This is how the Swedish do luxury.
The Volvo EX90 has gained a new trim level aimed at those who prefer to sit back and let the chauffeur handle the driving. It's called the EX90 Excellence, and it's the range-topping version of the brand's all-new electric seven-seater that eschews a third row of seats for luxury akin to the Mercedes-Maybach take on the EQS SUV.
At first glance, you'd be hard-pressed to spot any exterior differences. There are a few subtle changes, such as the tasteful two-tone color scheme and the model-specific 22-inch forged rims. Volvo says these eye-catching wheels have been designed to improve handling and optimize aerodynamic performance. Aside from that, it looks the same as the regular EX90, and that's the point. Volvo customers appreciate subtle design and prefer to fly under the radar.
Step inside, however, and the Excellence is a vastly different vehicle.
Gone is the practical seven-seat layout. In place of the two rear rows are two individual reclining seats, replete with soft pillows that enhance comfort. The second row is a wonderful place to be, and customers benefit from a standard fridge that can accommodate a large bottle of mineral water, champagne, or any other beverage the rich enjoy consuming.
Swedish minimalism can be found all over the cabin, with natural wood trim concealing controls for seat heating and massage functions. These are separated by an exquisite Orrefors crystal trinket. This isn't just a beautiful piece of detailing; it serves as a microswitch that controls three fragrances via a dispenser.
Volvo has gone against the grain, eschewing leather upholstery for a wool blend or Nordico upholstery. The latter is a sustainable material made from recycled items and bio-attributed materials from Scandinavian forests.
Other luxuries include the Bowers & Wilkins High Fidelity audio system with Dolby Atmos. Volvo has tuned the 3D surround sound setup for the unique cabin of the EX90 Excellence, with speakers integrated into the headrests. Infotainment is taken care of via the 14.5-inch center screen that offers 5G connection, allowing owners to install their preferred apps quickly and with ease.
Regular over-the-air (OTA) updates ensure the EX90 Excellence can be constantly upgraded, improving the car even as it ages. The in-car computing platform is impressive and features Xavier and Orin system-on-chips. Key vehicle functions are controlled by Qualcomm's Snapdragon Cockpit Platforms.
Volvo claims the EX90 Excellence is the safest four-seater car it has ever built. The luxury SUV receives the same cutting-edge tech found in the regular variant, which means Volvo's very best driver-assistance features and Luminar's LiDAR technology are standard.
Volvo makes no mention of the electric drivetrain but notes the EX90 Excellence is powered by twin electric motors and sends power to all four wheels. It's safe to assume this high-end model will produce around 496 horsepower and 671 lb-ft of torque if that's the case. The posh EV has a claimed range of 404 miles, calculated on the CLTC driving cycle. We expect a more realistic figure of 300-350 miles when it arrives in America.
There's no word on when this model will be made available, but the Geely-owned automaker notes the Excellence will first be introduced in China.
"With the EX90 Excellence, we demonstrate our ability to innovate in the ultimate premium segment and meet specific market demands with our cars," said Volvo's deputy CEO, Bjorn Annwall. Based on the previous Excellence model, we anticipate pricing to surpass the $100,000 mark.
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