Volvo EX90 First Drive Review: Range, Features, Launch Date & Expected Price in India

The Volvo EX90 is nearing its India debut and the latest first drive reviews have given us a clearer look at what the electric flagship SUV will be like on Indian roads. The electric model to the Volvo XC90, the EX90 has pushed the boundary with a dedicated EV architecture, 800V electrical system, driver assistance technology, LiDAR, large battery and an EV technology-focused cabin. Volvo has now revealed the India-spec EX90 ahead of the launch on October 12, 2026. The India model will be offered in one single, fully-loaded T5 Twin Motor Ultra variant with 106kWh battery, all-wheel drive, 456hp and a claimed range of up to 625km. 

The first drive reviews highlight the EX90's biggest strengths, its exceptionally quiet cabin, comfortable ride, powerful performance and impressive technology, while highlighting some of its compromises, particularly the touchscreen-heavy controls and limitations in the second row. Here is everything you need to know about the Volvo EX90 first drive review, India launch date, expected price, range, battery, features, safety technology, specifications, and more.

Volvo EX90 India Launch Date: When Will It Launch?

The biggest recent update is that the launch date is no longer estimated. Volvo EX90 India launch date is October 12, 2026. The India-spec EX90 has now been unveiled in the lead-up to the launch, with bookings expected to open around the launch period. The exact introductory price will be announced by Volvo at launch.

Volvo EX90 expected price in India

Volvo has yet to announce the official EX90 price. However, current estimates put it around ₹1.40 crore-₹1.50 crore (ex-showroom). This should be treated as an expected price until Volvo announces it on October 12. The EX90 will sit above the XC90 in Volvo's SUV hierarchy and will become the brand's flagship electric SUV in India.

Volvo EX90 First Drive Review: What Is It Like to Drive?

The first-drive reviews indicate Volvo has not gone for the sporty performance SUV feel. Instead, it has focused on effortless acceleration, refinement, comfort and stability. The dual motor system provides 456hp and 670Nm for the large SUV and will enable the car to go from 0-100kmph in just 5.5 seconds. Despite its size and approximate 2.7-tonne kerb weight, the EX90 is not a difficult vehicle to drive. Autocar India's first drive review found the power delivery smooth and progressive, not aggressive. 

The EX90 builds speed in a controlled manner, even in Performance mode, and not the typical sudden shove associated with some powerful EVs. This is a luxury family SUV rather than an electric sports car. Ride comfort is one of its biggest strengths. The EX90 uses air suspension and this appears to be one of the car's strongest aspects on Indian roads. First drive reports highlight the way the suspension handles broken roads, bumps and uneven surfaces. 

The reviews found the ride particularly impressive at medium and high speeds, while also noting the suspension can be adjusted depending on the driving situation. The SUV also gets an off-road mode that can increase ground clearance to around 250mm, with the standard ground clearance at the lowest setting around 210mm. For a luxury SUV that could be driven on highways, city roads and rougher surfaces regularly, this combination of comfort and adaptability should be useful. 

Volvo EX90 Specifications at a Glance

The specifications above are based primarily on Volvo's India website and the latest India-spec reveal. The price is still an estimate until Volvo announces it officially.

Volvo EX90 Range and Battery

The India-spec Volvo EX90 gets a 106kWh battery and a dual motor AWD setup. The claimed range of 625km is based on the WLTP testing cycle, so real-world range in India will depend on speed, temperature, traffic, air-conditioning usage, road conditions and driving style. Interestingly, India's first drive is recorded around 5km/kWh in mixed driving, which translates to roughly 530km of observed range during its test. This was a short test drive rather than a long-term real-world range test, so it should not be treated as the final real-world range figure.

Fast charging

The 800V architecture is an important advantage. The EX90 can take DC charging at up to 350kW, with Volvo claiming around 22 minutes for a 10-80% charge under suitable charging conditions. An 11kW AC setup takes roughly 10 hours for a full charge according to Volvo's India specifications. The car can also pre-condition its battery when a fast-charging station is selected on Google Maps. This prepares the battery for faster and more efficient charging.

Volvo EX90 Design: Simple but Premium

The EX90 follows Volvo's modern Scandinavian design philosophy, rather than looking excessively futuristic. At the front, the traditional grille is replaced with a closed-off surface and the signature Volvo lighting design gives the SUV a distinctive look. The headlights use advanced pixel technology with Volvo claiming around 1.3 million pixels that can adjust the light pattern according to road conditions.

The body is clean and largely uncluttered with flush-style door handles, long wheelbase and large glasshouse. Over five metres long, the EX90 is a substantial SUV. Volvo lists the length at 5,037mm with 2,985mm wheelbase. The design therefore gives it a road presence comparable with other full-size luxury SUVs, but not with the aggressive styling normally associated with high-performance electric SUVs.

Volvo EX90 Interior and Seating

Inside, the EX90 takes Volvo's minimalist approach to another level. The India-spec SUV will be a six-seater with individual captain's chairs in the second row. The front seats get power adjustment, heating, ventilation and massage functions while Volvo has focused heavily on ergonomic comfort. The second row is spacious, but the first drive reviews have identified an important limitation, the captain's chairs do not receive the same level of luxury equipment as the front seats. 

It is also noted that the second-row seats lack electric adjustment, heating, ventilation and massage functions. This is worth considering as the EX90 is positioned as a flagship luxury SUV and may be used as a chauffeur-driven vehicle. The third row is more suitable to children or shorter adults, particularly on longer journeys. Access is helped by the space between the second-row captain's chairs.

Boot space

The EX90 offers:

• 324 litres with all three rows in use
• 690 litres with the third row folded
• Up to 1,212 litres with seats folded according to Volvo's specifications
• 46-litre front storage compartment

A full-size spare wheel is also reported in the India-spec vehicle, which could be particularly useful considering Indian road conditions.

Technology: The EX90 Is More Like a Computer on Wheels

One of the biggest differences between the EX90 and a conventional luxury SUV is its software architecture. Volvo describes the EX90 as a software-defined vehicle, able to deliver functions and improvements through over-the-air updates. Volvo says the EX90's central computing system is based around NVIDIA technology, enabling the car to process a large amount of data from its sensors and systems.

The India-spec model gets a 14.5-inch central touchscreen and a 9-inch driver display. The centre screen handles navigation, climate controls, media, vehicle functions, parking assistance and other features. Google built-in is also available, bringing:

• Google Maps
• Google Assistant
• Google Play
• Charging-station information
• Voice-controlled functions
• Wireless Apple CarPlay
• Wireless Android Auto

However, the touchscreen-heavy interface is one of the areas that first drive reviews have criticised. The reviewers specifically point to the over-reliance on the touchscreen as one of the EX90's weaknesses. For buyers used to buttons for basic functions, this could be taken some time to get used to.

Also check: Volvo Cars to feature Apple Music, with up to three months free subscriptions

Volvo EX90 Bowers & Wilkins Audio System

For music lovers, the EX90 offers one of the most impressive audio systems in this segment. The first drive reviews highlight a 25-speaker, 1,610W Bowers & Wilkins system, with Dolby Atmos and different sound modes. Volvo has also introduced an Abbey Road Studios Mode via an over-the-air update for EX90 vehicles equipped with the Bowers & Wilkins system. 

The feature replicates the character of Abbey Road Studios through different audio presets, with a Producer Mode allowing further customisation. The EX90 also uses microphones around the cabin to make conversations between occupants in different rows easier, with sound relayed through the speakers.

Volvo EX90 Safety Features

Safety is arguably the most important reason to consider the EX90. The SUV combines cameras, radar, ultrasonic sensors and LiDAR with driver-monitoring technology and computing power. Volvo's LiDAR system is mounted on the roof and is designed to provide detailed information of the objects around the vehicle. The system can detect pedestrians at long distances and Volvo says the wider sensor system helps improve the car's understanding of its surroundings. The EX90 also includes:

• Advanced driver assistance systems
• 360-degree camera
• Collision avoidance technology
• Driver monitoring
• Lane assistance
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Adaptive cruise control
• Automatic emergency braking
• Parking assistance
• Door-opening warning
• Post-impact braking
• Multiple airbags
• High-strength safety cage

The India first drive review also notes a combination of five cameras, five radars and 12 ultrasonic sensors, with nine airbags and the broader ADAS package.

New Connected Safety Technology

Volvo has recently expanded its connected safety technology, so compatible Volvo cars can share information about certain hazards on the road. The system can warn drivers about hazards such as large animals, vulnerable road users, roadworks and accidents. The feature is currently being deployed in selected regions, so it should not be automatically assumed to be available on every India-spec EX90 at launch. This highlights Volvo's larger approach, safety is increasingly being handled not just by hardware inside the car, but also through software, cloud connectivity and data sharing.

Volvo EX90 Dimensions and Practicality

Despite its size, the first drive reviews suggest that the EX90 is relatively easy to place on the road. Its dimensions are:

• Length: 5,037mm
• Width: 1,964mm
• Wheelbase: 2,985mm
• Height: 1,744mm
• Turning circle: 12 metres
• Kerb weight: approximately 2,725kg

The high driving position, large mirrors, cameras and driver assistance systems help make the SUV more manageable in city conditions. However, the size should be kept in mind when dealing with tight parking space or narrow urban roads.

What the First Drive Review Says: Volvo EX90 Pros and Cons

After the first-drive reviews, the EX90's strengths and weaknesses are now clearer. What works well are:

• Excellent ride quality: The air suspension provides an exceptionally smooth ride across uneven surfaces.
• Very quiet cabin: The extensive sound insulation makes the EX90 extremely refined at highway speeds.
• Strong performance: 456hp, 670Nm and a 5.5-second 0-100kmph time provide a lot of performance despite the large size.
• Advanced safety technology: LiDAR, cameras, radar and driver-monitoring technology make the EX90 one of Volvo's most technically advanced vehicles.
• Premium audio: The 25-speaker Bowers & Wilkins system is a major highlight.

What could be better?

• Second-row equipment: The captain's chairs are comfortable but do not offer the powered adjustment and other luxury functions available up front.
• Touchscreen dependence: Too many functions are controlled through the centre screen, making simple operations less intuitive.
• Rear-seat sun protection: The panoramic electrochromic roof is impressive, but first drive reports have noted that it does not replace a conventional physical sunblind particularly well in hot conditions.
• Brake feel: It is noted that the brake pedal's bite point is inconsistent during its drive.

Volvo EX90 vs BMW iX and Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV

The EX90 will enter a very competitive luxury EV space. Its most obvious rivals in India will include premium electric SUVs such as the BMW iX and Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV depending on final positioning and pricing. Volvo's strongest argument is not outright performance. Instead, it combines:

Scandinavian design + six-seat practicality + long claimed range + advanced safety + exceptional ride comfort + sophisticated software. 

The first-drive experience suggests that the EX90 is closer to a luxury lounge than a performance SUV. That could make it particularly attractive to buyers looking for a comfortable family EV rather than an aggressively sporty one. 

Final Verdict

The Volvo EX90 is set to be one of the most interesting luxury electric SUVs launching in India in 2026. The first drive reviews make one thing clear, the EX90 is not trying to win buyers over by extreme styling and explosive acceleration. Instead, Volvo has focused on comfort, safety, technology and effortless performance. Its biggest selling point will remain safety. LiDAR, advanced driver monitoring, multiple sensors, software-defined vehicle architecture, and more makes the EX90 much more than a conventional electric SUV. 

With the Volvo EX90 India launch confirmed on October 12, 2026, the next big piece of the puzzle is the official price. For buyers looking for a premium six-seat electric SUV with long range, advanced safety, excellent comfort and understated Scandinavian luxury, the EX90 should be worthy of consideration. The first drive suggests that the EX90 is less about showing off and more about making luxury travel quieter, safer and easier.

Also check: Top 10 Best EVs with longest claimed range in India