Volvo Cars has unveiled its new fully electric SUV, the Volvo EX90, which marks a new era for the Swedish automaker. The EX90 is the first model to be built on Volvo's new Electric Scalable Modular Architecture (ESMA), which is designed exclusively for battery-powered vehicles.
The Volvo EX90 is also the first Volvo to feature a new design language that emphasizes simplicity, elegance, and sustainability. The exterior of the car has smooth surfaces, sharp lines, and a distinctive grille that houses sensors and cameras for advanced driver assistance systems. The interior of the car is spacious, luxurious, and minimalist, with a large touchscreen that dominates the dashboard.
But perhaps the most striking feature of the EX90 is its sound system, which Volvo claims is one of the best in the industry. The car is equipped with a Bowers & Wilkins audio system that delivers an immersive and enthralling sound experience for both drivers and passengers.
How sound and design are combined in the EX90
The sound system of the EX90 is not just a collection of speakers and amplifiers. It is a carefully engineered and integrated part of the car's design, which enhances its performance, comfort, and safety.
The Volvo EX90 has 19 speakers strategically placed throughout the cabin, including two subwoofers under the front seats and four tweeters on the dashboard. The speakers are powered by a 16-channel amplifier that delivers 1,400 watts of output. The system also uses advanced digital signal processing (DSP) technology to optimize the sound quality for different driving modes, road conditions, and personal preferences.
The sound system of the Volvo EX90 also works in harmony with the car's electric drivetrain, which produces minimal noise and vibration. The system uses active noise cancellation (ANC) technology to reduce unwanted sounds from outside sources, such as wind or traffic. The system also uses active sound enhancement (ASE) technology to create artificial sounds that match the speed and acceleration of the car, giving drivers a more engaging and dynamic driving experience.
The sound system of the EX90 is not only designed to please the ears but also to protect them. The system can detect if there is an imminent collision or emergency situation and automatically lower the volume or mute the music to alert drivers and passengers. The system can also emit warning sounds to pedestrians or cyclists who may not hear the car approaching.
How the EX90 compare to other electric SUVs
The EX90 is Volvo's second fully electric model after the XC40 Recharge, which was launched in 2019. The EX90 is larger and more powerful than the XC40 Recharge, offering more space, range, and performance.
The Volvo EX90 has a battery capacity of 100 kWh, which enables it to travel up to 310 miles on a single charge. The car can also charge from 10% to 80% in about 30 minutes using a fast-charging station. The car has two electric motors, one on each axle, that produce a combined output of 402 horsepower and 487 pound-feet of torque. The car can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds and reach a top speed of 112 mph.
The Volvo EX90 competes with other luxury electric SUVs in the market, such as the Tesla Model X, Audi Q8 e-tron, Mercedes-Benz EQC, Jaguar I-Pace, and BMW iX. The EX90 stands out from its rivals with its distinctive design, premium sound system, and advanced safety features.
The EX90 also offers a competitive price for its segment. The electric car will start at $69,900 in the US market when it goes on sale in late 2023. That's lower than the starting prices of most of its competitors, except for the Tesla Model X, which starts at $64,990.
How the EX90 represents Volvo's future vision
The EX90 is more than just a new car model for Volvo. It is also a symbol of Volvo's ambition to become a leader in electrification as part of its broader vision to become a climate-neutral company by 2040.