Welcome to the safest and most powerful Volvo ever made, and the most comfortable. This is the 2025 EX90, and it comes in to replace the XC90 as the company’s new flagship model. This is also one of only three fully electric seven-seat SUVs currently on the market.
While the EX90 does effectively replace the XC90, it doesn’t mean the XC90 is going. Volvo, like many car brands, has turned back on plans to become an electric-exclusive carmaker. So, Volvo will soon bring out a facelifted version. However, the EX90 remains the technological flagship. And likely in terms of price.
We’re at the official Australian media launch event to see what it’s like, with a lovely preview drive through the Adelaide Hills and into the Barossa Valley.
2025 Volvo EX90 Twin Ultra Performance: Specifications
Electrical: 111kWh battery, 400V, 2x electric motors
Output: 380kW / 910Nm
Gearbox: Single-speed auto
Drive type: All-wheel drive
ANCAP: Not testedWeight: 2815kg
Power-to-weight: 7.40:1 (kg:kW)
Official range (WLTP): 570km
Max charging AC/DC: 11kW/250kW
0-100km/h: 4.59 seconds*
Starting price: $134,990
*Figures as tested by Driving Enthusiast on the day. Manufacturers’ claims may be different
2025 Volvo EX90: How much does it cost?
Pricing is either on the tall side or pretty reasonable, depending on what angle the sun is pointing. Two main variants are being introduced, with two outputs albeit with the same 111kWh battery. The entry starts from $124,990 and the top-spec starts from $134,990.
Now, if you compare those figures to the Kia EV9, one of the only other fully electric 7-seat SUVs on sale, then the Volvo seems like a bargain considering it is a premium product and the Kia, priced very similarly in GT-Line form (from $121,000), is not. On the other hand the existing XC90 (running old tech for now) ranges from $99,940-$128,390. (All excluding on-road costs.)
2025 Volvo EX90: Interior & packaging
Step inside and you’re immediately met with a sense of Scandinavian minimalism, paired with high-end materials and cutting-edge technology. The 14.5-inch centre touch-screen serves as the hub for Volvo’s Google-based infotainment system, offering seamless access to Google Maps, Google Assistant, and a range of third-party apps via Google Play. Wireless Apple CarPlay is also supported for those outside the Google ecosystem.
Material quality is a clear standout, with Nordico upholstery – a sustainable leather alternative – covering the seats, while the dashboard and door trims incorporate recycled and bio-based materials. Volvo’s commitment to sustainability is evident throughout, using 15 per cent recycled steel, 25 per cent recycled aluminium, and 48kg of recycled plastics and bio-based materials in its construction.
Audio enthusiasts will appreciate the optional Bowers & Wilkins high-fidelity sound system ($3000), featuring 25 speakers, including a 3D surround sound setup that delivers an immersive, studio-like listening experience. The result is one of the best factory-fitted audio systems in the large SUV class in our opinion. It is sensational.
Passenger comfort is commendable, with three rows of seating offering generous space in each, for this class. The front seats are power-adjustable, with heating and ventilation available in higher trims. The second row provides ample legroom, while the third row, although best suited for children or shorter trips, is still more accommodating than in many competitors. Volvo says it is comfortable for adults up to 170cm tall, and I can confirm this.
Second row passengers get climate controls with vents in the back of the main console as well as on the B-pillar, with venting on the C-pillar for the third row. There’s also a full panoramic sunroof as standard that features strong tinting that apparently blocks out 80 per cent of the sun’s solar radiation. Volvo also offers a separate snap-in blind as a genuine accessory.
Storage is well thought out, with multiple compartments, a large centre console, and hidden storage solutions adding to everyday usability. Boot space is rated at 310L with all rows up, and then 665L with the third row down, and 1915L with both rear rows down. There’s also an impressive 65L under the boot floor and some storage under the bonnet.
2025 Volvo EX90: Powertrain & handling
Interestingly, the EX90 doesn’t take its platform from other products under the Geely umbrella (Volvo’s Chinese parent company). Instead it uses a fresh layout called the SPA2, which is an evolution of SPA, obviously, featuring the same scalable layout. So it will be used for other future models of varying shape and size.
Packaged right in the middle is a massive 111kW battery. This is one of the biggest on the market. It supplies energy to two electric motors (front and rear), offering a range of up to 570km. Not bad for a big beast. Peak power is rated at 300kW and 770Nm in standard form, or an impressive 380kW and 910Nm in Ultra Performance form.
It doesn’t hang around if you’re keen to get going, with 0-100km/h claimed in a more-than-respectable 5.9 seconds in 300kW form, or 4.9 seconds in 380kW tune. However, during our test drive we clocked the sprint in 4.59 seconds using a Vbox on a quiet bit of highway. That’s very quick considering this is not a hardcore performance model. And considering it is filled with technology that contribute to a kerb weight of 2800kg.
Out on the road it feels really pleasant, relaxing and of course very quiet. Volvo has spent considerable time engineering the aerodynamics. For example, you may have noticed the flush blade-style wheels, the flush door handles, and the smooth window frames. This is all to optimises airflow, leaving a drag coefficient of 0.29Cd. That’s low for a large SUV.
With the dual-chamber air suspension the ride is plush and you have two different settings. The softest setting is cushy and absorbs bumpy surfaces really well, but it is perhaps not as well suited to Aussie country roads at higher speeds. At times, there is a bit too much wheel movement and bounce in our opinion, but as you’d expect for a comfort mode.
Instead, you’re better off flicking over to the firm setting so it can manage rapid wheel movements with faster response. On country roads with little bends and so on, this provides excellent control and stability, with reduced body lean and more precision.
However, on the freeway or in the city at slower speeds, the comfort mode is very relaxing and suits these conditions. It becomes a luxurious and ultra-refined large SUV. You can cruise along in almost complete silence if you want to. Without the air suspension option, the spring setup feels right in the middle of the two modes on the air system, appropriately.
In terms of handling, this is a heavy machine as mentioned. But it does not feel as heavy as the specs say. It feels planted and secure so it’s easy to remain in the centre of lane, while cornering grip is outstanding, partly thanks to the 265/40 front and 295/35 tyres on the Performance variant, with 22-inch wheels. Even the entry model uses staggered widths, at 255/50 and 285/45 mounted on 20-inch wheels.
This is obviously not an outright track car, but it does feel pleasurable to drive on a spirited road. And with all of that power and torque available instantly, it is fun to sprint between corners.
2025 Volvo EX90: First impressions
It’s a modern Volvo. So, as you’d expect, this is very suave yet in a cool and understated way. The interior fit and finish, and material quality is superb, with great ergonomics and more than enough features and gadgets to keep everyone happy.
The main hurdle this package faces, in my opinion, is simply the demand. Is there demand for a large fully electric seven-seat SUV? Maybe there is a large demand but there simply aren’t enough options? If that’s the case, the EX90 will go down very well with buyers. It’s priced appropriately for a luxury model in this class, and it is easily one of the safest and most comfortable propositions available.
2025 Volvo EX90: Video
