Volvo has always taken its own path: In design, in philosophy, and now in electrification. The EX90 Twin Motor Performance proves that the Swedish flagship SUV is less about numbers and Nürburgring laps and more about effortless calm. A road test shows how soothing that can be in daily life and where the big Swede still falls short.
A Different Kind of Premium Player
In the premium SUV world, the stage is usually dominated by Audi, BMW, and Mercedes. But some buyers want to stand out with something cooler, more understated, and more individual. That’s where brands like Range Rover, Volvo, or even Cadillac come in. For families looking for a luxurious all-electric crossover, the options are surprisingly few. Kia’s EV9 and Hyundai’s Ioniq 9 are strong rivals with cutting-edge 800-volt charging, something Volvo won’t offer until the upcoming ES90 sedan later this year.
For now, the EX90 makes do with 11 kW AC charging, modest by European standards but less of an issue in the U.S., where most home chargers deliver between five and eight kilowatts anyway. Electricity is cheap and easy there, often just $0.30 to $0.50 per kWh, paid by card or phone without contracts. A convenience Europe could learn from.
Fast Charging and Serious Power
The EX90 isn’t left behind on long trips. If the 111 kWh battery runs low, it can gulp down up to 250 kW at a fast charger. Below 30 percent state of charge, it sustains over 190 kW, meaning coffee breaks are enough to add serious range. Only above 60 percent does the speed noticeably tail off.
Performance is ample: 380 kW (517 PS) and a hefty 910 Nm of torque. Overtaking and on-ramp sprints are effortless, with seamless thrust from almost any speed. On 21-inch wheels, the ride remains comfortable, though America’s broken tarmac highlights the occasional thump. Push harder into corners and the big SUV leans more than rivals, with little steering feedback to inspire confidence. Then again, Volvos have always prioritized comfort and composure over corner-carving.
The 180 km/h Question
One detail grates in Europe: the electronic limiter at 180 km/h. In the U.S., many cars are capped for tire certification reasons, but on the Autobahn, buyers expect more, especially when rivals and even Tesla run freely up to 210 or 250 km/h. Explaining why a 500-plus horsepower luxury SUV is pegged back at 180 km/h invites awkward dinner-party conversations in Munich or Düsseldorf. Stateside, with 75 mph limits, few care. Out there, the EX90 impresses more with hushed refinement and outstanding seats than top-end bragging rights.
Comfort, But With Quirks
Volvo’s minimalist interior is stylish but occasionally too stripped back. Adjusting the excellent leather seats requires fiddling with a single controller rather than simple buttons, and while massage and ventilation are available, they’re not standard, nor are they offered in the rear. Rivals like Tesla or Cadillac deliver more luxury for second-row passengers, including power adjustments.
The third row folds neatly into the flat cargo floor, and the luggage bay itself is big and beautifully finished. But annoyances remain: rear window switches buried in a secondary menu, no blind for the panoramic roof, and missing electric sunshades for rear passengers. At nearly €97,000 in Germany (or $86,290 before U.S. taxes), such omissions sting. Even the wireless phone charging pad is frustratingly slow.
Tech That Works
Where the EX90 shines is in its seamless Google integration. Navigation, charging, and smartphone features work without fuss, either via voice, steering-wheel controls, or the central 14.5-inch touchscreen. The nine-inch driver display is smaller than in some competitors, but still clear and effective. Volvo’s safety ethos is also omnipresent: take your eyes off the road too long and you’ll get audible and visual warnings that go far beyond legal requirements. Better to turn up the volume on the superb audio system and let the Scandinavian calm flow in.
Verdict
The Volvo EX90 Twin Motor Performance isn’t about Autobahn dominance or track-day lap times. It’s about serene power, Scandinavian restraint, and a sense of calm that few rivals manage. Yes, it could be sportier, quicker to charge at home, and more generous with luxury touches. But judged on the values that matter, comfort, refinement, and individuality, it’s a deeply convincing flagship.
