2026 Volvo EX90 Ultra Twin Motor Performance Review

The large SUV segment is crowded, but only a handful of offerings are fully electric. Narrow it down to premium options and the field gets smaller still. The Volvo EX90 presents a convincing proposition because building a full-size electric SUV that makes practical sense is no easy task, and the Swedish brand is known for its pragmatic approach to engineering.

Better still, the EX90 didn’t have to start from a blank sheet. Its SPA2 platform is an evolution of Volvo’s original SPA architecture, which underpins the excellent combustion-powered XC90. But electrifying a vehicle of this size involves a delicate balancing act. A larger battery adds weight and affects efficiency, while a smaller one can compromise driving range.

On paper, the EX90 looks pretty good. In the tested EX90 Ultra Twin Motor Performance flagship, there’s enough range for a return day trip out of town, hot hatch beating acceleration and a towing capacity that matches its conventional engine-powered rivals. Even the price tag isn’t too shabby. At $134,990 plus on-road costs, it undercuts the BMW iX by some $8,000 and the Mercedes-Benz EQS by a hefty $60,000. In the luxury segment, only the Cadillac Vistiq costs less at $116,000.

Like its loosely related XC90 counterpart, the EX90 is a handsome SUV. Its understated Scandinavian design is classy and contemporary, with neat details such as the signature Volvo ‘Thor’s Hammer’ headlights with animated lighting pattern and flush-fitting side windows. Unlike certain electric premium SUVs which have deliberately unconventional styling, the EX90’s clean and streamlined appearance retains the familiar two-box SUV body shape. There’s a quiet confidence to its minimalist styling, giving it a timeless appeal.

The same design philosophy carries through to the interior, with it being one of the best cabins not just amongst EVs but also in the overall large SUV category. The vibe is ultra premium, polished and refined, with exquisite materiality and superb build quality. Once again, the attention to detail stands out. A nice touch is the subtle, embossed Swedish flag in the polished chrome strip on the dashboard just beneath the side air vents. Elsewhere, the sliding cup holder cover in the centre console seems almost handmade given how delicate and smooth operating it is. Even the cabin lighting has been thoughtfully designed, with the light sources recessed into their housings to prevent glare.

The mastery of Scandinavian craftsmanship is also evident in the seamless integration of the centre portrait touchscreen and driver instrumentation panel into the dashboard. They just look so well blended in with everything else in the cockpit. Those seated in the second row also get to appreciate the same excellent fit and finish through the sleek rear climate control panel that is neatly set into the back of the centre console.

Practicality is equally impressive, with sizeable enclosed and open storage compartments aplenty around the cabin including thick door pickets and a large open tray under the centre console. There’s generous space for the front and second-row seat occupants, including a genuinely wide second-row which can comfortably accomodate three adults across. The second-row outboard seats have proper side bolstering, too, for lateral support.

Being a seven-seater, the EX90 has a third row of seats which is just borderline usable for adults. While there’s adequate head room and knee room, toe room is lacking, making the seats more ideal for children.

Behind the third-row, a 384L boot is enough for a couple of small suitcases or a week’s worth of groceries for the family. Fold the third-row seats and the space expands to a voluminous 1,057 litres. Tumble the second-row also increases the capacity to 2,135 litres, good for carrying bulky items such as furniture or mattresses. For an EV, the front boot of the EX90 is small at just 46 litres.

Tech wise, the 14.5-inch central touchscreen runs Android Automotive OS with Google built-in services including Google Maps, Google Assistant and Google Play Store. It also supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, with over-the-air (OTA) software updates.

The cabin’s fully digitised controls mean the touchscreen is the interface to all functions including climate adjustments, media playback and vehicle settings. For those used to physical switchgear, it will take some time to get used to the touchscreen functions, but such responsive is the display and such well structured are the menus and navigation that it’s actually an quite an intuitive user experience.

The 9.0-inch driver instrument display is sized just right, not too big or too small, with clear readouts and just the right amount of information as to not be distractive to the driver. It switches between three views at the press of a switch on the steering wheel, including a simplified navigation map view and surround view that shows cars, trucks and motorcyclists around the vehicle.

A large, multi-information head-up display is also fitted, rounding out a well-considered, fully digitised cockpit that is one of the better ones in the segment.

The range-topping EX90 Ultra Twin Motor Performance on test comes standard with a 25-speaker Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system. It delivers a massive 1,610 watts of high fidelity audio output with Dolby Atmos 3D sound processing that should satisfy even the most discerning audiophiles. With superb sound stage, powerful bass and impressive clarity, it ranks among the best audio systems fitted to a car.

Other notable standard features include a wireless phone charger, six USB-C ports, a 12-volt power outlet in the boot and an electrochromic panoramic sunroof which can switch from clear to opaque at the touch of a button in the centre display. However, the lack of auto-fold mirrors is questionable at this price point, and while smart phone access is available it did not work on test, nor did the walk-away locking and approach unlocking functions.

As its name suggests, the EX90 Ultra Twin Motor Performance packs dual electric motors. The front motor is rated at 220kW / 390Nm, while the rear motor develops 280kW / 490Nm. Combined, the system outputs a total of 500kW and 870Nm delivered to all four wheels, enough to catapult the 2.7-tonne SUV from standstill to 100km/h in just 4.2 seconds.

With so much power on tap, it feels effortless to drive in all proceedings. It almost feels unnatural that such a heavy vehicle can build up speed so quickly. Even with a full load on board, there’s never a moment of hesitation, be it joining traffic at an intersection or overtaking on country roads. Every press of the accelerator pedal literally translates to a strong surge of forward thrust.

Turn into a corner and the EX90 doesn’t disappoint, either. There’s good body control and agility for a vehicle of this size, thanks in part to the Ultra Twin Motor Performance’s bespoke dual-clutch rear differential that can vary torque between the rear wheels. That said, its heft is still a constant companion. The steering also offers little feedback from the front tyres.

As expected of an EV, the drivetrain operation is always smooth and quiet. Coupled with those double-glazed windows and thick sound deadening, the cabin is very much insulated from road and wind noise. The calmness and tranquility of the cabin is simply remarkable.

Despite riding on huge 22-inch wheels, the EX90’s ride remains compliant over most surfaces, with noticeable jolts occurring mainly over high-frequency bumps and potholes. This is not uncommon with air suspension, as fitted to the flagship model.

Capable of up to 350kW DC fast charging, a battery replenishment from 10-80% will take around 22 minutes at that charging capacity. It also supports AC charging up to 16A for three-phase and 32A for single-phase. Surprisingly, its rated 22.8 kWh/100km combined energy consumption figure is worse than our tested 20kWh/100km. Its WLTP driving range is rated at 521km, which should be achievable, or even surpassable, given its apparently better efficiency in the real-world.

Safety features fitted as standard include adaptive cruise control with Pilot Assist, 360-degree surround-view camera with 3D view, front and rear parking sensors, automatic parking assistance (Park Pilot Assist), rear cross-traffic alert with low-speed automatic braking, lane-keep assist, blind spot monitoring and emergency stop assist.

Verdict

2026 Volvo EX90 Ultra Twin Motor Performance pricing and specification

Price (excl. on-road costs):	$134,990
Warranty:	5-year/ unlimited km
Warranty Customer Assistance:	5-year roadside
Service Intervals:	24 months/30,000km
Country of Origin:	Sweden; Manufactured in China
Power Unit:	Dual electric motors; Front motor: 220kW / 390Nm Rear motor: 280kW / 490Nm Combined total: 500kW and 870Nm
Transmission:	Single-speed automatic
Drivetrain:	All-wheel drive
Body:	5-door SUV, 7-seats
Dimensions (L/W/H/W-B):	5,037/ 1,964/ 1,744/ 2,985
Tare Mass (kg):	2,689