The Volvo EX90 is not your typical electric SUV. It's not just a battery-powered version of an existing model like the XC90 Recharge. It's a completely new vehicle, built on a dedicated electric platform, with a sleek design and a range of innovative features. But perhaps the most surprising thing about the Volvo EX90 is how it sounds.
Most electric vehicles are silent, or at least very quiet, compared to their gas-powered counterparts. Some even have artificial sounds to alert pedestrians or enhance the driving experience. But the 2023 Volvo EX90 takes a different approach. It uses a specially designed sound system, developed in collaboration with renowned audio brand Bowers & Wilkins, to create a unique acoustic signature that matches the car's character and performance.
The sound system consists of 19 speakers, including four in the headliner, two in the front seats, and a subwoofer in the trunk. It also features a sound generator that produces a low-frequency rumble that can be felt throughout the cabin. The sound generator is linked to the car's speed, acceleration, and driving mode, so it changes according to the driver's input and the road conditions.
The result is a captivating sound that enhances the sensation of speed and power without being intrusive or annoying. It's not meant to mimic a combustion engine but rather to create a new sonic identity for the 2023 Volvo EX90 that reflects its electric nature and Scandinavian heritage.
The sound system also offers four different sound modes: Pure, Calm, Energetic, and Individual. Pure is the default mode, which provides a balanced and natural sound. Calm is a more subdued mode, which reduces the sound level and creates a relaxing atmosphere. Energetic is a more dynamic mode, which increases the sound level and adds more bass and treble.
The sound system is not only designed for the driver but also for the passengers and the outside world. The EX90 electric SUV features an external speaker that emits a subtle sound when driving at low speeds or reversing to warn pedestrians of its presence. The external speaker can also play music or other sounds from the car's infotainment system, such as navigation instructions or phone calls. This feature can be useful for communicating with people outside the car or for creating a festive mood when parked.
The 2023 Volvo EX90 is not just about sound, though. It's also a stunning electric SUV that offers impressive performance, efficiency, and comfort. It has a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system that delivers 402 horsepower and 487 lb-ft of torque, enabling it to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds and reach a top speed of 112 mph. It has a 100-kWh battery pack that provides an estimated range of 248 miles on the WLTP cycle (the EPA rating is not yet available). It supports fast charging up to 150 kW, which can replenish 80 percent of the battery in about 40 minutes.
The EX90 also has a spacious and luxurious interior that can accommodate up to seven passengers in three rows of seats. The cabin is filled with premium materials, such as leather, wood, metal, and wool. It has a minimalist dashboard that features a 15-inch touchscreen display that runs on Google's Android Automotive operating system. It also has a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster that shows relevant information for the driver. The car is equipped with advanced safety and driver assistance features, such as blind spot monitor, rear cross traffic alert, 360-degree camera system, head-up display, and more.
