Volvo EX90
Used Car Review

Overview

Thinking about a premium seven-seat electric SUV that doesn’t compromise on luxury? The Volvo EX90 might be exactly what you’re looking for. This fully electric flagship SUV represents Volvo’s vision for sustainable luxury motoring, combining Scandinavian design with cutting-edge electric technology. It’s the car for families who want the latest in electric innovation without sacrificing space, comfort, or that distinctive Volvo safety heritage.

From the moment you see it, the EX90 commands attention. Its bold, upright stance and distinctive Thor’s hammer LED headlights announce its presence on the road in a way that rivals like the BMW X5 or Mercedes GLE can’t quite match. But the real magic happens when you step inside. The interior feels like a luxury lounge on wheels, with sustainable materials and a minimalist dashboard that perfectly balances technology with usability. You get the sense that every detail has been carefully considered.

Driving the EX90 is a refined experience that redefines what an electric SUV can be. The twin motor setup delivers impressive performance while remaining whisper quiet, making long family journeys or daily commutes feel effortless. It handles with surprising agility for such a large vehicle, giving you confidence on winding roads while remaining supremely comfortable for all seven passengers. While it comes with a premium price tag starting over £80,000, you’re paying for Volvo’s uncompromising approach to luxury electric motoring and industry-leading safety technology.

What's the Volvo EX90 Like to Drive?

The Volvo EX90 is engineered to deliver smooth, powerful electric performance that suits its luxury positioning perfectly. The range starts with a single motor variant producing around 279 horsepower, which provides adequate performance for most driving situations. However, the Twin Motor Performance models steal the show with up to 408 horsepower and 770 Nm of torque, delivering 0-60 mph in just 4.9 seconds. This makes overtaking effortless and gives the EX90 genuine sports car acceleration when needed.

Where the EX90 really excels is in its driving refinement and technology. The air suspension adapts constantly to road conditions, soaking up bumps while maintaining excellent body control around corners. The steering is precise and well-weighted, making this large SUV feel more manageable than its size suggests. The advanced driver assistance systems are among the best in class, with features like highway pilot assist making long journeys remarkably relaxing. You get up to 374 miles of range from the 111kWh battery pack, which means fewer charging stops on family adventures.

Inside the Volvo EX90: Comfort & Features

Open the door and the EX90 immediately showcases why Volvo is renowned for interior design and quality. The cabin is a masterclass in Scandinavian minimalism, featuring sustainably sourced materials like recycled plastics and responsibly sourced wool. The 14.5-inch portrait touchscreen dominates the dashboard, controlling most vehicle functions through Google-based infotainment that’s intuitive and responsive. The materials throughout feel genuinely premium, with soft-touch surfaces and beautifully finished details that justify the luxury price point.

The seating arrangement is where the EX90 truly shines. All seven seats are genuinely usable for adults, with excellent legroom and headroom in all three rows. The second-row captain’s chairs can be specified for maximum comfort, while the third row folds completely flat when not needed. Climate control is four-zone as standard, ensuring everyone stays comfortable. The Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system creates a concert hall atmosphere, while the panoramic glass roof floods the cabin with natural light. Road noise is virtually absent, creating a serene environment for all passengers.

The Volvo EX90 is a compelling choice if you prioritise cutting-edge electric technology, safety innovation, and genuine seven-seat practicality in a luxury package. It successfully delivers a premium electric SUV experience that makes every journey feel special, whether it’s the school run or a cross-country adventure. The interior quality and safety systems are genuinely class-leading, setting new standards for electric luxury SUVs. The trade-offs are the significant purchase price and some software teething issues in early examples. It’s not the sportiest SUV to drive, but that’s not its purpose. Its purpose is to be the most advanced, safest, and most sustainable luxury seven-seater you can buy. It achieves this with remarkable success. If your budget allows and you want to be at the forefront of electric luxury motoring, the EX90 is an excellent choice that proves electric can mean no compromises.

Nicholas Zapolski Car Expert

How Much Does It Cost to Run a Volvo EX90?

As a premium electric SUV, the EX90 has significant upfront costs but offers compelling running cost advantages. Electricity costs are substantially lower than petrol or diesel, with a full charge costing around £15-20 at home rates. The impressive 374-mile range means you’ll charge less frequently than shorter-range EVs, adding convenience to the cost savings. Insurance will be in higher groups due to the premium positioning and advanced technology, but company car drivers benefit from very low Benefit-in-Kind rates.

The main consideration is the substantial purchase price, starting at over £80,000 and reaching nearly £100,000 for top specifications. This positions it firmly in luxury territory, competing with premium German rivals. However, electric vehicles qualify for various incentives and lower running costs over time. When it comes to reliability, early reports suggest typical Volvo build quality, though the advanced technology requires specialist knowledge for any issues. Flexible car finance options help spread the cost, making this level of luxury more accessible to more families.

Is the Volvo EX90 Practical for Everyday Use?

For a luxury electric SUV, the EX90 is remarkably practical and family-friendly. The 655-litre boot with all seven seats in place is generous for the class, easily accommodating the weekly shopping or several large suitcases. Fold the third row flat and you have a cavernous 1,915 litres of space for larger items like furniture or sports equipment. The interior storage is well thought out, with numerous cupholders, charging points, and storage compartments throughout the cabin.

Where the EX90 shows its family credentials is in the seating flexibility and everyday usability. Unlike some seven-seaters where the back row is only suitable for children, all three rows can comfortably accommodate adults. The second row slides and tilts for easy third row access, while USB-C ports and climate controls for each row keep everyone happy. For larger families or those who regularly carry passengers, the EX90 strikes an excellent balance compared to other used Volvo cars. Its size means urban parking requires consideration, but the 360-degree cameras and parking assist make tight spaces manageable.

The Volvo EX90 stands out in the competitive luxury electric SUV market by offering genuine seven-seat practicality with no compromises. It packages Volvo’s legendary safety reputation, beautiful Scandinavian design, and impressive electric technology into a family-friendly luxury SUV. While it may not offer the longest range or sportiest handling in its class, it excels in the areas that matter most for family life: comfort, safety, and everyday usability.

You choose the EX90 because you want an electric SUV that doesn’t feel like a compromise. Its spacious interior, advanced safety systems, and refined electric driving experience make every journey more enjoyable. It’s perfectly suited for modern family life while pointing towards a more sustainable future. If you’re looking for a luxury electric SUV that offers genuine innovation with cars under £100,000 providing excellent value in the premium segment.