As Volvo unveiled its latest creation, the XC90 Ex90, we couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and apprehension. The last time a Volvo appeared on our channel, my colleague Mire was not very accurate when describing the interior of the X30. It wasn't exactly a pleasant experience, with the touchscreen being hard to see and use. However, as I stepped into the XC90 Ex90, I was relieved to find that it was a significant improvement over its predecessor.

The moment you enter the cabin, you'll notice that everything is on the touchscreen, which can be quite overwhelming at first. But, as I soon discovered, there's an extra display option available that provides more information and functionality. For instance, you can access navigation, speed, and even a "Head-Up Display" that shows your speed in front of your line of sight. This feature is particularly useful if you're not sure how fast you're going or need to keep an eye on the road ahead.

One of the most notable features of the XC90 Ex90 is its new bespoke architecture for electric cars, called SPA2. This platform boasts cutting-edge technology, including a massive 111 kWh-hour battery that's mounted in the floor. But what Volvo is most proud of is the computing power of this platform, which enables software updates to be installed more frequently and efficiently throughout the car's lifespan. Imagine having your mobile phone constantly updated, but instead, you get improvements to the car's features and performance over time.

To put this technology into perspective, I had the chance to chat with the team from Nvidia, who manufacture the supercomputers that power these cars. They explained that there are two massive processors in the XC90 Ex90, which can handle an astonishing 250 trillion commands per second. While it's difficult to comprehend the scale of this processing power, it's clear that Volvo is pushing the boundaries of what's possible in automotive technology.

However, as impressive as these features sound, I couldn't help but feel a twinge of fear when it comes to driving the XC90 Ex90. With so many systems and modes available, would it be overwhelming to navigate? Fortunately, Volvo has taken steps to simplify things, with only one main mode that covers most driving scenarios. It's a clever approach, as the "Soft" mode allows for a more relaxed and comfortable driving experience.

One of the key areas where the XC90 Ex90 shines is in its ability to ride comfortably, despite its size. Electric SUVs can sometimes feel heavy and cumbersome, but not so with the XC90 Ex90. The standard settings make it a joy to drive, and I found myself enjoying the gentle pace and effortless acceleration. The "W" mode, which provides a more dynamic driving experience, is also well-suited for winding roads and spirited driving.

When comparing the XC90 Ex90 to its rivals, such as the BMW X5 and the Audi Q7, it's clear that Volvo has done something special with this model. While the BMW is undoubtedly a strong contender, I believe that the XC90 Ex90 has a certain "integrity" about it that sets it apart from the rest. This sense of honesty and authenticity is something that Volvo has consistently demonstrated in its previous models, and I have no doubt that this car will live up to those high standards.

One aspect that's worth noting is the practicality of the XC90 Ex90, particularly with regards to its seven-seat configuration. The rear seats are surprisingly spacious, and I was able to fit in even without feeling cramped. This is a rare trait among electric vehicles, which often struggle to accommodate large families or group travel. While the Kia EV9 may offer similar practicality at a lower price point, I firmly believe that Volvo has done something special with this model.

As we concluded our time with the XC90 Ex90, it was clear that Volvo had delivered a car that's not only technologically advanced but also comfortable and enjoyable to drive. While there's certainly much to take in, the XC90 Ex90 proves that even the most complex systems can be simplified for the benefit of the driver. With its impressive features, generous practicality, and undeniable sense of integrity, I have no doubt that this car will resonate with Volvo enthusiasts around the world.

"WEBVTTKind: captionsLanguage: enhello and welcome back to autocar we're here with a new Volvo it is the ex ex90 it's a 7 seat SUV at the very top of the Volo range and there's lots riding on it for it's the first Volvo to get a new electric architecture that will be rolled out across the Swedish FMS in TI range so let's find out what is like the dry so the last time a Volvo appeared on this channel my colleague mire was not very accurate I to say the ex30 I think was the interior it wasn't very usable at all the touchscreen drove m a bit mad uh so it was with a little bit of apprehension behind the will of the X90 knowing that it kind of shares some similarities but instantly it's a relief it is much better in there now I driv the ex32 and share a lot of that's concerns but that's not really the case at all in the ex90 ex30 every single thing is on the touch screen is quite hard to see and quite hard to use but there's extra display options frankly in the ex90 among them there's a in my ey line there's a there's a driver display and you can cycle through two or really simple menus um to see what's going on there's nav on there the speeds on there you if for want a speed are in front of your eyeline that works and just in case you're not sure how you're going fast you're going You've Got Your Head Up Display as well which is actually neatly slightly uh off center as well so it's even more on your peripheral vision so kind of gone from one extreme to the other in this car but it's good the interior is good it is usable and you've got a good base on which to start the rest of the r ex90 doesn't arrive simply as an electric version of the XC90 it gets a new bespoke architecture for electric cars called spa2 that's got lots of the latest EV technology like a whopping grate 111 KW hour battery in the floor but it's the computing power of this platform that its maker is most proud of at a future Battleground for car makers Beyond traditional oily bits softwar defined vehicle is a phrase you'll be hearing more and more of in the coming is and the ex90 is one such car cut through the jargon of that phrase and it's a car with future proofed Hardware which can allow software to be updated more meaningfully and more regularly throughout its life in a more stable and reliable way think of it like your mobile phone being constantly updated but whereas a phone will ultimately get slower with updates and features won't match those of newer handsets this car will just keep getting better so when you come on a car launch you get lots of information lots of presentations usually adjust from the car manufacturer but Volvo's brought along some of the suppliers here on this trip and chatting earlier with the team from Nvidia they make the supercomputers that run these cars and there are two big processors in this car that can handle 250 trillion commands per second now that's a lot I think I don't I have not got a basis on which to compare it to but it sounds a lot of commands but it also makes you a bit fearful for how complicated is this car are going to be to drive how many different driving modes are going to be but there's not many at all it's really quite simple the one thing those systems have in common is leave them alone leave it all in soft leave it all performance off leave it in the normal mode cuz in its normal mode this is a really comfortable relaxing car to drive electric SUVs everyone does them brilliantly they can feel a bit heavy a bit cumbersome but in the standard settings this is a car that really does ride quite nicely it's got that classic W ability it's good at sort of pottering around but it's still got a nice turn of pace as well I think the bmwx is probably my favorite of the breed so far and the ex90 I think a back toback test would be quite a good one there a 9 go as well now thex is probably the best of this breed it's sort of niche of the car market but I think the ex90 would run it close as well dynamically certainly in how relaxing it is to drive but it does have the key uh trump card of the seven seats the practicality of this is fantastic as well there's good room in the back I'd had sit in even in the rear seat earlier and you I probably wouldn't want to drive to the SAA CR in it but I'm perly happy in a short journey and there's really not many of these seven seat electric cars around the K ev9 you consider that Ral as well quite a bit cheaper but I think valvo is going to have some success with this car I've always had quite a soft spot for the xc9 the two generation before they've lived long lives and the thing that they've done well is have that integrity and honesty about them and I think although it's much more modern tech very different positioning a lot more expensive I think there's a real Integrity about this car as well\n"