Best in class 114p Cost per mile


Whole-life cost analysis: Premium large EV SUVs


The Volvo XC90’s electric brother, the EX90 has now been launched in the UK – but how does it compare against premium large EV rivals?


Volvo EX90 Martyn Collins


Incoming facelifted versions of the XC90 arrive this year, but there’s now a new EV range-topping alternative from Volvo, in the form of the all-new EX90. How does this latest model compare to established rivals? Think Volvo range-topper, and usually you’ll be thinking the XC90, a car that despite the second-generation version being launched back in 2014, has remained relevant and popular, thanks to plug-in drivetrains, and the fact that few rivals are able to match its practicality.


However, the EX90 is built on a bespoke new architecture, the SPA2 platform, which is shared with the Polestar 3 (also in this comparison), it has a 111kWh battery pack, 400-volt architecture, and it can be fast-charged up to 250kW. Like the Polestar, there are two versions, both with twin motors,


the Ultra with 408hp that we’re focusing on here, and Performance Ultra with 517hp – with more versions due. The Ultra 408hp version, has 568lb ft of torque, and acceleration to 62mph in 5.9 seconds, and a range of 374 miles. With DC charging up to 250kW, 30-minute 10-80% battery charge is possible, but a full charge on a 7kW AC charger will take 15 hours. Outside, the EX90 looks familiar but different – almost an update of a


Volvo EX90 Ultra


P11D: £96,200 CO2 (tax): 0g/km (2%) BIK 20/40% a month: £32/£64 Range: 374 miles National Insurance: £266 First year VED: £0 Subsequent VED: £0 Battery size/power: 111kWh/408hp AFR: 7p


48 | March/April 2025 | www.businesscar.co.uk


mixture of EX30 design cues, on an XC90 silhouette. It is a big car but hides its bulk well thanks to clever design – like the tapering bodywork. Highlights include the pop-out door handles, the distinctive wing mirrors, and the headlights with their large ‘Thor’s Hammer’ DRLs, that open to reveal the main pixel LED units. Inside, the EX90 carries on and modernises the familiar XC90 feel. The plastics, leather, and wood trims feel premium and expensive. Headroom front and rear isn’t an issue for the tallest. The driving position is comfortable, and multi-adjustable. There’s also enough legroom in the next two rows for adults to get comfortable – although we’d suggest the third row is more for short trips and children.


The Volvo EX90 is also the brand’s first car to feature centralised computing with the NVIDIA DRIVE


 Residual value: 37%  Depreciation: £60,498  Fuel costs: £4,114  SMR: £3,853


core computer, running software from Volvo Cars. Serving as the AI brain, the NVIDIA platform can process data from the EX90’s multiple sensors and cameras to enable driver monitoring and assistance features.


On the road, standard air suspension means that despite standard 22in wheels fitted to both EX90 versions that we drove, the ride generally was supple and impressed. Next up is the steering, which has decent weight and response – making the EX90 feel nimbler than its size and 2.8 tonne weight would suggest.


The EX90 has the lowest SMR, but with the highest depreciation, the Volvo finishes in last place in this set.


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