Fleet Evaluation: Volvo EX90 & the Software program-Outlined Automobile – Driving Notes
The EX90 is Volvo’s first mannequin utilizing new security tech that understands driver consciousness and reacts accordingly.
Can we now name electrical premium three-row SUVs a “mini phase?” Why not. What began with the Tesla Mannequin X has grown into choices just like the Mercedes EQS, Cadillac Escalade IQL, Cadillac Vistiq (coming quickly), Lucid Gravity, Rivian R1S, and Volvo EX90.
Electrical premium three-row SUVs won’t ever be probably the most prevalent class on a fleet selector, however they will nonetheless match a number of fleet wants. “Premium govt transport” first involves thoughts. Suppose govt and VIP transfers, a premium shuttle for purchasers and companions between places of work, resorts, and airports, or a part of a hospitality fleet for high-end resorts and resorts.
For the EX90, Volvo experiences inquiries from rideshare and corporations which are migrating from premium PHEVs to EVs close to the identical worth level.
What makes the EX90 stand out on this new class?
The EX90 carries Volvo’s security credentials and the model’s Scandinavian design aesthetic of kind following operate. It’s govt class with out attempting too arduous. And two new tech developments profit drivers past what you’ll be able to see. (Extra later.)
Not all company fleet patrons are prepared to select the electrical EX90 over a conventional gas-powered premium SUV. Nevertheless it’s a straightforward change from the Volvo XC90 for many who are prepared and the place it aligns with company values and ESG objectives.
Within the EX90, all local weather management and media settings have migrated to the touchscreen.
Pricing, Specs & Upgrades
The Volvo EX90, launched as a 2025 mannequin within the fourth quarter of 2024, makes use of twin motors and a 111-kWh battery for a prime vary of 300 to 310 miles, relying on wheel measurement. The EX90 is available in two trim ranges: Twin Motor Electrical Plus and Twin Motor Electrical Extremely.
I drove the Plus, which produces 402 hp and 568 lb.-ft. of torque. No, the bottom Plus isn’t a pace demon just like the Tesla Mannequin Y or Rivian R1T, however it doesn’t should be for fleets.
Retail drivers needing the additional oomph can improve both the Plus or Extremely trims to the Twin Motor Efficiency. An additional $5k will get you 510 hp and 671 lb.-ft. of torque however doesn’t compromise vary — the automobile can decouple the rear motor when it’s not wanted for energy.
With a base MSRP of $79,995, the EX90’s price ticket alone places it in a rarefied fleet area of interest. That stated, it’s nonetheless on the low finish of the associated fee totem pole in comparison with its phase opponents. (I’ll sit up for reviewing the extra mass-market 2025 Volvo EX30 after I can get behind that wheel.)
Inbuilt Volvo’s South Carolina plant, the EX90 is eligible for the federal $7,500 incentive, which was nonetheless accessible as of this put up.
Choices embrace upgraded audio, working boards, ventilated entrance seats, a sunshade, and second-row captain’s chairs. For an additional $5k you’ll be able to improve to the Extremely bundle, which delivers higher suspension, 21-inch wheels, seat upgrades, and floor lighting.
Fleets needn’t trouble with any of the extras, besides perhaps the captain’s chairs for $500 extra. The bottom mannequin has all Volvo’s tech goodies, security options, and inside refinement.
Passenger & Cargo Quantity
The EX90 might be configured for seven occupants with a second-row bench seat or six occupants with the captain’s chairs. The latter presents quick access to the again row, although each the bench seats and captain’s chairs have a button that electronically folds the second row.
The third row has 31.9 inches of legroom, on par with its luxurious three-row opponents however smaller than the full-size SUV phase that features Chevrolet Tahoe and Ford Expedition. I’m 5’ 8” and match again there fairly properly, although admittedly would favor to keep away from it in a enterprise surroundings or an extended journey. (These AYSO weekend soccer warriors? Good to go!)
For drivers shifting from the XC90, the EX90 presents comparable leg and headroom throughout all three rows. And EX90 supplies equal (or barely higher) total cargo capability, as its devoted EV platform permits a extra seamless packaging of the battery.
The EX90’s inside dimensions rival its luxurious opponents, and the usual panoramic glass roof offers it an open really feel.
Really feel Behind the Wheel
Sliding behind the wheel, the EX90 exudes Volvo’s trademark understated sophistication. Drivers wanting to decide on between 5 totally different entry sounds or lighting results can go elsewhere.
The usual panoramic glass roof offers the car an open really feel. The usual upholstery known as Nordico, produced from recycled plastics and pine oil. Overlook leather-based seats.
Every little thing occurs by means of the middle console 14.5-in. digital touchscreen. In case you favor tactile management of in-cabin features, the EX90 will take some getting used to. All local weather management and media settings have migrated to the touchscreen, together with opening the glovebox. In a nod to security, a bodily defroster button is all that continues to be.
Fortunately, the touchscreen has develop into extra intuitive. It makes use of a brand new contextual working system that robotically modifications the display view based mostly on driving situations, which might lower the variety of display touches and scrolls to get to the operate.
It’s actually about coaching drivers to make use of Google Digital Assistant for in-cabin features. Drivers can use voice instructions to set a vacation spot, play music, management the temperature, and ship messages hands-free.
Round again, the touchless rear hatch is a pleasant characteristic, however for me, it typically required just a few leg sweeps to make it work. (A “kick” appeared to work higher.)
Volvo’s Scandinavian aesthetic of kind following operate is obvious in how space for storing is mixed with car operations.
Digital Keys: Plan in Advance
There are three key choices: the Volvo key tag, Volvo card, and digital key in your cell system.
The digital key works along with the Volvo app, although there’s no must open the app. The automobile will unlock when your telephone is near the car, and once you’re inside, the car is already on. The automobile shuts off and locks upon exiting.
The digital key might be transferred to a different driver remotely and briefly, which may turn out to be useful in govt transport conditions or any journey that requires two drivers.
The cardboard is just like the faucet performance of bank cards; you place it in opposition to the door deal with to open the car. It’s a good suggestion to maintain the cardboard in a pockets as a backup for a valet.
The important thing tag is the closest factor to a fob, however it’s not a fob. It’s a small block that connects through short-range wi-fi communication. It must be charged, which is feasible through the wi-fi pad within the automobile.
Some fleet managers discover digital keys problematic as they’re liable to consumer errors, telephone mishaps, and software program glitches — greater than annoyances in fleet utilization. Whereas Volvo has redundancies, fleet managers and drivers must know their choices and be ready.
Talking of the rising prevalence of telephone apps to your automobile: Controlling car features remotely is changing into a key a part of security and effectivity and is quasi-essential for EV fleets.
Along with the digital key, the Volvo app handles cabin preconditioning, displays battery cost and charging progress, and facilitates charging funds. It additionally sends upkeep alerts and door lock standing.
Human-Centric Security
Now to these tech developments not seen to the bare eye: Volvo used the EX90 to launch two new techniques that exhibit the evolution of car security and the software-defined car. As I didn’t have direct (or discernable) expertise behind the wheel with both, I engaged with a Volvo product specialist to study extra.
The primary is the Driver Understanding System.
With any newer car nowadays, do you get irritated by all of the lights and dings once you’re simply attempting to again out of the driveway? I fear that the notifications a) uninteresting a driver’s situational consciousness and b) would finally simply be ignored, negating their profit.
Volvo is addressing this with instruments to know drivers’ consciousness of their environments and intervene as vital.
Volvo’s Driver Understanding System makes use of two cameras to observe eye actions and facial expressions, analyzing eye closures and indicators of distraction, drowsiness, or impairment.
If the system detects that the motive force’s state isn’t optimum, it goes into alert mode, which begins with delicate alerts that escalate to extra pronounced warnings. If vital, the system will then have interaction energetic security controls that might gradual the car’s pace, activate hazard lights, and even carry the automobile to a cease.
A profit over conventional refueling? The power to provoke and pay for charging robotically with Volvo’s Plug and Cost.
What Can Core Computing Do for You?
The Volvo EX90 is among the first automobiles to characteristic core computing, the second massive tech enhancement. On this system, core computing replaces conventional distributed ECUs (digital management models) with a centralized computing framework.
As an alternative of dozens of separate ECUs controlling totally different car features, comparable to infotainment, security, and powertrains, the EX90 consolidates them into one consolidated, super-fast system. It’s powered by an Nvidia “system-on-a-chip” that’s able to performing over 250 trillion operations per second.
This reduces latency, facilitates pace to marketplace for new options, and produces extra seamless over-the-air (OTA) updates. Yeah, anticipate loads of these through the car’s lifetime.
It’s not only a Volvo factor; it is a main growth in automotive know-how. My take a look at EX90 didn’t have Apple CarPlay, however it was launched later, on February 10.
Different cool EX90 options to come back embrace bidirectional charging, ADAS options, and LiDAR, which can allow autonomous driving capabilities, are additionally deliberate.
The brand new core computing system is simply one other leap ahead for the “software-defined car.” For fleets, this replace capability may assist with resale worth and driver satisfaction over an extended maintain interval.
