As Volvo’s longest-range, safest, most advanced and highest-priced model yet, the Volvo ECX90 has a lot to offer fleets. We give the lowdown on the brand’s new flagship.

The EX90 spearheads not just a new range of EVs but also new technology services and features

What is it? An electric XC90 (and Volvo’s most expensive car)

When is it available? Order books are open now

Biggest changes? Out with the ICE, in with the battery

Fleet appeal? High quality, spacious interior, big range, bags of safety technology

Succession planning

Volvo intends to introduce one fully-electric model each year – and that process starts with the EX90. The flagship model of the range, this big seven-seat SUV takes many of the styling cues from the outgoing XC90, which will please those (many) drivers who love the current big Swede. But make no mistake, this is a car built for the future – a future that will be electric-only for Volvo by 2030.

On the big screen

Take a quick glance at the interior of the EX90 and the central portrait infotainment screen will leap out. Unsurprising, really, considering it’s a whopper that measures 14.5-inches. There, drivers will find Google apps and services, the usual wireless smartphone connectivity and a 5G connection, where available. The infotainment system – as well as the safety functions and battery management – is run on platforms from NVIDIA and Qualcomm, using freshly developed in-house Volvo software systems.

Numbers game

The EX90 is a bigger and heavier car than the one it replaces, which means plenty of battery power has been deployed to get the desired performance out of the big Volvo. The car will launch with a twin-motor all-wheel-drive setup, powered by a 111kWh battery and two permanent magnet electric motors. Together, they will deliver 517hp and 910Nm of torque.

Drivers will have up to 373 miles (WLTP) on tap from a single charge of the big battery, which can be charged from 10% to 80% in just 30 minutes, given the right equipment!

Elegant and environmental

Anyone one who has experienced a product from the recent Volvo range will know all about the quality levels to be found. Unsurprisingly, this attention to detail has been retained in the EX90, with the added benefit of natural and responsibly sourced materials. Volvo says the EX90 contains approximately 15% recycled steel and 25% recycled aluminium. Not only that, but there’s 48kg of recycled plastics and bio-based materials, which is roughly 15% of the total plastic used in the car. Sustainability is key for Volvo, as it has ambitions of being a fully circular and climate-neutral company by 2040.

VERDICT

The XC90 has been a big success story for Volvo – in all respects – and the electric version that replaces it should pass over the baton seamlessly. No, it’s not cheap, but when it offers the space, practicality and technology that drivers look for in a high-end vehicle, many will be willing to pay the price. If the rest of the range are converted to EV power in a similar fashion, it bodes well for the future prospects of the Swedish brand.