Volvo will launch a new flagship model called the EX90. The electric SUV will debut on November 9, and the latest teaser from the company gives a look at the interior. The two photos don’t reveal much of the cabin, but we do learn how sustainability will play into the final design.
Volvo designers grapple with the question, “what does luxury mean in today’s world?” It’s worth asking in a world where the electric Kia crossover can compete with – and beat – the high-performance models from Porsche, Ferrari, and Lamborghini at a lower price. Volvo says, “old metrics like horsepower and acceleration have been pushed aside by charging time and range.”
For Volvo, this means emphasizing sustainability, which will be an important factor in the EX90. Volvo has a new material called Nordico, made from recycled materials such as PET bottles and pine resin. It will also feature FSC-certified wood panels, which will be backlit by Volvo. The automaker will also use wool blends for upholstery finishing, which meets stringent animal welfare and environmental standards. The Volvo EX90 will contain nearly 50 kilograms (110 pounds) of recycled plastic and bio-based materials.
When the EX90 hits the market, Volvo will offer it in seven “room” configurations that “synchronize” the car’s interior and upholstery specifications with the exterior. According to the company, the different styles take inspiration from the Scandinavian lifestyle and its relationship with nature.
EX90 will also come with a lot of technology. This model will feature an interior radar sensor designed to detect children and pets left in the vehicle. The company hopes this will help reduce the chances of them being left behind in hot cars. The exterior will be just as smart, with 16 ultrasonic sensors, eight cameras and five radars scanning its surroundings.
The Volvo EX90 will debut on November 9. The published patent images give an early look at the design, which follows the style of the XC90. We’ll learn more on his debut early next month. It will likely go on sale in the US sometime next year, with Volvo selling it alongside the XC90.
