The Volvo EX90 is finally here and it is an electrified beast of a car, whilst the team here absolutely love the Volvo XC90, which has always been a favourite of our customers on short-term car leases and subscriptions, the EX90 brings in a 2-tonne fully electric version of their popular large premium SUV.
Autocar’s review of the EX90 is quite critical, but as with most software-driven vehicles, this car will get better and improve overtime. Main gripes of the car include the lack of Apple CarPlay, something that the majority of our customers expect nowadays. Lidar isn’t connected at the moment, although promised in future software updates and the smart charging function isn’t yet working. Even the CEO of Volvo; Jim Rowan told Car Dealer Magazine that they will not launch ‘unfinished’ cars again.
But as always, we want to look at the positives of these models so we thought we’d put together the top 9 things that we love about the Volvo EX90:
Top 9 Things We Love:
1. Software Updates
Whilst we find it a pain to update our Windows laptops each time we open them, when it comes to cars, we do find them exciting. The Volvo EX90 is fitted with a 5G modem, this allows over-the-air updates to bring in new features to the vehicle, something we love about the Tesla Models and some of the latest BMW’s.
2. Stereo System
The Volvo EX90 contains 25 speakers including a subwoofer, the B&W system is just immense and it offers Dolby Atmos Surround Sound, whilst not good for your ears, cranking the volume up to 100% whilst listening to Lady Gaga and Ed Sheeran, there was no distortion and everything was clear.
3. Bi-Directional Charging
Whilst not something that many people have the technology for as yet, bi-directional charging allows you to use the car battery as storage for home energy, so you can take advantage of energy tariffs offered by the likes of Octopus to charge when the electricity is cheap and then feed it back to your house.
4. Smart Charging
Whilst this hasn’t been rolled out yet, but will be in a future software update, smart charging will work in a similar way that Tesla models work with Tesla Superchargers. Plug & Charge will work and allows your car to deal with the payment, whilst this isn’t available to all public chargers, it is being rolled out.
5. Latest Colours
The colour palette of all Volvo’s has remained static for a very long time, but with the launch of the Volvo EX90 brings in Napier Grey and Sand Dune, we are hoping that a wider choice of colour pallete will be available and is passed to other models in the Volvo range.
The original Volvo XC90 is one of the best 7-seater in the marketplace, even Jeremy Clarkson has positive views of this car. The Volvo EX90 does not let you down in terms of comfort on the third-row or space, if you want a fully-electric 7-seat car, this has to be top of your list.
The Volvo EX90 has twin motors, one mated to the front axle and the other to the rear axle. These provide the EX90 with 510bhp and if you opt for the performance model, you can hit 60mph in under 5 seconds. This is super impressive that could give some hot hatches a run for their money.
If you opt for the Twin Motor (non-performance) model of the Volvo EX90, the range can differ (according to the EV Database) of between 210 miles to 410 miles. WLTP figures for this model is 363 miles and for the performance, this is 360 miles. Excellent for such a large car.
You don’t get a key with the Volvo EX90, instead you use your Smartphone as a Digital Key. Whilst some may say this isn’t always a good idea, in our experience, forgetting your keys isn’t nice, especially if you are on a deadline. Should you not wish to use your phone, you can use a card, similar to a Tesla.
More Information
Whilst we don’t offer the Volvo EX90 on our short-term solutions as of today (but it is available through Volvo Car Subscriptions), but it is a car we’d love to add to our own fleet, especially due to the popularity of the Volvo XC90 over the years.
If you would like any further information on any of our products and services, please call us on 01332 290173 or use the ENQUIRY FORM at the bottom of this article. We also specialise in other areas including Expat Car Leases and New Start-up Businesses.
