On the 9th (local time), Volvo Cars unveiled the all-electric flagship SUV, the EX90, for the first time in the world in Stockholm, Sweden.
The new EX90, a Scandinavian design instant classic, redefines the principle that ‘form follows function.’ Designed as a perfect seven-seater, it combines versatility with stylish design, modern proportions, and advanced technology that heralds the future of core computing, connectivity, and electrification, presenting an optimized blend of safety, efficiency, and aesthetics.
Volvo Cars CEO, Jim Rowan stated, “The Volvo EX90 shows where we are and where we are going,” and added, “It is designed to safely drive up to 600 km on a single charge while enhancing safety standards. Being the first Volvo that is defined as part of a wider ecosystem that connects software, homes, and other devices signifies the beginning of a new era for us in every aspect.”
The EX90 showcases the highest standard safety technologies in the brand’s history, equipped with advanced detection technologies inside and out, creating an invisible safety shield that allows the car to understand the driver and its surrounding environment.
The high-performance core computer integrated into the vehicle, along with an advanced set of sensors comprising eight cameras, five radars, 16 ultrasonic sensors, and lidar, runs on Nvidia Drive, which monitors the car in real-time with 360-degree awareness to protect the occupants. The newly integrated lidar can detect pedestrians up to 250 meters ahead and small objects in a radius of 120 meters, regardless of day or night, even at high speeds. The addition of steering support technology for lane changes significantly enhances the reliability and performance of the driving assistance technology, ‘Pilot Assist.’
The interior features technology that uses special sensors and cameras to measure driver attention levels through proprietary algorithms. The vehicle understands the driver’s state, providing step-by-step warnings or strong alerts in cases of distraction or drowsy driving, and if no response is received afterward, it will safely pull over to the roadside and activate the emergency lights to request help and alert other drivers.
The advanced safety technology in the EX90 can learn from new data and supports wireless updates, allowing it to evolve over time. Additionally, it has completed hardware preparations for future autonomous driving, making it a pioneer in this area for the brand.
Designed as a pure electric family car with a high level of safety and elegance, the EX90 features a design that minimizes wind resistance for optimal driving range.
To achieve this, the sleek yet rounded front combines with smooth side flush glazing and door handles, helping air flow seamlessly to the rear. As a result, the EX90 achieves a drag coefficient of 0.29, a highly competitive figure for a seven-passenger large SUV.
The interior reflects the values of today’s luxury with sustainable materials rooted in the essence of Scandinavian design: simplicity, well-being, and natural resources. New materials made from recycled resources, such as fabrics created from PET bottles, and bio-based materials sourced from responsibly managed forests in Sweden and Finland, are used. FSC™ certified wood panels paired with warm backlighting create a Scandinavian living space ambiance. Moreover, certified wool-blend seat options adhere to strict sustainability standards for animal welfare, environment, and social issues.
In accordance with the brand’s ambition to achieve climate neutrality by 2040, the EX90 contains about 15% recycled steel, 25% recycled aluminum, and 48kg of recycled plastic and bio-based materials, which accounts for about 15% of the total plastic used in the vehicle.
Born from the definitions of electrification and software, the EX90 presents a vision for the future that encompasses Volvo’s safety, technology, design, and sustainability while offering a more personalized experience.
To achieve this, the core systems that govern most key functions inside the vehicle, from safety and infotainment to battery management, run on Nvidia Drive AI platforms Xavier and Orin, as well as Qualcomm Technologies’ Snapdragon cockpit platform and proprietary software.
This means it can act as a wheeled computer that improves in performance over time, similar to a smartphone or laptop. By combining the advanced computing power of the Snapdragon cockpit platform with the visualization capabilities of the Unreal Engine 3D tool developed by Epic Games, which is used in the world’s largest games, it provides rapid performance and high-quality graphics.
The 14.5-inch center screen supports infotainment systems with Google Maps, voice recognition, and app services, and is compatible with Apple CarPlay. Through standard 5G connectivity, users can install apps and navigate information easily. Moreover, the EX90 features an immersive sound system with speakers integrated into the headrests and a Bowers & Wilkins audio system with Dolby Atmos for enjoying music streaming services.
Smartphone digital key technology based on ultra-wideband industrial standards allows for easy sharing of car keys with family and friends.
The EX90’s powertrain will first be available in a twin-motor all-wheel-drive version powered by a 111kWh battery and two permanent magnet electric motors. It delivers a total of 380kW (517 horsepower) and 910Nm of torque, combined with a new chassis for a smooth and exceptional driving experience. The maximum driving range on a single charge is up to 600 km (WLTP standard), with the ability to charge from 10 to 80% within 30 minutes.
Through the Volvo Cars app, users can find and select public charging points at tens of thousands of locations worldwide, pay for charging fees, and check charging progress. Moreover, with the plug-and-charge feature, users can connect the charger to the public charger and complete both charging and payment seamlessly.
Additionally, the Volvo EX90 is the first vehicle equipped with all the necessary hardware to support bidirectional charging. This technology allows the car’s battery to be used as an additional energy supply. For example, by using the smart charging feature offered in the Volvo Cars app, users can charge the vehicle during off-peak times to avoid high electricity rates and then utilize the remaining power to supply their homes or charge other electric devices or other Volvo electric vehicles.
Volvo Cars plans to offer bidirectional charging technology starting in some markets, with the aim of allowing customers to sell electricity back to the grid.
The EX90 is expected to be produced at Volvo’s Charleston plant in the USA in 2023, with a goal to achieve climate neutrality at the production facility before full-scale production begins. Furthermore, in line with its action plan towards achieving climate neutrality by 2040, one new fully electric vehicle will be launched each year, starting with the EX90.
Lee Sang-jin daedusj@autodiary.kr