[Test Drive] 'Thor's Hammer' meets 'Nordic Serenity': Volvo's 680hp electric SUV EX90

Volvo Cars Korea has officially launched its flagship electric SUV, the EX90, initiating order taking after a significant delay of over three years since its global reveal in November 2022. The launch was postponed due to software glitches and supply chain disruptions, but the interim period allowed for upgrades, including a switch to an 800V charging system.

The EX90 enters the market with a competitive pricing strategy, starting at 10 million won less than the plug-in hybrid XC90's base price. Volvo aims to sell 500 units this year and 2,000 next year. The SUV is available in three trims: Twin Motor Plus (7-seater), Twin Motor Ultra (6 or 7-seater), and Twin Motor Performance Ultra (6 or 7-seater). The new 6-seater configuration offers enhanced comfort and visibility for second-row passengers.

Measuring 5040mm in length, 1965mm in width, and 1740mm in height, the EX90 is slightly longer and lower than the XC90. Its exterior design eliminates the traditional grille, featuring a rounded hood and frameless mirrors to improve aerodynamics, achieving a drag coefficient of 0.29 Cd. While this is better than the XC90's 0.33 Cd, it is comparable to or slightly higher than rivals like the Kia EV9 (0.28 Cd) and Hyundai Ioniq 9 (0.259 Cd). Volvo highlights the EX90 as its safest model to date, incorporating 20% more energy absorption in collisions compared to the XC90 and featuring "Thor's Hammer" HD pixel headlights that can adjust to prevent dazzling other drivers.

Inside, the EX90 emphasizes sustainability with 15% recycled steel, 25% recycled aluminum, and 48kg of recycled plastic. The interior boasts a minimalist yet luxurious Scandinavian design, with a wood-effect dashboard and a panoramic electrochromic glass roof. The cockpit features a 9-inch driver display and a 14.5-inch tablet-style center display powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon Cockpit Platform, offering a faster infotainment system and voice control via "Aria." However, some controls, such as the hazard light button, are placed inconveniently on the far right of the center display, and the glove box can only be opened via the touchscreen.

The EX90 is a software-defined vehicle equipped with Nvidia's Drive AGX Orin system for sensor data analysis. It includes an interior radar system capable of detecting movements as small as 1mm, preventing accidental lock-ins of children or pets. The audio system, developed in collaboration with Bowers & Wilkins, features speakers integrated into the headrests and roof.