Sliding into the driver’s seat of the Volvo EX90 feels less like entering a car and more like luxuriating in an artfully designed living space. This car is spacious, uncluttered, and the tinted panoramic roof creates a light and airy feel. I shift to drive, and it’s quiet—eerily so at first. There’s no engine hum, no startup growl. Just a subtle chime and a soft glow from the panoramic screen that I find calm and soothing.
Similarly, the exterior doesn’t shout; it whispers—the very definition of quiet luxury. The minimalist Scandinavian design of clean lines, understated LED lighting, and flush door handles gives a vibe of sleek confidence. The modern aesthetic is continued within the spacious, 7-seat interior, where Volvo’s attention to detail shines. Smart monitoring and air purification improve the cabin’s air quality, and adaptable storage space allows for multiple generous storage opportunities. (I particularly like the open region between driver and passenger footwells that’s perfect for stashing a purse or backpack.) Sustainable materials—wool blend upholstery and recycled plastics—are paired with natural wood trims and ambient lighting that adjusts to my surroundings. There’s a tactile softness to everything. The cabin doesn’t just feel premium; it feels considered. Everything has a purpose, and that purpose seems to be my comfort and security.
And wow; is the car ever quiet. I feel isolated from outside chaos, which makes even the most traffic-laden ride feel like a meditative experience. I hear no engine noise, feel no road chatter, and sense no wind turbulence. The silence is broken only by the soft tones of the outstanding, Bowers & Wilkins, 25-speaker sound system from which I can listen to live radio via the pre-installed radio app, or stream media from my phone.
But the real luxury of the EX90 is the intuitive driving experience. Volvo’s approach to autonomous driving is like an extra layer of protection, rather than a replacement for my attention. I’m still the driver, but I’m supported by a kind of invisible and powerful co-pilot. State-of-the-art internal and external sensors set with lidar provide the ultimate in safety. (Lidar works with cameras, radars, and ultrasonic sensors to give a detailed image of what’s going on around you.) The vehicle’s automation systems include adaptive cruise, lane centering, parking assistance, and pedestrian detection.
The central infotainment display is large, responsive, and not overwhelming. Even as technically challenged as I am, I find it refreshingly simple and intuitive. I’m not fumbling through menus; everything is where it should be, and I find it all easily, even during my initial drive. The Google integration is seamless, my voice commands work without friction, and the navigation is sharp. Volvo has thought of everything with this model, and I feel safe in this car.
With a range of 310 miles, I was confident in my LAX to Santa Monica to Beverly Hills drive and did not need to worry about charging. But the charging experience is also integrated into the interface so there’s no app hopping or guesswork. And drivers can now access an additional 17,800+ DC fast chargers with the included NACS Fast Charging Adapter.
Though the car is definitely a tech flex, that flex is unobtrusive. The Volvo EX90 isn’t out to impress with gimmicks. Rather, it delivers a refined, intuitive driving experience that feels built for real life. After my week of driving the car, I didn’t just admire it; I trusted it. And for me, that kind of peace of mind is the ultimate luxury.
Photos courtesy of Volvo USA, unless otherwise noted
