

Leveraging the popularity of the Volvo XC90, the EX90 attracted attention even before its launch. Furthermore, interest grew due to its production on the SPA2 (Scalable Product Architecture 2) platform, an EV-specific architecture co-developed by Volvo and China's Geely Automobile. This platform is not merely a structural frame for powertrains 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 the Polestar 3 or ES90 that use the same platform. It feels like the excitement that blooms when the eldest son of a noble family embarks on his first hunt.

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

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

The design inherits Volvo's traditional elements while incorporating electrification features, resulting in a sleek, streamlined appearance that looks like a single cohesive unit. The Volvo Iron Mark and DRL design, known as Thor's Hammer, use HD pixel light technology to construct front and rear lamps, reflecting 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, creating an exceptional experience.

One aspect that deserves praise is the seats. Personally, I have owned a Volvo for the past 12 years without ever having 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 constitutes a high-quality seat. Moreover, these seats extend to the third row. While setting up all three rows slightly reduces trunk space, the third row is not merely a facade but fully functional.

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

The test route was generally flat, traveling through Seoul's urban areas and outer ring roads before heading to nearby cafes in Gyeonggi Province via national highways. As expected for 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 nearly 600 horsepower, its propulsion feels smoother at low speeds than its power suggests. Although the front (47%) is slightly lighter than the rear (53%), giving the impression that the front might lift, it does not reach an irritating level.

Accelerating on a straight road immediately revealed the refreshing sensation of smoothly increasing speed without any interruption. There are no gear shifts or power interruptions. Speed continues to rise as long as the accelerator is pressed. Even during braking, there was no dizzying sensation that could disorient passengers, not only in the second row but also in the third. Regenerative braking appears to prioritize efficiency over smoothness. We only checked its operation status and functionality; we recommend using traditional foot brakes instead.

The key point of Volvo EX90's driving performance lies in cornering. As befits a flagship SUV, the EX90 is equipped with air suspension. Even when aggressively throwing the vehicle into corners, it never loses traction on the road surface. This is likely the result of thorough chassis tuning considering its high-output electric nature. Recently, large and powerful electric vehicles often reveal awkwardness or inability to handle weight in certain sections when driven harshly. However, the Volvo EX90 demonstrated excellent handling harmony, earning a passing grade in this regard. When encountering winding roads, curiosity naturally arises.

Honestly, although we searched for the EX90's capabilities as an SDV, we unfortunately failed to find them. The Volvo EX90 uses sensors installed behind the steering wheel to detect eye movements and sensors near the central speaker to detect head movements, assessing whether the driver is in optimal condition. However, it did not provide any notification regarding my disoriented state due to the intense heat. It seems the alert level was not reached.

After completing the test drive, the EX90 left a truly rich sensory satisfaction as an electric vehicle. We 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 one 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 demonstrated 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 we look forward to how Korean consumers will evaluate the EX90.

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*This content was translated by AI.