Before Hyundai and Kia came along to expand the premium electric SUV market, the Volvo EX90 was positioned as one of the most desirable full‑size seven‑seat EVs, offering genuine space for adults in all three rows. It arrived with much fanfare, promising the very latest in advanced safety, including a LiDAR unit mounted on the roof for sensing the road ahead and interior sensors designed to detect vulnerable occupants, such as children and pets. But there’s no escaping the price tag — even the entry‑level EX90 starts well north of £80,000 in the UK, which could work against it, especially when a 351‑mile WLTP range is also not the highest in its class.
With warm, welcoming Scandinavian design inside and striking exterior lines, the Volvo EX90 certainly cuts an impressive, premium figure on the road. Despite its enormous dimensions, it masks its size well, proving easy to drive. The range is not class-leading, especially given the lofty asking price, and while seven-seat EVs are rare, there are vehicles that offer similar levels of practicality for less.
Jack is an experienced motoring journalist who has been covering the latest new-car releases for the last 10 years.
Read bioThe entry-level Volvo EX90 in the UK — the Single Motor RWD variant — starts at around £80,160 and is officially capable of up to 351 miles WLTP. Stepping up to a Twin Motor AWD model increases performance and range, with a combined figure of up to 378 miles WLTP, and starts at approximately £87,060. The Twin Motor Performance version, boasting the strongest acceleration and most power, begins from around £97,460 and can exceed £100,000 with common options fitted.
The Single Motor EX90 uses a 92kWh nominal battery (88kWh usable) and produces around 333hp with 400Nm of torque, giving a 0‑62mph time of about 6.8 seconds and a top speed of 112mph.
Moving up to the Twin Motor variants brings a larger 111kWh nominal (107kWh usable) battery, with outputs of approximately 456hp and 680hp. Torque rises to 660Nm for the standard Twin Motor AWD and up to 1,050Nm for the Twin Motor Performance model. The twin-motor AWD manages 0‑62mph in around 5.5 seconds, while the Performance model accomplishes it in 4.2 seconds.
All variants share a 112mph top speed and employ the same 800V high-voltage architecture to support faster charging and efficient energy use. While the performance figures are impressive for a seven-seat SUV, acceleration isn’t the primary reason most buyers consider the EX90 — refinement, space and tech usually top that list.
Customers are not left wanting for power in any version of the EX90, with even the single motors version packing enough torque to get the large, stylish SUV up to speed with ease.
Accessing this power is as simple as pressing the accelerator and enjoying the long surge of torque that electric vehicles deliver. Of course, the Twin-Motor AWD variant is the one if you want to experience rapid acceleration, as the 0-62mph sprint time of 5.5 seconds is enough to trouble some sports cars, let alone large crossovers.
In all models, it is possible to accelerate up to motorway speeds briskly and with little effort, all the while the powertrain remains near-silent.
The Volvo EX90 feels composed and effortless on long journeys, its suspension and quiet cabin filtering motorway imperfections with aplomb — especially noticeable with the optional air suspension on higher trims. Its size, however, can be a hindrance in urban environments and narrow car parks, making manoeuvring a little more challenging than with smaller SUVs.
On motorway journeys it feels calm and composed, with only the occasional ripple from larger potholes or waiting-room road imperfections making their way through the suspension, especially on wheels of 21-inch or larger.
While the AWD versions feel more planted and confident under acceleration, all configurations benefit from the inherent quietness of electric propulsion. Handling isn’t as sharp as sportier rivals, but it’s reassuringly stable and controlled — ideal for long distance cruising rather than dynamic driving modes.
Volvo’s suite of driver aids, including advanced cruise control and lane guidance systems, also helps reduce fatigue and make low-speed manoeuvres easier for larger families.
The cabin is dominated by a tall, tablet‑like central touchscreen powered by Android Automotive OS, underpinned by a separate digital driver display ahead of the wheel. Together these screens handle virtually all vehicle functions, from navigation to climate control, media and advanced safety systems. The layout is logical and responsive, and while the touchscreen‑centric design may not appeal to fans of physical buttons, it does contribute to a modern, uncluttered environment.
Materials throughout the EX90’s interior are of a high standard and match or exceed what you’d expect at this price point in the UK. Soft‑touch surfaces, premium leathers (or Volvo’s optional cruelty‑free textiles), real wood veneers, brushed metallic trim and finely crafted switchgear all contribute to a sense of quality that is more akin to traditional luxury brands. Even base trim levels feel well put together, with generous padding on the dash and door tops, while higher trims introduce contrast stitching, open‑pore wood and understated chrome highlights that elevate the tactile feel.
Passenger space, particularly in the second row, is generous by large SUV standards, and the third row can accommodate adults comfortably, unlike many rivals where it’s better left for occasional use.
With all seven seats in place, there remains a usable 377 litres of luggage space, enough for several pieces of luggage. Folding the third row electronically expands the cargo area to around 1,045 litres, making it practical for prams or bicycles. A front “frunk” adds around 34 litres for storing charging cables or small items.
There’s also discreet storage under the boot floor that further enhances practicality for day-to-day needs.
The EX90’s infotainment system runs on Android Automotive and includes native Google Maps and connected apps, reducing reliance on smartphone mirroring. This integration also supports entertainment and news apps via the vehicle’s connectivity.
Volvo’s advanced safety suite, augmented by the roof-mounted LiDAR unit and a host of cameras and radar sensors, enhances features such as adaptive cruise control and emergency braking, helping the car detect potential hazards in various weather conditions.
There are also myriad optional features inside, including ambient mood lighting, massaging seats and several high performance sound systems for a premium listening experience.
Single Motor EX90s are offered in equipment levels such as Plus and Ultra. Base variants include tech and premium safety systems, panoramic roof and substantial wheel sizes as standard.
Twin Motor and Performance versions are typically available only in Ultra trim, adding luxury features such as active suspension, massaging seats and enhanced sound systems.
Standard colours include subdued Scandinavian hues, with additional metallic finishes available for an additional premium — typically in the region of £895. Larger wheel options (e.g. 22-inch) also command an extra cost.
The Volvo EX90 earned a full five-star Euro NCAP safety rating, with standout scores of about 92% adult occupant and 93% child occupant protection, alongside strong results in safety assist categories. It is one of the safest large EVs tested under the latest protocols.
The model is still relatively new, so robust long-term reliability data is limited. Some early customers reported that certain lidar features weren’t immediately fully functional at launch, which has raised questions about rollout timing and hardware activation — something prospective buyers should keep in mind.
As a pure electric car, the EX90 produces zero tailpipe CO₂ emissions. In the UK, the first year of Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) for a new EV is £10 if registered after April 2025, followed by the standard £195 rate annually thereafter. Additionally, an Expensive Car Supplement of £425 per year applies to vehicles with a list price over £40,000, which includes all EX90 trims.
Official WLTP range figures span from 351 to 378 miles depending on the powertrain and battery configuration. The EX90’s 800V architecture supports high-power charging — on a 350kW DC charger, Volvo states you can expect a 10-80% charge in about 22 minutes under optimal conditions.
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