Volvo’s biggest SUV still looks as if it was hewn from a solid block, yet its former "don't mess with me" looks have been toned down in favour of an air of confident refinement.
The EX90 ushers in a whole host of new technology with features that will be seen on all other Volvos in the years to come.
The flagship model launches a little later this year and it sees the Swedes using Chinese money from their majority owners Geely and American manufacturing manpower to pitch the EX90 at prices in Europe starting from €83,700.
It is a big move for Volvo, which has so far only electrified the entry-level segment with cars such as the EX30 and the XC40.
Size matters in this market and at 5.04 metres, with a wheelbase of 2.99 metres, this is one very roomy car.
There are 669 litres of boot space behind the sliding rear bench, which can be extended to almost 2,000 litres - and that doesn't include the frunk up front. It takes 49 litres and there are also useful deep storage compartments in the centre console.
Volvos tend to be bought by people with a practical bent and this is where the EX90 lets the side down a little.
Unfortunately, things like the glove box release along with steering wheel and wing mirror adjustment are hidden in touchscreen menus and that takes some getting used to.
On the plus side, everything looks clean and classy on the dashboard and the set-up doesn't remind you of a games console. The fabric upholstery even uses with ethically shorn wool. Some of the plastics do seem hard and thin though in this price range.
The Volvo offers a sophisticated ride. The dual-chamber air suspension is soft and comfortable in normal mode, but stiffens noticeably in sport mode. With its variable power distribution and precise steering, the big Swede feels smaller than it actually is and is surprisingly nimble around bends.
Owners will not miss the grunt of powerful combustion engines either since the electric power can provide searing acceleration. The basic model with rear-wheel drive delivers 205 kW/279 horsepower and, with 490 Nm or torque, it makes short work of shifting this 2.5-tonne colussus. The twin motors options with 300 kW/408 hp or even 389 kW/517 hp turn the car into a jacked-up sports car and could be considered over the top for a family SUV.
The range-topping model surges from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds but regular German Autobahn motorway users will shake their heads at Volvo's decision to peg top speed at 180 km/h.
The range on offer is fine. The entry-level model has a battery of 104 kWh and a standard range of 580 kilometres. If you order two motors, you can even benefit from 111 kWh and theoretically travel between 570 and 614 kilometres.
Charging is possible with 235 or 250 kW direct current and only 11 kW alternating current. The 22 kW charger is only available for an extra sum. Although this seems a little tight-fisted, Volvo is making the EX90 fit for bi-directional charging. Unlike most of its competitors, it can be used as an electricity storage unit for the home solar system, for example.
Naturally a big car like this needs to be safe and the preparations for future autonomous driving are nice to have. Sometimes though, the warning systems are just too intrusive, which spoils the driving fun.
What stands out when driving the EX90 is the serenity. Although this is a characteristic of many electric cars, the big Swede has elevated this even further.
Finally, this one one of the few big SUVs on offer with three rows of seats. The Volvo's muted look also contrasts with some of the more edgy German competition.
It seems the Swedes are hedging their bets in a market where electric car sales are dipping amid buyer worries about range, resale value and long-term durability. Customers who want to burn fossil fuels will still be able to buy the diesel-powered XC90 which is getting another makeover.
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