Ritesh Madhok
The EX90 is Volvo’s new flagship SUV and a major statement of intent for the Swedish brand’s electric future. In India, it arrives as a large, three-row luxury EV aimed at buyers who want space, technology and refinement without the visual excess associated with some premium rivals. The EX90 combines a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system with a large battery and air suspension, but its strongest appeal is the way it delivers performance in an effortless, unhurried manner. It feels substantial without being intimidating, and its minimalist character gives it a distinctive identity.
Exteriors
At more than five metres long, the EX90 has considerable road presence. Volvo has retained familiar cues, but the execution is distinctly modern. The front gets a clean, closed-off face, a prominent Volvo badge and neatly integrated LED lighting, while the Thor’s Hammer-inspired lamps give it a recognisable signature. The side profile is long and upright, with large diamond-cut alloy wheels adding a premium touch. At the rear, C-shaped LED tail-lamps and a broad tailgate maintain the brand’s design identity. It looks expensive without trying too hard to announce it.
Interiors
The cabin follows the same minimalist philosophy. The dashboard is clean, the materials feel suitably upmarket and the light-coloured treatment, combined with the large glass roof, makes the interior feel airy. Front occupants get generous space, while the second row uses two individual captain seats, creating a comfortable and spacious environment for two passengers. However, Volvo’s six-seat layout is less convincing in the third row. Space is limited, particularly around the knees, shoulders and head, making it better suited to occasional use. Boot space is 377 litres with the third row raised and more than 2,000 litres with it folded.
Tech
The EX90 is packed with technology, centred around a 14.5-inch portrait touch screen. The system handles infotainment as well as several vehicle functions, including climate and mirror adjustments. The interface is quick, but the absence of conventional physical controls means simple tasks can require screen interaction, something that may not always be convenient on Indian roads. A 9-inch digital driver display provides key information and can also show navigation and audio details. Other highlights include four-zone climate control, Digital Key Plus, a panoramic glass roof and a 25-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system featuring an Abbey Road sound mode.
Specs
The India-spec EX90 T5 Twin Motor Ultra uses a 106kWh battery and dual electric motors driving all four wheels. Maximum output is 456bhp, with 670Nm of torque. Volvo claims 0-100kph in 5.5 seconds and a range of 625km under the MIDC testing cycle. The SUV weighs around 2.68 tonnes and offers more than 200mm of ground clearance. Its 5,037mm length contributes to the spacious cabin and imposing stance.
Drive and comfort
The EX90’s size and weight are noticeable, but the powertrain has enough muscle to move the SUV with ease. Acceleration is strong yet progressive, rather than delivering an abrupt shove. Different drive settings alter throttle response and steering weight, but comfort remains the car’s natural territory. The air suspension is the star of the driving experience, smoothing out broken surfaces and keeping the body composed. There is some firmness over sharper imperfections, partly due to the large wheels and low-profile tyres. On winding roads, the EX90 is best driven with planning rather than pushed hard. At highway speeds, excellent insulation keeps wind, tyre and road noise to a minimum, creating a remarkably quiet cabin.
Safety
Safety remains central to Volvo’s proposition. The EX90 gets eight airbags, Level 2 ADAS, a 360-degree camera with parking assistance, stability control and Volvo’s emergency call system. Its extensive sensor and camera suite supports the driver-assistance functions and adds another layer of confidence in everyday driving. The focus is clearly on preventing accidents as well as protecting occupants if one occurs.
Competition
The EX90 enters a premium EV class where the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV is its most direct rival, while the BMW iX also appeals to buyers seeking an electric luxury SUV. Volvo’s advantage is its understated design, six-seat configuration, safety focus and excellent ride comfort. However, rivals can offer stronger rear-seat features and, in Mercedes’ case, a broader range of seating choices and a larger established service network. Pricing will therefore be crucial for Volvo to make the EX90 stand out.
Verdict
The EX90 gets the fundamentals right. It combines imposing dimensions, strong performance, impressive range, superb refinement and a high-tech cabin with Volvo’s familiar safety-first philosophy. The touchscreen-heavy interface takes some getting used to, while the third row and rear-seat equipment do not fully match the expectations of this class. Even so, the EX90 is an accomplished flagship that prioritises comfort and calmness over theatrics. For buyers seeking a spacious, premium electric SUV with a distinctly Scandinavian personality, it makes a compelling case.
