Two years after its unveiling, the new Volvo EX90 electric is finally hitting the roads. While it appeals with its comfort and premium positioning, not everything is perfect yet. Specifically, the software side seems not fully ready, as demonstrated in a recent video.
While Volvo recently announced it would no longer pursue its goal of becoming a 100% electric brand by 2030, it is still continuing the electrification of its range. The manufacturer has just unveiled its upcoming EX60 and ES90, while its catalog is gradually expanding.
A Slight Delay in Starting
Furthermore, the Sino-Swedish company, which is part of the Chinese Geely group, is already marketing its C40 Recharge and EX40, as well as its EX30. But that’s not all, as it also unveiled a large electric SUV two years ago, known as the EX90. Now, it’s slowly starting to roll out in the United States. Indeed, test drives for the automotive press have just been organized there, and the first feedback from journalists is starting to come in.
While initial impressions are quite encouraging, with the comfort and luxury of the SUV being praised, not everything is perfect. The American site InsideEVs, specialized in electric cars, has raised several issues with this newcomer, which competes with the Kia EV9 and Peugeot e-5008. Among the main criticisms are those concerning the software part, which is simply not yet finished.
The list of missing features is quite long. The journalist notes that the vehicle does not yet support Apple CarPlay, even when a cable is connected. Additionally, he also laments that the autonomous driving system, ensured by a LiDAR sensor installed on the roof, is not yet operational. For now, it only serves to collect data, particularly to improve emergency automatic braking, especially at night. It would also be useful for future Level 3 semi-autonomous driving.
However, no date has yet been announced by the Gothenburg-based company for the arrival of this feature. Furthermore, testers also noticed that the system allowing the car to be opened and started simply using a smartphone was also not working. Another solution involves using a wristband with NFC (Near Field Communication) technology, but this also failed during the journalists’ handling of the vehicle.
An Upcoming Update?
Overall, testers highlight that the new Volvo EX90 is a very good car but advise potential customers to wait a bit longer before placing an order. In truth, this delay is not really surprising. As early as July, we knew that the electric SUV would start its career with some missing features. The cause was software issues shared with the Polestar 3, which have since been resolved but caused a significant delay.
However, the manufacturer is clearly reassuring on the subject. In a recently published statement, Volvo explains that “Data collection from the sensors, combined with always-active 5G connectivity and regular over-the-air software updates, allows us to continuously improve the car’s features and enhance its functionality over time. In other words, the EX90 is designed to improve while driving.”
The vehicle can indeed be updated throughout its lifetime, and customers who have already ordered their model will soon receive all the missing features. For reference, the SUV is priced starting at $80,000. It is available in several versions, with a maximum range of 618 kilometers according to the European WLTP certification cycle. The power is announced at 517 horsepower in the highest-performing version equipped with two electric motors.
