Volvo is preparing to launch the EX90 in India on October 12, 2026. The electric SUV will become the brand’s flagship EV in the country and will sit at the top of its SUV range. It brings a large seven-seat cabin, advanced safety technology and strong electric performance. However, the EX90 also has several compromises that could become more noticeable in Indian conditions.
Exterior Design
The EX90 follows Volvo’s established design language rather than introducing a major visual departure. It gets the familiar Thor’s Hammer LED headlamps, a prominent shoulder line and a boxy silhouette. The closed-off front grille and flush door handles distinguish it as an EV.
The overall design is clean and understated, but it may not appear as fresh as some newer rivals. Volvo has used similar design cues for more than a decade, while several competitors are moving towards more distinctive electric SUV designs.
The 21-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels add a nicer touch. However, their low-profile tyres could prove expensive to replace on Indian roads. The EX90’s air suspension should improve ride comfort, but it cannot eliminate the impact of large potholes and sharp road edges.
Interior Design
The EX90 gets a minimalist cabin with premium materials and a technology-focused layout. Features include Dawn Nappa leather, ventilated seats, a 14.5-inch central touchscreen, a digital driver’s display and a panoramic glass roof.
The cabin also gets powered front seats, four-zone climate control, wireless charging, a 360-degree camera, connected-car technology and a premium Bose sound system. The overall presentation looks modern and upscale, but the design brings some practical compromises.
Interior Has Some Indian-Use Concerns
The second-row captain chairs offer a more individual seating experience, but their slim design limits under-thigh support. The third row is also better suited to shorter journeys rather than extended travel for adults.
The EX90 also misses a rear window sunshade. This feature is available even on some smaller SUVs sold in India. The panoramic glass roof can tint, but there is no physical blind to block radiant heat.
This could become relevant during Indian summers. With temperatures reaching around 45°C in some regions, the air-conditioning system will have to work harder to counter the heat entering through the large glass roof.
Touchscreen Raises Usability Questions
The EX90 follows Volvo’s minimalist approach by placing many functions inside the central touchscreen. This includes functions that drivers may normally access through physical controls.
Mirror adjustment, headlight functions and panoramic roof shading are integrated into the screen-based interface. This reduces physical switchgear but can require additional menu navigation for basic operations.
For a brand that places strong emphasis on safety, this creates an interesting usability trade-off. Drivers may need to take their eyes away from the road for functions that are traditionally handled through dedicated controls.
Battery, Range & Performance
The EX90 is based on Volvo’s SPA2 platform and uses an 800V electrical architecture. Global markets receive 92kWh and 106kWh battery options, with single-motor and dual-motor configurations.
The 92kWh single-motor version produces 333 HP and 480 NM. The 106kWh Twin Motor version develops 456 HP and 670 NM, while the Twin Motor Performance produces 680 HP and 870 NM.
The 92kWh version completes 0-100 KM/H in a claimed 6.6 seconds. The Twin Motor takes 5.3 seconds, while the Performance version takes just 4.0 seconds.
The claimed WLTP range stands at 565 KM for the 92kWh version. The Twin Motor and Twin Motor Performance offer 608 KM and 602 KM, respectively. The EX90 also supports DC charging at up to 350kW, with a claimed 10-80 percent charging time of 22 minutes.
Space & Practicality
The EX90 is designed primarily as a seven-seat electric SUV. It can also be configured with second-row captain chairs in certain markets, creating a six-seat layout.
The six-seat configuration improves access to the third row and provides more separation between passengers. However, the third row remains more suitable for children and shorter journeys.
With all three rows in use, boot space stands at up to 384 litres. The SUV also gets a 45-litre front storage compartment, adding some useful luggage space.
Safety Technology
Safety remains one of the EX90’s strongest areas. The SUV uses advanced driver assistance technology alongside multiple electronic safety systems. A LiDAR sensor sits on the roof and supports its advanced sensing capabilities.
The EX90 has achieved five-star crash safety ratings from Euro NCAP and Australasian NCAP in global markets. Its equipment includes automatic emergency braking, lane assistance, a 360-degree camera and other driver assistance functions.
However, the touchscreen-heavy cabin means Volvo’s safety philosophy needs to be considered alongside everyday usability. The technology is extensive, but how easily drivers can access basic functions will matter on Indian roads.
Volvo EX90 Faces Challenges In India
The EX90 enters a relatively small market for large premium electric SUVs. India’s public charging network continues to expand, but charging availability remains a consideration for buyers travelling long distances.
Volvo’s sales and service network is also smaller than those of several established luxury carmakers. This could become important for a large and technology-heavy EV that requires specialised support.
Pricing will be another major factor. Large electric SUVs remain expensive in India, while many buyers continue to consider hybrids as a practical alternative for long-distance use. The EX90 will therefore need to offer a convincing combination of range, comfort, technology and ownership support.
Prices In India
Volvo has not yet announced the EX90’s India price. The SUV is expected to occupy the upper end of the luxury EV market and will compete with models such as the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV and Kia EV9. Final pricing and variant details will be revealed closer to its October 12 launch.
A Premium EV With Important Trade-Offs
The Volvo EX90 brings impressive electric performance, a spacious cabin, advanced safety technology and a premium interior to India. Its understated styling also gives it a distinct character compared with more aggressively designed electric SUVs.
However, its Indian appeal will depend on more than its specifications. The lack of physical controls for some functions, limited third-row comfort, absence of a physical panoramic roof blind and low-profile tyres could affect everyday usability.
Its limited service network, charging requirements and expected premium pricing add further challenges. The EX90 is therefore a technically advanced flagship, but its success in India will depend on how effectively Volvo balances technology and luxury with the practical demands of Indian buyers.
