June 2, 2025 by Thomas Andrew
2025 Volvo EX90 Performance – Scandinavian Electric Luxury on the Road
The 2025 Volvo EX90 doesn’t roar for attention—it glides into it with electric poise and Scandinavian confidence. As Volvo’s new all-electric flagship SUV, the EX90 promises a delicate balance of performance, innovation, and sustainability. But does this luxury EV live up to the lofty expectations set by its brand heritage and the rapidly evolving EV landscape?
We put the Volvo EX90 through its paces in our first performance test—and while it comes impressively close to perfection, a few missing pieces keep it from being the ultimate benchmark.
A Bold Step into the Future: What is the Volvo EX90?
The Volvo EX90 is the brand’s first ground-up electric SUV, replacing the XC90 as the top-tier offering in Volvo’s lineup. Built on the new SPA2 platform, the 2025 Volvo EX 90 marks a significant leap forward in both technology and performance. With a dual-motor setup, a massive battery pack, and advanced driver-assistance systems, it's positioned to take on rivals like the Tesla Model X, Mercedes EQS SUV, and BMW iX.
Under the Hood: Power, Range, and Performance
Twin-Motor Powertrain and Battery Layout of the 2025 Volvo EX90
The 2025 Volvo EX90 is no slouch when it comes to specs. Our test vehicle came equipped with the Twin Motor Performance variant, offering:
- 517 horsepower
- 671 lb-ft of torque
- 0-60 mph in just 4.7 seconds
- Estimated range: 300 miles (EPA)
- 111 kWh battery pack (usable capacity)
These numbers place the EX90 in the performance sweet spot—quicker than most luxury three-row SUVs, yet refined in delivery. Acceleration is instantaneous, as expected from an EV, but the power is metered with characteristic Volvo elegance. There’s no whiplash-inducing launch control; instead, the EX90 offers poised confidence.
Driving Dynamics: Where the Volvo EX90 Shines
On the road, the Volvo EX90 feels like a true flagship. The air suspension (standard on the Performance trim) soaks up bumps with authority, yet delivers just enough feedback to keep the driver engaged. Steering is light but precise, perfect for urban maneuvering and highway cruising.
What impressed us most was its composure in corners. Despite its 6,000-pound weight, the EX90 maintains a planted stance, aided by its low center of gravity and balanced chassis tuning. Regenerative braking is adjustable, though not fully customizable—a small detail that may matter to EV purists.
Interior: A Scandinavian Tech Sanctuary
Minimalist Interior and Touchscreen Display of the Volvo EX90
Step inside the Volvo EX 90 and you’re greeted by a minimalist interior that oozes modernity. There’s sustainable wool upholstery, responsibly sourced wood trim, and a near-total absence of physical buttons. The centerpiece is a 14.5-inch vertical touchscreen running Google built-in, which controls almost every vehicle function—from climate settings to drive modes.
Here’s where the EX90’s perfection wavers. The touchscreen is responsive and sharp, but reliance on digital controls for even basic tasks like adjusting seat heaters can become tedious. A few well-placed physical buttons could have vastly improved the user experience, especially while driving.
Safety and Technology: The Volvo Legacy Continues
Volvo EX90 LiDAR and Fast-Charging in Action
No Volvo review is complete without addressing safety—and the 2025 Volvo EX90 delivers. It's the most advanced Volvo ever, equipped with:
- LiDAR sensors for enhanced object detection
- Pilot Assist 2.0, offering partial hands-free driving
- Driver monitoring system with in-cabin cameras
- 360-degree camera and parking assist
Volvo’s goal of achieving zero fatalities in new vehicles feels closer than ever. The EX90 continuously scans the environment and even checks in on the driver’s alertness levels, making it one of the safest EVs on the market.
Charging and Efficiency: Room for Optimization
The Volvo EX90 supports up to 250 kW DC fast charging, which can replenish the battery from 10–80% in roughly 30 minutes. It also includes bidirectional charging, allowing you to power a home or another EV—a forward-thinking feature that matches the EX90’s premium appeal.
However, during our test, the real-world efficiency averaged 2.5 miles per kWh, slightly lower than competitors. With a curb weight north of 6,000 pounds, that’s understandable—but it may be an issue for those prioritizing range above all.
The EX90 vs. The Competition: How Does It Stack Up?
|
Feature |
Volvo EX90 |
Tesla Model X |
BMW iX |
Mercedes EQS SUV |
|
0-60 mph |
4.7 sec |
3.8 sec |
4.4 sec |
5.8 sec |
|
Range |
~300 mi |
330 mi |
324 mi |
305 mi |
|
Horsepower |
517 hp |
670 hp |
516 hp |
355 hp |
|
Starting Price |
~$76,000 |
~$80,000 |
~$87,000 |
~$105,000 |
The Volvo 2025 EX90 is priced competitively, especially considering its level of refinement, safety tech, and three-row flexibility. It may not beat rivals in straight-line speed, but it wins in comfort, simplicity, and style.
Quick Specs: 2025 Volvo EX90 Performance
- Powertrain: Dual Motor AWD
- Horsepower: 517 hp
- Torque: 671 lb-ft
- Battery: 111 kWh usable
- Range: ~300 miles (EPA estimated)
- 0-60 mph: 4.7 seconds
- Charging: 250 kW DC fast charging (10–80% in ~30 minutes)
- Seating: Up to 7 passengers
- Starting Price: ~$76,000 USD
What Could Be Better? A Few Buttons Short
While the EX90 nails most of the fundamentals, we found a few areas where Volvo could improve:
- Overreliance on the touchscreen for all controls
- Limited physical buttons can impact usability while driving
- Real-world efficiency trails slightly behind Tesla and BMW
- Cargo space with the third row up is limited (12.4 cubic feet)
These aren’t deal-breakers, but they are worth noting—especially for buyers coming from traditional luxury SUVs who value tactile interaction.
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