Volvo’s largest model – the seven-seat XC90 – now has an all-electric twin On sale Autumn Price from £96,255
James Tute james.tute@haymarket.com
AT ONE TIME, Volvo’s decision to stop selling estate cars – announced last year – would have been as shocking as Hoover cutting ties with the vacuum cleaner industry. Now, though, the Swedish brand is just as well known for its range of impressive SUVs, headed up by the big (and big-selling) XC90.
This year – as part of Volvo’s drive to be an electric-only car brand by 2030 – the XC90 will be joined by the all-new EX90. Like the XC90, it offers a spacious interior with seven seats, but it’s powered by two electric motors instead of an engine. As such, its main rivals will be the Kia EV9 and Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV. And price-wise, it sits between the two.
There are two versions: the Twin Motor and the Twin Motor Performance, with 402bhp and 510bhp respectively. Both are rapid, with 0-62mph taking 5.9sec in the entry-level model and 4.9sec in the Performance. You get the same sizeable battery in both, with a usable capacity of 107kWh, and it gives the EX90 an official range of up to 363 miles.
From the lidar scanner on the roof to spot dangers ahead (and potentially allow for autonomous driving) to the large, 14.5in infotainment screen, the EX90 is crammed with cutting-edge tech – but to make sure the driver isn’t distracted, a camera will monitor their face and issue warnings if necessary.
With the third-row seats in use, there’s still a Ford Fiesta-like 310 litres of boot space behind them, increasing to 655 litres in five-seat mode – enough for nine or 10 carry-on suitcases, if the XC90 is any indication. There’s more storage space under the bonnet and the boot floor.
BYD Seal U
Just as the Tesla Model Y is essentially a taller, SUV version of the Model 3 saloon, the BYD Seal U is the SUV sister to the sleeker Seal executive car. It will cost from around £60,000 and have
