2025 Volvo EX90 First Drive Impressions

Set against the rolling vineyards of South Australia’s Barossa Valley, our introduction to the Volvo EX90 felt as serene as the car itself. This is Volvo’s boldest step yet into the all-electric realm—a full-sized, seven-seat SUV designed not just to replace a combustion engine predecessor, but to redefine the Swedish brand’s place in a rapidly electrifying market. Where the XC90 once set the tone for premium Scandinavian family transport, the EX90 is here to carry that legacy forward—with zero tailpipe emissions and an impressive portfolio of tech, safety, and subtle luxury.

While it shares its underpinnings with the Polestar 3, the EX90 carves out a distinct identity. It’s uniquely tuned, uniquely styled, and, in Australia, configured strictly as a seven-seater—an early hint that Volvo sees this as the premium EV for the family buyer who refuses to compromise on space or capability. This isn’t a niche experiment; it’s the new flagship.

From first glance, the design language communicates calm confidence—clean lines, signature Thor’s Hammer headlights, and a body that blends classic Volvo cues with aerodynamic purpose. This is Volvo’s vision of tomorrow, and it begins right here.

The Platform That Powers the Progress

Beneath the elegant silhouette of the EX90 lies a shared electric foundation—Volvo’s SPA2 architecture. This same platform supports the Polestar 3, but here it’s been reimagined for a different mission: everyday practicality, full-size family comfort, and effortless electric performance. It’s a modular system with muscle, tailored specifically for large EVs, and it forms the backbone of what makes the EX90 feel solid, secure, and scalable.

With a generous 2,985 mm wheelbase and dual-chamber adaptive air suspension, the EX90 glides on roads with surprising grace for a vehicle tipping the scales at nearly 2.7 tonnes. Add in full rear torque vectoring and a low centre of gravity from its floor-mounted battery pack, and you get the kind of composed ride that feels more luxury saloon than lumbering SUV.

Volvo may have borrowed the bones, but it’s clear they built this body with their own intentions. Every element—right down to the steering calibration and drive modes—has been developed to reflect the brand’s distinct identity: calm, considered, and confidently capable. This is platform sharing done right, with real-world benefits delivered through thoughtful differentiation.

Performance That Balances Muscle and Maturity

Volvo hasn’t gone subtle with the EX90’s capabilities. Despite its family-first focus, this electric SUV packs serious punch—especially in the top-spec Ultra Performance guise we tested. Acceleration is brisk, body control is surprisingly tight for something this large, and yet it never loses its calm, composed demeanor. It’s a vehicle that manages to feel both powerful and polite.

Here’s a quick snapshot of the numbers behind the smoothness:

Power output: 380 kW (dual-motor all-wheel drive)
Torque: 910 Nm
0–100 km/h: 4.9 seconds
Battery capacity: 111 kWh
Charging time (10–80%): Approx. 30 minutes on a fast charger

Kerb weight: Around 2,700 kg

While those stats suggest something bordering on a performance car, the EX90 doesn’t throw its weight around recklessly. The adaptive air suspension (shared with the Polestar 3) allows you to switch between soft and firm modes, helping the SUV strike a careful balance between ride comfort and cornering confidence.

Steering, while light even in its “firm” setting, is direct enough to make tight streets and suburban turns feel manageable. The small, minimalist steering wheel adds to that sense of agility, making the EX90 feel more wieldy than its dimensions suggest.

Equipped with massive 22-inch wheels and wrapped in sticky Pirelli Scorpion rubber (295s at the rear, 265s up front), the grip is generous and the road manners impressive. It may not aim for razor-sharp dynamics like its Polestar sibling, but make no mistake: this SUV is no slouch. It knows its purpose—and delivers with quiet confidence.

Designed for the Modern Family

Step inside the EX90 and it quickly becomes clear: this isn’t just a tech showcase—it’s a thoughtfully designed space for real people, real families, and real day-to-day use. Volvo has doubled down on its reputation for comfort and practicality, creating an interior that feels both spacious and serene.

There’s genuine attention to how families live with their vehicles. The EX90 offers:

Three rows of seating with a true seven-passenger layout—no tiny jump seats here.

Individually sliding second-row seats with reclining backrests for dialed-in comfort.
A flat floor throughout, thanks to the EV platform, giving rear passengers extra leg and foot room.
Air vents across all three rows, including clever placements in the B- and C-pillars.

USB-C ports everywhere, so no one’s fighting over charging cables.

Even finer details show a family-friendly mindset—like the ability to remember your last-used drive and safety settings (lane keep assist, suspension mode, etc.) every time you restart the car. That kind of digital intuition helps reduce friction for the everyday user.

Seat comfort is classic Volvo—plush, supportive, and easy to adjust. Whether you’re in the front row or climbing into the third, everything is engineered to feel usable, even luxurious, without being overdesigned. And while space in the rearmost row is best suited for kids, adults can squeeze in short-term without too much complaint.

Storage solutions are a bit of a mixed bag. The centre console is generous, and there are clever trays and cubbies up front—but the door pockets are oddly undersized, struggling to accommodate anything more than a small bottle. A rare oversight in a cabin that otherwise nails the brief.

Still, for families needing space, safety, and tech without going full minivan, the EX90 might just be the new gold standard.

Sustainability Meets Scandinavian Style

Volvo’s commitment to sustainability isn’t just a marketing tagline—it’s woven into every detail of the EX90’s interior. This SUV makes a clear statement: luxury and responsibility don’t have to be mutually exclusive.

From the moment you open the door, there’s a calm, natural warmth to the cabin. Light-coloured wood trims stretch across the dash and doors, paired with soft-touch materials and muted tones that create an inviting, almost spa-like atmosphere. But look closer, and the sustainable story comes into focus.

Key eco-friendly elements include:

Wool-blend upholstery made from a mix of responsibly sourced wool and recycled polyester. Volvo even claims the sheep used for the wool are treated with extra care—picture soft pillows during shearing and ethically managed farms.
Recycled and renewable materials throughout the cabin, including carpets made from reclaimed fibres.

Minimal use of chrome or high-gloss finishes, instead favouring natural textures and subdued metallic accents.

This sustainability-first approach doesn’t sacrifice visual appeal. Instead, it enhances it—offering a refined, contemporary aesthetic that feels premium without leaning on traditional luxury tropes.

Even small design choices feel considered. The speaker grilles (from the optional 25-speaker Bowers & Wilkins system) shimmer with a brushed metallic finish, while the tactile switches and steering wheel controls strike a balance between simplicity and functionality.

Volvo’s Scandinavian ethos shines here: clean, functional, beautiful—and now, better for the planet. It’s a design language that resonates not just with the eco-conscious, but with anyone tired of over-complicated, overwrought luxury cabins.

Technology with a Volvo Twist

Volvo doesn’t shout about its tech—it integrates it. In the EX90, technology feels less like a party trick and more like a carefully woven fabric of the driving experience. The interface is elegant, intuitive (mostly), and unmistakably Volvo.

Front and centre is a large portrait-oriented touchscreen, familiar to anyone who’s used a recent XC90 or even the Polestar 3. It runs Google’s built-in system, so you get native access to Maps, Assistant, and the Play Store, making smartphone pairing feel almost redundant.

However, this is still early software, and a few quirks remain:

Drive mode and suspension adjustments are hidden under layers of menus: Car > Driving > Driving View.
Steering feel and one-pedal driving settings are also tucked away, requiring some menu digging.

A digital-only control setup for things like mirrors, head-up display, and steering wheel position may feel fiddly at first—but is a one-time setup for most owners.

Still, there are clear wins in usability. The climate controls are always visible. Key drive functions are easily accessible with a single button. And the physical volume knob (complete with play/pause) in the centre console is a masterstroke of minimalism and functionality.

Behind the wheel, a slim digital instrument cluster keeps your view clean. The head-up display offers useful information without distraction. And for those who opt for the Ultra Performance spec, the Bowers & Wilkins sound system is a genuine standout—crisp, immersive, and surprisingly emotional. (Someone apparently cried listening to Celine Dion through it. We’ll leave that judgment to you.)

Volvo’s take on tech is very “form follows function.” It’s not flashy for the sake of it. It’s there to serve the driver, keep things clean, and create a sense of calm—even in a car loaded with sensors, cameras, and computing power.

Second and Third Rows That Actually Matter

Too often in SUVs, the back half of the cabin feels like an afterthought. Not so in the EX90. Volvo has gone to great lengths to ensure that passengers in rows two and three aren’t just along for the ride—they’re genuinely looked after.

Let’s start with the second row. It offers:

Three individually sliding seats, allowing flexible legroom and easy access to the third row.

Independently reclining backrests, which make longer drives far more comfortable.
Heated outboard seats, rear climate controls, and multiple USB-C ports.
Air vents in both the centre console and B-pillars for better airflow distribution.

Fully flat floor, giving even the middle seat occupant a fair shot at comfort.

The seat base is a little on the thin side, which larger adults might notice, but the versatility more than makes up for it. There’s also an armrest with pop-out cupholders, netted map pockets, and that same premium finish you get up front—no quality drop-off in sight.

Moving to the third row, it’s clear Volvo designed this space for kids first, but adults can squeeze in short distances if needed. Access is straightforward: pull a handle, slide the second-row seat forward, and you’re in. Once back there, you’ll find:

C-pillar air vents and USB-C ports—rare amenities in the third row.
Supportive seatbacks with decent padding, though knee and elbow room is tight for taller passengers.
Electrically folding third-row seats, which can be dropped from either the boot or the rear doors.

It’s not a lounge, but it’s far more liveable than many seven-seaters in this price bracket. Volvo has prioritized real-world usability here, ensuring that this isn’t just a five-seater with two emergency chairs stuffed in the back. It’s a proper three-row solution for modern families.

Cargo and Convenience: Practicality from Every Angle

Volvo’s EX90 doesn’t just move people—it handles their stuff, too. And it does so with a practical, family-first mindset that makes everyday life easier. Whether you’re loading up groceries, prams, sports gear, or luggage for a weekend away, the EX90 is up to the task.

Behind the third row, you’ll find:

324 litres of usable boot space, even with all seven seats in play—enough for school bags and a few shopping bags.

A deep underfloor storage compartment, ideal for hiding valuables or storing charging cables and muddy shoes.
A removable foam insert that looks suspiciously like a child’s travel potty—odd, but handy as a modular organiser.

Drop the third row (via buttons either in the boot or the rear doors) and space expands to:

669 litres up to the rear seatbacks, offering ample room for bulkier hauls or flat-pack furniture runs.

With the second row folded flat as well, the EX90 transforms into a genuine load-lugger. It’s a flat, long space that makes full use of the SUV’s nearly 5-metre length.

Other clever touches include:

Hands-free electric tailgate, responsive and smooth—just don’t stand too close or it might hesitate.

Split rear seats, allowing partial folding for longer items like skis or flat-packed desks.
Carpeted and rubberised boot surfaces, balancing luxury and durability.

That said, not every storage solution hits the mark. The front and rear door pockets are oddly shallow and won’t fit larger drink bottles—an oversight in an otherwise family-minded layout.

Still, Volvo’s sense of functionality and versatility shines here. The EX90 is clearly designed to be used, not just admired in a driveway. It adapts to changing needs with the kind of quiet competence that busy households will appreciate day in, day out.

A Smooth Operator on the Road

Volvo’s EX90 might be a big, powerful electric SUV—but from behind the wheel, it feels far more graceful than the spec sheet suggests. This is not a performance SUV trying to prove something; instead, it’s one that understands its purpose: deliver quiet, composed, and confident transport for families who appreciate a touch of finesse.

Thanks to its adaptive dual-chamber air suspension, the EX90 glides over most surfaces with ease. Even on massive 22-inch wheels, it avoids the crashy harshness that can plague large EVs. The suspension settings—Soft and Firm—are well-judged:

In Soft, it smooths out bumps and undulations, making city driving feel serene.

In Firm, body control tightens up for twistier roads, yet never gets uncomfortable.

The electric steering is light but direct. Even in the “firm” steering setting, it remains relaxed, helping make the EX90 feel more manageable around town or on tight suburban streets. The small-diameter steering wheel contributes to that sense of agility, masking the car’s bulk effectively.

Tyre grip is excellent, thanks to Pirelli Scorpion rubber—295s at the rear and 265s up front—offering confident cornering and sure-footedness. It’s not trying to be a canyon carver, but when pushed, the EX90 holds its own with dignity and control.

Efficiency-wise, we averaged around:

25–26 kWh/100 km during varied driving—impressive for a vehicle this size.
Range estimate: Around 400 km at 85% charge, with an official WLTP claim of up to 600 km.

That’s competitive for a three-row electric SUV and should comfortably cover daily duties and road trips with well-placed fast charging stops.

In essence, the EX90 delivers a ride and handling package that feels mature, relaxed, and in tune with what most buyers in this segment are after. It doesn’t try too hard—and that might be its greatest strength.

Safety as a Standard, Not a Feature

If there’s one area where Volvo has nothing to prove, it’s safety. The EX90 continues that legacy with a reassuring suite of active and passive systems that feel baked-in rather than bolted on. It doesn’t just react—it anticipates, monitors, and quietly works in the background to protect everyone onboard.

The EX90 is packed with cutting-edge driver assistance tech, including:

Semi-autonomous freeway driving, with adaptive cruise and lane centring that’s smooth and unobtrusive.
Advanced lane-keeping assist, which—importantly—remembers your preference if you disable it, even after restarting the car.
A robust camera and radar system, working in harmony to monitor surroundings with impressive accuracy.

Volvo’s approach to safety has always been about subtlety over flash. There are no harsh corrections or sudden jolts here. Instead, everything feels intuitive. Lane guidance keeps you centred without tugging. Blind spot monitoring is effective without being nagging. Emergency braking systems are at the ready, but they stay respectfully quiet until they’re needed.

Even control placement reflects Volvo’s safety-first thinking:

The left stalk handles lights and indicators—no surprises.
The right stalk acts as a gear selector, a unique touch that quickly becomes second nature.
Adaptive cruise and lane-keeping toggles are grouped logically on the left side of the steering wheel, while media and voice controls live on the right.

There’s also a focus on reducing distraction. The digital dash and head-up display are minimalist and clear, and most driver-relevant settings are easily accessed without taking your eyes off the road for long.

In typical Volvo fashion, safety isn’t framed as a premium feature—it’s the foundation. And in the EX90, it’s more advanced, more invisible, and more effective than ever.

Where It Stands in the EV SUV Crowd

The premium electric SUV space is quickly becoming one of the most competitive corners of the automotive world—and the Volvo EX90 enters the chat with quiet confidence. It doesn’t chase flash or gimmicks. Instead, it carves out a space between sensible luxury and forward-thinking family practicality.

In Australia, this top-spec Ultra Performance variant is expected to land somewhere between $130,000 and $150,000, depending on final equipment and on-road costs. That pricing places it above mainstream seven-seat EVs like the Kia EV9 GT-Line and well below ultra-lux options like the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV—giving it a unique niche.

Here’s how it stacks up against key competitors:

Vs. Kia EV9: The Kia may offer a better price-to-feature ratio and slightly more aggressive design, but the EX90 counters with more refined road manners, tighter cabin materials, and Volvo’s strong brand equity in the luxury space.
Vs. Polestar 3: Built on the same platform, the Polestar is sportier and arguably more stylish inside—but only seats five. The EX90 is clearly the more family-focused option.

Vs. Mercedes EQS SUV: The Merc pushes harder into luxury territory, but at a far steeper cost. For most buyers, the Volvo’s value proposition (with similar tech and comfort) will be hard to ignore.

What sets the EX90 apart isn’t just its equipment list—it’s the way it blends purpose with polish. It doesn’t try to be a tech demo or a status symbol. It just works. It’s usable, elegant, and thoughtfully designed.

For families looking to step into an electric future without sacrificing space, comfort, or safety, the EX90 makes a very strong case. And in a market that’s increasingly obsessed with spectacle, Volvo’s quiet confidence might be its most appealing trait.

Final Verdict: Evolved, Electrified, and Exceptionally Volvo

With the EX90, Volvo hasn’t just built an electric version of the XC90—it’s reimagined what a full-size luxury SUV can be in an electric age. This isn’t a radical departure, nor is it trying to reinvent the wheel. Instead, it refines the formula: safety, practicality, understated style, and now, serious electric performance.

It’s not perfect. The touchscreen interface needs polish. The door pockets are inexplicably small. And the third row, while usable, is still best left to kids. But those are minor gripes in a vehicle that otherwise delivers so much with such maturity.

What Volvo has achieved here is balance:

Powerful without being aggressive.
Luxurious without being showy.
Tech-forward without being overwhelming.
Eco-conscious without feeling preachy.

This is a vehicle for people who value comfort, design, and family practicality—but also want to take a genuine step into the electric future without compromise. It’s smart, capable, and unmistakably Scandinavian.

The EX90 doesn’t scream for attention. It earns it—quietly, confidently, and with every kilometre.

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Zachary Skinner

Zachary Skinner is the editor of TechDrivePlay.com, where tech, cars and adventure share the fast lane.
A former snowboarding pro and programmer, he brings both creative flair and technical know-how to his reviews. From high-performance cars to clever gadgets, he explores how innovation shapes the way we move, connect and live.