Volvo EX90 first NZ drive review

The Volvo EX90 has arrived in New Zealand a little later than originally anticipated, but that might be a good thing. The delay means the EX90 that starts arriving here in April comes complete with the updated 800v electrical system for faster charging and improved efficiency. And with the current state of the world and questions around fuel supply, it’s good timing to be launching an electric vehicle. 

Electric demand growing? 

So does Volvo see the market’s appetite for electric vehicles growing? Daile Stephens, Brand Manager for Volvo Cars New Zealand said there is certainly more demand for electric in the premium space where Volvo plays. 

“Looking at the total market versus the premium market, from a premium perspective, certainly the adoption is much greater, with 30 percent over the last few years.” That compares with around eight and 13 per cent in the total market over a similar period. 

She says one of the reasons for this lower uptake in the mass market is price. “Obviously, the price point is more if you want to buy an electric vehicle. But with EX90 we are creating price parity with a lot of our ICE competitors…removing that barrier.”

There are two variants offered, with pricing starting at $149,990 for the EX90 Plus Twin Motor AWD and $159,990 for the Ultra Performance AWD version. Volvo sees the EX90’s competitors as the likes of the Mercedes-Benz GLE, the BMW X5, Audi Q7 and the Lexus RX, which are priced at similar levels though don’t offer all electric drive.  

Volvo EX90 the new flagship 

The current World Luxury Car of the Year, the EX90 is Volvo’s new flagship, the firm describing it as a true seven-seater, and currently the only premium electric SUV with such a configuration on the market. No, they don’t consider Kia a competitor, though that too is a large seven seat electric SUV, just not a premium one in Volvo’s opinion. 

The EX90 is rated to be Volvo’s safest vehicle to date. The topline figures are up to 600km of driving range (WLTP) and with its 800 volt architecture, it can charge from 10 to 80 percent in around 22 minutes. The Performance variant produces up to 500kW and 870Nm, while the Plus makes do with 335kW/670Nm, both featuring twin motor set ups. 

Read more – Volvo EX90 gains major upgrade to 800v electrics
Read more – Volvo EX90 is World Luxury Car of the Year 2025

Effortless cruiser 

We drove the EX90 Performance model from Auckland to Waitangi, testing out its touring legs. It’s a quick cruiser, with ample reserves for effortless overtaking. On the main highway, the ride is settled (air springs with two settings Firm and Soft) and road noise largely subdued. Taking a little detour off SH1, the EX90 proved competent on more winding sections of secondary highway trails.

There’s just enough feel for the action at the wheel to keep progress smooth and the suspenders keep the substantial SUV on an even keel. Bumpier roads aren’t quite as well mopped up, the large 22s transmitting the edges, and also revealing the odd creak from the interior.

Quality inside 

Speaking of, the cabin has typical Volvo quality, many of the materials used said to be recycled or having a lower carbon footprint than more traditional luxury coverings. The seat is supportive with plenty of adjustments (once you master the all-in-one control switch). 

The cabin functions are run via the 14.5-inch touch screen with enough shortcuts and dedicated soft buttons for high use tasks. But adjusting mirrors and the steering wheel for instance requires a deeper dive into the sub menus. It features Google integration and wireless Apple CarPlay.

Volvo EX90 – seats for seven 

Like the ICE-fired XC90 (which remains on sale from $112,990), the seating configuration provides enough space for everyone.

The second row is perhaps better for having a completely flat floor, adding legroom, while an adult can fit in the third row (deployed electrically), if required, at least for shorter journeys.

There’s even some useful boot space left over with all seats in use. And plenty when the third row is stowed into the boot floor. It can even tow, rated to haul 2200kg. 

Computer on wheels 

The EX90 is a so-called ‘software-defined’ vehicle, Volvo saying the ‘vehicle’s centralised computing system manages everything from safety and infotainment to battery management’. It is designed for continuous improvement through over-the-air software updates. 

The surround view camera is pretty good, and with its network of cameras, radars and sensors, the EX90 is on alert for dangers. If you are wondering about the Lidar system on cars in other markets for more autonomous driving features, that is not coming here.   

Volvo EX90 specifications 

EX90 Plus

Key features include: 

• 14.5-inch centre display 
• 360-degree camera with 3D view 
• Air purifier 
• Digital key plus 
• Four-zone climate system 
• Head-up display 
• Heated steering wheel 
• Heated front and rear seats 
• Power front seats 
• Pilot Assist driver assistance 
• Park Assist Pilot 
• Wireless phone charging 
• Third-row air conditioning 
• Roof rails in glossy black 
• LED headlights 
• Adaptive cruise control 
• Dynamic chassis 
• Body-coloured door handles 
• 20-inch five-spoke glossy black diamond-cut alloy wheels 
• Panoramic fixed glass roof 
• Comfort front seats 
• Tempered side and rear windows 
• Bose premium sound system 

EX90 Ultra Performance 

Additional Ultra features include: 

• High Definition Pixel headlights 
• Air suspension 
• Flush door handles 
• 22-inch five-spoke glossy black diamond-cut alloy wheels 
• Electrochromic panoramic roof 
• Ventilated front seats with massage function 
• Tinted and laminated side and rear windows 
• Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system 
• Soft-close doors 

Volvo EX90 New Zealand Pricing 

Pricing starts from $149,990 + ORC for the EX90 Plus Twin Motor AWD and $159,990 + ORC for the EX90 Ultra Twin Motor Performance AWD.