Volvo EX90 First Drive: Is This the Future, or Just Another Over-Hyped EV?

The Volvo EX90: A Luxurious Electric SUV With a "Learning" Phase

Volvo’s highly anticipated flagship electric SUV, the EX90, has finally hit the road after a year-long delay. While it boasts an array of innovative features and cutting-edge technology, some of its most advanced capabilities are still in a "learning" phase, meaning that the EX90, while functional, feels like a minimally viable product rather than the polished, fully realized offering that Volvo hopes it will become.

A Deeper Dive into Volvo’s EX90

Our experience with an early build of the EX90 revealed its strengths and weaknesses, highlighting the potential it holds while acknowledging its current limitations.

Performance and Efficiency

The EX90 offers two powertrain options, the Twin Motor Performance version with 510 horsepower and 671 lb-ft of torque, and a lower-powered variant delivering 402 horsepower and 568 lb-ft of torque. The EPA estimates range from the 111 kWh battery pack at up to 310 miles. Notably, despite the EX90 being equipped for bidirectional charging, this feature remains deactivated and promised to be added through a future software update.

Volvo claims fast charging from 10 to 80 percent in about 30 minutes on a 250kW DC fast charger, a promising feature for road trips.

Interior Design and Technology

Volvo’s commitment to Swedish minimalism shines through in the EX90’s interior design. The clean and calming aesthetic extends to the technology interface, which is heavily reliant on touchscreen controls. While the 9-inch driver information screen behind the steering wheel provides clear information, the majority of vehicle functions are accessed through the 14.5-inch touchscreen set vertically in the center console. The lack of physical buttons for many vital functions necessitates constant interaction with the touchscreen, which can be frustrating for simple adjustments.

Volvo has opted for Google’s Android Automotive platform for its infotainment system, offering seamless integration with Google services, including Google Maps navigation and voice control.

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)

The EX90 incorporates a range of ADAS features, including Pilot Assist, which is activated through the drive select lever rather than dedicated steering wheel buttons. Volvo’s lane-change assistant, while slow, is more predictable than many other systems.

The EX90 also uses interior sensors, including a radar system to monitor driver attentiveness, even detecting eye movement and warning of potential distractions. This system can also detect the presence of children or pets left unattended in the vehicle, a welcome safety feature.

The "Learning" Phase: A Key Challenge

The delayed release of the EX90 is directly linked to the complex integration of its cutting-edge technology, which relies on various partners in the automotive tech sphere. Key collaborators include Nvidia, Google, Qualcomm, and Luminar. Nvidia’s ORIN compute platform powers the vehicle’s operations, while Qualcomm handles cabin technology.

A prominent feature on the EX90 is Luminar’s new Halo lidar sensor, situated atop the windshield. This sensor, while currently in a learning phase gathering real-world data, is expected to enable hands-free highway driving when fully integrated and potentially pave the way for Level 3 autonomy later on.

A Promising Future With Potential Delays

Despite its current "learning" phase and a few tech hiccups, the Volvo EX90 has the potential to be a compelling luxury electric SUV. While some of its most anticipated features are not yet accessible (like hands-free driving and bidirectional charging), this is a story of ongoing development rather than a failed product.

Volvo, along with Luminar, clearly prioritize safety and thorough development before releasing these advanced features to the public, although a concrete timeframe for these functionalities remains elusive. While initial reports suggest a rollout of certain advanced driving features by early 2025, it’s important to remember that these timelines are subject to change.

The EX90 represents a bold step forward for Volvo, highlighting the company’s ambition to push the boundaries of both luxury and intelligent driving. However, its current state as a minimally viable product highlights the challenges of integrating complex technology on a widespread scale. While the future holds promise, the EX90’s full potential remains tethered to the resolution of these ongoing hurdles, leaving us in a waiting game for a fully realized and truly revolutionary vehicle.

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