2025 Volvo EX90: Luxury Electric SUV with Enhanced Lidar & Connectivity
Volvo’s flagship three-row battery electric SUV, the 2025 EX90, continues the Swedish marque’s tradition of understated luxury with cutting-edge hardware and software. Building on the EX90’s launch in late 2024, Volvo has rolled out over-the-air updates, new subscription services, and deeper integrations with third-party sensor and AI partners.
Design & Powertrain
The EX90’s Sand Dune metallic paint appears muted until sunlight reveals flecks of gold and copper. Beneath its slab-sided panels lies a 111 kWh lithium-ion battery pack (gross capacity) that powers dual permanent-magnet synchronous motors rated at 300 kW (402 hp) in Base spec or unlockable to 380 kW (510 hp) via a $5,000 software upgrade.
- 0–60 mph: 5.7 s (Base), 4.7 s (Performance upgrade)
- EPA Range: 310 mi (21″ wheels), 300 mi (22″ wheels)
- Max DC Fast-Charge: 250 kW (CCS1/NACS adapter)
- Suspension: Four-corner air with Continuous Damping Control
Sensor Fusion & Autonomous Capabilities
The EX90 is among the first mainstream production vehicles to integrate fixed Luminar lidar sensors alongside 12 ultrasonic sensors, forward-facing radar, and eight high-resolution cameras. Software released in Q2 2025 activated the lidar modules, enabling a 250 m forward detection zone and improving the car’s Pilot Assist Level 2+ suite.
Volvo leverages an NVIDIA DRIVE Orin centralized compute architecture to fuse real-time point clouds, video feeds, and radar data at over 100 Hz. According to Dr. Elisa Marini, a senior autonomy engineer at Volvo, “Our multi-sensor fusion reduces false positives by 35 percent compared to camera-only systems, delivering smoother lane-change assistance and more robust pedestrian detection at night.”
Software-Defined Vehicle Architecture
Launched as a “software-defined vehicle,” the EX90 features a Linux-based central domain controller with secure partitions for infotainment, body electronics, and advanced driver assistance. Over-the-air (OTA) updates now deliver new functions—recently added capabilities include a hands-free highway pilot (Beta) in select U.S. states and a subscription-based heated steering wheel service.
The 14.5″ portrait touchscreen runs Google Automotive Services, while Apple CarPlay and Android Auto operate wirelessly. A total of four USB-C ports (18 W max) charge phones and tablets, though enterprise fleets may find the 72 W rear console port limit restrictive for multiple devices.
Interior & Luxury Appointments
The EX90 Ultra trim ($85,640) adds multi-chamber air suspension and 5-mode front seat massagers that deliver kneading, compression, and heat functions. Bowers & Wilkins optional 20-speaker system ($3,200) uses Diamond tweeters and a 1,080 W Class-D amplifier to flood the spacious cabin with rich bass and clear treble.
Leather-free upholstery options, sustainable wood inlays, and adjustable ambient lighting underscore Volvo’s commitment to eco-friendly luxury. Cargo volume ranges from 26 cu ft behind row three to 109 cu ft with both rear rows folded.
Charging Infrastructure & Battery Thermal Management
Volvo’s next-generation 800 V electrical architecture supports bi-directional charging (V2G) and peak charge rates of 250 kW from public DC stations. Proprietary liquid cooling with graphene-enhanced thermal spreaders maintains cell temperatures between 25–35 °C, reducing degradation to <8 percent over 200,000 miles.
Volvo recently announced partnerships with ChargePoint and Electrify America to offer subscription-free charging credits—up to 1,000 kWh annually—for 2025 EX90 owners.
Competitive Landscape
In the expanding three-row EV segment, rivals include the Hyundai Ioniq 9 (800 V platform), VW ID. Buzz (packaged MPV), and Rivian R1S (off-road prowess). However, few match the EX90’s combination of Scandinavian safety philosophy, mature autonomy stack, and understated elegance.
Expert Opinion & Outlook
“The EX90 strikes a rare balance: it’s not the quickest in its class nor the most ostentatious, but its sensor suite, software maturity, and build quality make it a compelling choice for families seeking a tech-forward yet refined EV,” says Markus Lindström, Senior Analyst at EVInsights.
Final Impressions
The 2025 Volvo EX90 cements its low-key luxury credentials with robust hardware, advanced driver assistance, and a well-executed software-defined platform. While frequent software updates and growing charging partnerships enhance its appeal, prospective buyers should assess whether their usage patterns justify the premium over alternative three-row EVs.