The new fully electric Volvo EX90 marks a new era for Volvo Cars. The Swedish automaker has unveiled its first battery electric vehicle (B.E.V.) that combines a sleek design, a spacious interior, and a powerful performance with a range of up to 520 kilometers (323 miles) on a single charge. The Volvo EX90 also features an innovative sound system that enhances the driving experience and creates a sense of well-being for the passengers.
The Sound of Silence
One of the most noticeable differences between a B.E.V. and a conventional car is the absence of engine noise. While some drivers may enjoy the silence, others may miss the auditory feedback that helps them gauge the speed and acceleration of the vehicle. Moreover, some studies have shown that driving in silence can increase fatigue and reduce alertness.
To address this issue, Volvo has partnered with Harman Kardon, a leading audio brand, to create a unique sound system for the EX90. The system uses artificial intelligence (AI) to generate sounds that match the driving mode, speed, and environment of the vehicle. The sounds are played through speakers located in strategic positions inside and outside the car.
The sound system has three modes: Calm, Energetic, and Individual. The Calm mode creates a soothing ambiance with soft tones and ambient noises like birdsong or raindrops. The Energetic mode produces a dynamic and engaging sound with rhythmic beats and synthetic melodies. The Individual mode allows the driver to customize the sound according to their preferences, such as choosing their favorite music genre or playlist.
The sound system also adapts to external conditions, such as traffic, weather, and road surface. For example, when driving on a highway, the sound becomes louder and more intense to mask the wind noise and create a sense of speed. When driving in a city, the sound becomes quieter and more varied to reflect the diversity of the urban environment.
The sound system not only enhances the driving experience but also improves safety. The external speakers emit sounds that alert pedestrians and cyclists of the presence of the car, especially at low speeds when it is almost silent. The sounds are designed to be pleasant and natural rather than annoying or alarming.
The Beauty of Design
The 2023 Volvo EX90 is not only a feast for the ears but also for the eyes. The car has a sleek and elegant design that reflects Volvo’s Scandinavian heritage and its commitment to sustainability. The car has a minimalist and aerodynamic shape that reduces drag and improves efficiency. The front grille is replaced by a smooth surface that houses sensors and cameras for advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). The headlights have a distinctive “Thor’s hammer” shape that gives the car a strong and confident look.
The interior of the car is spacious and comfortable, with ample room for five passengers and their luggage. The cabin is made of high-quality materials that are durable and eco-friendly, such as recycled PET bottles, coffee grounds, and tree fiber. The dashboard has a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 15-inch touchscreen that displays relevant information and controls for the driver. The center console has a wireless charging pad for smartphones and a storage compartment for personal items.
The car also has a panoramic glass roof that lets in natural light and offers a stunning view of the sky. The roof can be opened or closed with a simple gesture or voice command. The roof also has an integrated solar panel that generates electricity for the car’s battery.
The Power of Performance
The 2023 Volvo EX90 is not only a beautiful car but also a powerful one. The car has two electric motors, one on each axle, that deliver a combined output of 408 horsepower and 660 Nm (487 lb-ft) of torque. The car can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.9 seconds and reach a top speed of 180 km/h (112 mph).
The 2023 Volvo EX90 has a 78 kWh battery pack that provides a range of up to 520 kilometers (323 miles) on the WLTP cycle. The battery can be charged from 10% to 80% in about 40 minutes using a fast charger with a maximum power of 150 kW. The car also supports bidirectional charging, which means it can supply electricity to other devices or vehicles when needed.
The car has four driving modes: Eco, Comfort, Dynamic, and Off-road. The Eco mode optimizes energy consumption and regenerative braking to extend the range. The Comfort mode provides a smooth and balanced ride for everyday driving. The Dynamic mode enhances the responsiveness and agility of the car for more sporty performance. The Off-road mode increases the ground clearance and traction of the car for driving on rough terrain.
The car also has a range of ADAS that make driving safer and easier. The car has a 360-degree camera system that gives the driver a bird’s-eye view of the surroundings. The car has a blind spot warning system that alerts the driver of vehicles or objects in the blind spots. The car has a lane-keeping assist system that helps the driver stay in the lane and avoid drifting. The car has an adaptive cruise control system that maintains a safe distance from the vehicle ahead and adjusts the speed according to the traffic flow. The car has a collision avoidance system that warns the driver of potential collisions and applies the brakes if necessary.
The Volvo EX90 is not only a car but also a smart device that connects to the internet and other devices. The car has an infotainment system that runs on Android Automotive OS, a version of Google’s operating system designed for cars. The system allows the driver to access various apps and services, such as Google Maps, Google Assistant, Spotify, and Netflix. The system also supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which let the driver use their smartphone’s features on the car’s touchscreen.
The car also has a digital key feature that lets the driver use their smartphone as a key to unlock and start the car. The feature also enables the driver to share the key with other people, such as family members or friends, who can access and drive the car with their own smartphones. The feature also allows the driver to rent out the car to other users through Volvo’s mobility service.
The Future of Volvo
The Volvo EX90 is more than just a new model. It is a milestone in Volvo’s journey towards becoming a fully electric and sustainable brand. Volvo plans to launch several more B.E.V.s in the coming years, with the goal of having 50% of its global sales be electric by 2025 and 100% by 2030. Volvo also aims to reduce its carbon footprint by 40% per vehicle by 2025 and become climate neutral across its entire value chain by 2040.
The 2023 Volvo EX90 is a testament to Volvo’s vision of creating cars that are not only safe and reliable but also innovative and attractive. The Volvo EX90 is a car that appeals to both the head and the heart, offering a thrilling sound, a beautiful design, and powerful performance. The Volvo EX90 is a car that sets a new standard for electric vehicles and for Volvo itself. @via Panorica and Volvo.
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