2025 Volvo EX90

The second generation CX90 ushered in a new era for Volvo back in 2015 with refreshing styling, advanced tech and a platform for plug in electrification. But the three row SUV never went fully electric. Instead, Volvo developed an all new model, which leapfrogs the XC90 as the brand’s flagship. The 2025 EX90.

We were invited to Orange County, California for a first drive.

Compared to the XC90, the EX90 is eight inches longer despite riding on a nearly identical wheelbase. Styling is also similar, but it does appear less boxy. Like other EVs, the EX90 ditches a traditional grille for the sake of aerodynamics.

The latest iteration of the Thor’s Hammer headlights do a lot to add a modern touch. And out back, there’s a new take on the signature Volvo tail lights, which manages to cash in on the current light ring trend. Wheel sizes range from 20 to 22-inches. Then there’s the rather conspicuous lidar sensor housing on the roof. As of now, the lidar is purely in data collection mode and does not operate with the EX90 safety systems. But Volvo says eventually there will be an over-the-air update to integrate it with the other cameras and sensors.

Inside is once again very Volvo. That’s to say minimalistic, with a refreshing lack of switchgear on the console and eco-minded with the heavy use of recycled materials throughout the cabin, including the seats. Then there’s the center screen, which measures 14.5-inches and handles most of the EX90’s functions like side mirror position, steering wheel, tilt and telescoping, and even headlights.

The second row can come as a split folding bench or captain’s chairs. The third row is big enough to fit adults in a pinch, but it’s best left for kids. Under the floor is a 111-kWh battery pack, and it powers two motors one on the front axle and one on the rear for standard all wheel drive.

Base TwinMotor models boast 408 horsepower, while TwinMotor Performance models have 517 horsepower and over 670 pound-feet of torque. Total range is 300 miles on all models and 310 when riding on 21-inch wheels.

For our drive. We had a fully loaded TwinMotor Performance Ultra.

As far as getting this EX90 around town, it’s very civilized. Civilized is the word that comes to mind with this electric powertrain. It’s very smooth with the acceleration, you can use one pedal driving, which is again, letting off the accelerator, it will actually bring you down to a stop, to a full stop without having to use the brake pedal.

I’ve noticed it’s not as aggressive as some other one pedal driving modes in other vehicles. There’s also an auto mode so that it will allow you to coast. But now that I’m coming up on a car, it will start regen braking. So while not technically in one pedal drive mode, the auto feature takes over and will start to brake even if I don’t touch the, the actual brake pedal.

Out here on the canyons. You start pushing it a little bit and again, this is a performance model so there is plenty of torque and it is quite quick. It’s not super, ludicrously quick, but there is plenty of power. Believe me. But as I’m going through these corners driving a little more spiritedly, I definitely feel the heft. So this model does have air suspension. So you can dial it up, make it a little firmer, which does help to a degree. The steering’s a little bit light. Still accurate. You can add a little bit of weight through this screen here.

So, these roads are pretty smooth. There’s not a lot of imperfections. They’re not perfect, though. I’m still impressed by how quiet it is in this cabin. Volvo says it is the quietest cabin of any Volvo ever, and while I can’t verify that specifically, it is really supremely quiet.

Overall, this EX90 is a very comfortable SUV to drive, much like the XC90 before it. But really the fact that it is all electric adds to the sophistication over the XC90. So if you are looking for the ultimate luxurious Volvo SUV driving experience, it’s the EX90.

The EX90 is expected to hit dealers this year, and Volvo is building all North American models at their South Carolina manufacturing facility. Base TwinMotor Plus models start at $79,995, while a TwinMotor Performance Ultra takes off at $89,340.

We’ll have much more on the 2025 Volvo EX90 and others soon on MotorWeek.