Volvo EX90

Maybe Volvo's most important ambition: it wants to be an electric only brand by 2030. That is why the all-electric EX90 is the successor to the conventional XC90. To offer more than just superior technology, the EX90 is also one size bigger than the XC90, crossing the 5-metre mark. In doing so, the XC90 exudes that it is an electric car, with its closed grille, mirrors without raised edges and flushed door handles. It all ensures that air resistance is minimal, for lower power consumption and less driving noise.

Space

The modern and understated style of the exterior finds its way into the interior. Just like the competition, Volvo also opts for a minimalist style. However, this often leads to a sterile cabin, but the EX90 is actually inviting and warm! This is thanks to the colours and use of materials. It all ensures that many a person will stay a while after the drive to work or talk on the phone because this is such a pleasant environment!

That pleasant stay is also due to the seating comfort and space, as both are excellent. In the rear too, the EX90 offers head and legroom in abundance. The EX90 has a third row of seats, but this is only usable when the rear seats (second row of seats) are pushed forward. With seven people on board, a balance between legroom in the second and third rows of seats must therefore always be sought. And yet, the EX90 is more spacious than similar cars from other brands! In fact, even when the third row of seats is in use, there is still enough luggage space left for a few suitcases, and in most competitors, luggage space is nil when all seven seats are in use. As if that were not enough, the EX90 offers extra storage space under the load floor and under the bonnet ("frunk").

Equipped with Android Automotive

The big innovation is in the equipment. This is because the EX90 is a "software-defined car", which means that as many functions as possible are taken over by the computer. That way, a lot of functionality can be adjusted or expanded afterwards with updates. It also explains why the number of physical buttons is minimal; even the (disappointingly small) glovebox is opened with an "app" on the central display.

The main feature is Android Automotive. Volvo stopped developing its own audio, communication and navigation system some years ago and replaced it with Android. This fits the strategy perfectly as it is easy to alter with updates. Moreover, Google Maps offers excellent navigation. Those who have an Android phone and log in with an Android account also have easy access to all private data (address book, music, podcasts, etc.) and to the Google Assistant.

On the contrary, those with an iPhone feel excluded and find that many features are not available. And against the many advantages of Android, however, are concerns about privacy, as all data about every ride is shared with Google. To ease this pain somewhat, Volvo has developed a "privacy centre" that allows features to be temporarily disabled and/or data to be stored locally. It is also possible to disable Android by not agreeing to the terms and conditions, but then the EX90 is significantly limited in its capabilities.

In addition, keep in mind that Android is unaware that it is operating in a car. Questions about driving or even the infotainment system are therefore not answered correctly. For example, the request "play music from Bluetooth" was answered by playing a song on Spotify called "Bluetooth". Finally, Volvo has no clear strategy for when the hardware is insufficient to install a new version of Android. Therefore, it is good to know that it is possible to pair one's own smartphone using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.

For the audio system, Volvo works with Bowers & Wilkins. The result is an audio system that scores maximum on spaciousness, depth, clarity and dynamics. In music, all instruments have their own place (even in stereo playback!), the smallest details are audible and the sound hardly distorts at high volumes. However, the playback is perhaps too perfect. Therefore, the soul is lacking. The system does not invite prolonged listening. Also unfortunate: it is not possible to play music from a USB stick or phone with wired connection. Those who do not want to use the built-in Android apps therefore have to rely on Bluetooth, which has a much lower quality than a data signal through a cable.

The test car came with an app instead of a key, which does not work well. For now, this app is only available for iPhones (strange for an Android-based car!) and locking or unlocking always required multiple attempts. Even while driving, the message appeared more than once that the electronic key could not be detected. Therefore, the test driver was forced to fall back on the electronic key in the form of a debit card. This did function properly.

Security

The EX90 is intended to be a self-driving car in the long term, and in the short term it should assist the driver as much as possible. Therefore, sensors can be found all around, including a lidar on the roof (the "bump" in the middle above the windscreen). As far as Autozine is concerned, this is the only correct approach: only by combining different techniques is it possible to make a reliable judgement. A camera can go wrong in poor visibility, or fall for visual deception (e.g. a bicycle on a carrier on the back of a car) and can therefore give incorrect information.

At the time of writing, lidar does collect data, but it is only used to train an artificially intelligent system and not to actually steer the car. Nevertheless, it was noticeable that the steering aid already keeps the EX90 in the middle of the lane in an exemplary manner (i.e. does not "bounce" between the lines) and keeps a smooth distance from other traffic. Because the test drive took place in America, the test car was not equipped with mandatory European systems that penalise the driver for any carelessness. Therefore, it can be said here that the systems are accurate, but not how much leeway they give and/or how intrusive the warnings are.

Electric car

For the EX90, Volvo has developed a completely new platform. This has been designed around the battery, so that there is plenty of space for batteries (long range) and so that they are optimally protected (safety). Thanks in part to the car's generous length, a battery with a capacity of 111 kWh fits in the floor. In theory, that is good for a range of 585 km. However, during the test drive in favourable weather conditions and with a calm driving style, this came to 447 km. This is strange, as the test consumption, at 19.3 kWh per 100 km, was even lower than the factory specification (21 kWh per 100 km).

The "Twin Motor Performance" version driven here features two electric motors that together account for 517 hp / 910 Nm. And that is noticeable from the very first moment! The EX90 reacts alertly to the accelerator and is decisive to say the least, making for a powerful feeling. When the throttle is pressed deeper, the EX90 accelerates mercilessly and seemingly relentlessly to its limited top speed of 180 km/h. The EX90 can be driven with one pedal if desired. Thereby, it is noticeable that the abundance of power is very precisely dosable. Even in heavy traffic, braking is therefore rarely necessary, making driving easier (and more efficient!).

Even when it comes to charging, the EX90 is anything but slow either. Under ideal conditions, the EX90 can charge at a rate of 250 kW (10% to 80% in 30 minutes). The EX90 is the first Volvo that can charge bi-directionally, i.e. feed energy back to the grid. However, that feature has not been activated at the time of writing.

Driving characteristics

However, it is the comfort with which the EX90 really impresses. Electric cars are already very quiet as a rule, but the EX90 goes one step further. Thus, not only has extra attention been paid to the streamline, but parts have also been prevented from causing friction among themselves. For instance, several screws are mounted in a fluid! Even on bad road surfaces, the air conditioning is the only source of noise and it is only audible when the radio is off and the occupants are silent. In short: a silent car!

The low centre of gravity thanks to the batteries in the floor, together with the advanced suspension, ensures excellent roadholding. According to Volvo, the dual-chamber air suspension ensures that the difference between comfort and sport modes is very large. In practice, this is not experienced that way, but rather it is noticeable that the EX90 makes driving in varying conditions easy. When driving harder, the driver does not have to work harder, but maintains composure.

The Twin Engine version goes one step further thanks to "torque vectoring". This involves the variable distribution of power between the left and right rear wheels to keep the bodywork more stable when cornering. More than once, the test driver wanted to brace himself for a fast corner, but it never proved necessary. Thanks to torque vectoring, the EX90 remains stable and therefore safe up to very high speeds.

Conclusion

Volvo promises quite a lot with the EX90: it would be the first of a new generation of electric cars that goes further with comfort, dynamics, safety and ease of use. Those ambitions are largely fulfilled. Largely, because during the test drive, several features turned out to be not yet available (lidar, bi-directional charging) or not working properly (locking and unlocking with the mobile phone). However, as the EX90 is a software-defined car, this can easily be improved in the future. Moreover, this set-up even allows functionality to be added later.

The new platform accommodates a large-capacity battery and seven seats plus a usable boot. The new electric motors have so much power that the EX90 Twin Engine makes many a sports car pale.

Similar cars from the competition often feel big and stately. The advanced suspension makes the EX90 at least as comfortable but relatively nimble. Therefore, if required, the EX90 is also very dynamic. The combination of quietness and sportiness, consumption and range, ergonomics and safety makes the EX90 the first of a new generation of electric cars from Volvo. Mission accomplished!