Volvo EX90 Teased Ahead Of Global Debut

• It will replace the XC90 as Volvo’s flagship SUV.

• Set to become the silkiest Vovlo with a drag coefficient (Cd) value of 0.29.

• Will become the Volvo model with the largest battery capacity of over 100kWh.

• The SUV will offer vehicle-to-grid and -load compatibility.

• Launch in India hasn’t been ruled out.

Volvo has given us a glimpse of its upcoming electric flagship SUV, the EX90, through teaser images and cuts of B-roll videos. It’ll replace the XC90 in Volvo’s lineup and will make its global debut in a week on November 9.

Slickest Volvo

Volvo says it took inspiration from a yacht’s design and incorporated elements to achieve the smoothest flowing surface on a Volvo ever. With its drag coefficient of 0.29, the seven-seater SUV puts hatchbacks and even coupes to shame.

While the blurred images don’t give much away, we do get a sense of the SUV’s silhouette, which seems to be sleek and rounded at the front, but gets an upright stance going toward the rear. The illuminated headlight with Thor’s hammer DRL motif is unmistakable Volvo, while the C-shaped taillights are reminiscent of the S90 sedan’s units.

The sensor for the Lidar system has been integrated into the roofline, allowing for a better detection or sensing range while increasing precision at the same time. The Lidar system is the car’s eye, as Volvo likes to call it. It uses a pulse laser to measure range and detect activity, like pedestrians walking, up to 250 metres in front of the car even during the night. 

This technology goes into making autonomous vehicles and is used in active safety features including ADAS as well. In this case, the housing and positioning of it looks as if there’s a ‘bindi’ in the middle of the car’s forehead. Once you see it, you can’t unsee it.

Features

The previous teaser revealed a part of the cabin, made up of a minimalist dashboard design, sporting two separate screens – a horizontally placed digital driver’s display and a larger vertical infotainment system through which you access most features. 

This being its flagship SUV, Volvo won’t be holding its hands back on any equipment it can offer on it. Expect a long features list, which should include everything from the XC90 like the 19-speaker Bower and Wilkins sound system, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a PM2.5 air filter, heated front seats with massage function and  wireless phone charging.

A panoramic sunroof and a 360-degree camera are already confirmed and Volvo being Volvo, you can expect a top-notch list of safety features. Assisted driving including adaptive cruise control, lane changing, steering support and more will be offered using the help of the aforementioned Lidar system.

Sustainable opulence

The cabin will be full of bespoke sustainable materials and upholstery that’s certified according to strict standards for animal safety and welfare. Plastic has been chucked, making way for a bespoke composite material called Nordico – made from recycled PET bottles and biological material derived from forests in Sweden and Finland, specifically, pine resin. 

Electric powertrain

While the size of the battery pack to be offered hasn’t been revealed, Volvo has indicated that it’ll be larger than 100kWh. It’ll be compatible with Volvo’s bi-directional charging system, which enables the vehicle to power the house when needed. It can also work as a portable power bank, charging or powering devices while on the go. No further details like possible range or power outputs have been shared.

Considering that Volvo has been upscaling localisation in India, we expect the EX90 to make its way to our shores at some point after its global launch next year. The Volvo EX90 will go up against the BMW iX and the recently unveiled Mercedes EQB. For now, it’ll be revealed globally on November 9, so tune into Zigwheels then to know all about the flagship EX90.