Volvo EX90 safety features review 2025: Forget everything you thought you knew about safe driving. The Volvo EX90 isn’t just another SUV; it’s a rolling testament to cutting-edge safety tech. We’re diving deep into its arsenal of driver-assistance systems, passive safety features, and innovative technologies, comparing it to the competition and exploring what makes it truly stand out in the 2025 model year.
From its robust body structure designed to withstand major impacts to its suite of AI-powered driver aids, the EX90 represents a significant leap forward in automotive safety. We’ll examine the user experience, explore independent test results, and even speculate on what the future holds for this groundbreaking vehicle’s safety innovations.
Introduction to the Volvo EX90
The Volvo EX90, unveiled in 2023, represents Volvo’s flagship electric SUV and a significant leap forward in their commitment to safety. Positioned as a premium electric vehicle, it competes directly with other luxury electric SUVs like the Tesla Model X and the BMW iX. The EX90 aims to redefine the standards for safety in the automotive industry, leveraging advanced technology and a meticulously designed chassis to achieve its ambitious goals.Volvo’s design philosophy for the EX90 centers around proactive safety.
This means anticipating potential hazards and preventing accidents before they occur, rather than simply mitigating the impact of a collision. Key design elements contributing to this include the vehicle’s robust structure, the placement and integration of various sensor systems, and the sophisticated software that processes data from these systems. The large panoramic roof, while seemingly a stylistic choice, actually contributes to the overall visibility for the driver, enhancing situational awareness and aiding in accident prevention.
The spacious interior also allows for more efficient placement of safety-related components without compromising passenger comfort.
Volvo’s Safety Goals for the EX90
Volvo’s stated goal for the EX90 is to eliminate fatalities and serious injuries in new Volvos by 2020. While this ambitious target predates the EX90’s release, the vehicle embodies a significant step toward achieving that vision. The EX90 incorporates numerous features designed to proactively prevent accidents, such as advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) that monitor the surrounding environment and alert the driver to potential hazards.
It also incorporates a sophisticated suite of passive safety features, including a reinforced passenger cell and advanced airbag systems, designed to minimize the severity of any unavoidable collisions. The overarching goal is not just to improve upon existing safety standards, but to create a paradigm shift in how vehicles are designed and engineered to protect occupants. The EX90’s extensive use of sensors and AI-powered systems represents a significant advancement in this pursuit.
This proactive approach, combined with robust passive safety measures, underscores Volvo’s commitment to safety innovation.
Driver-Assistance Systems
The Volvo EX90 boasts a comprehensive suite of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), aiming to provide a safer and more convenient driving experience. These systems leverage a combination of cameras, radar, lidar, and ultrasonic sensors to monitor the vehicle’s surroundings and assist the driver in various situations. The goal is not to replace the driver but to provide crucial support, enhancing safety and reducing driver workload, particularly during long journeys or in challenging conditions.The EX90’s ADAS suite represents a significant advancement compared to previous Volvo models and many competitors in the luxury SUV segment.
Volvo has emphasized a holistic approach, integrating these systems seamlessly to create a more intuitive and responsive driving experience. While many competitors offer similar features, the EX90’s unique combination of hardware and software, along with its focus on proactive safety measures, sets it apart. Direct comparisons to competitors will highlight the EX90’s strengths and potential weaknesses.
Comparison of Key ADAS Features
The following table compares three key ADAS features of the Volvo EX90 with those of two leading competitors, the BMW iX and the Tesla Model X. Note that specific performance may vary based on factors like environmental conditions and software updates. This table provides a general overview based on publicly available information and independent testing results.
| Feature | Volvo EX90 | BMW iX | Tesla Model X |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Stop & Go | Smooth operation, good lane centering, reliable stop and go functionality. Includes Pilot Assist for semi-autonomous driving capabilities on suitable roads. | Generally smooth, lane keeping is adequate. Stop and go functionality is reliable, but can be jerky at times. | Aggressive acceleration and braking, can be unpredictable in stop-and-go traffic. Lane centering is less precise than Volvo’s. Autopilot features are widely known, but can be erratic. |
| Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) | Gentle steering corrections, effective in preventing lane departures. Provides clear warnings before intervention. | Similar effectiveness to Volvo’s system. Intervention can feel a bit abrupt at times. | Less refined than Volvo and BMW, prone to false warnings and abrupt corrections, especially in curved roads. |
| Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) | Detects pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles, with effective braking in various scenarios. Multiple sensors provide redundancy and improved detection capabilities. | Effective braking, good pedestrian and vehicle detection. Performance in low-light conditions may be slightly less reliable. | Strong braking performance. However, some instances of false positives and missed detections have been reported. |
Passive Safety Features
The Volvo EX90 doesn’t just rely on advanced driver-assistance systems to keep you safe; it boasts a comprehensive suite of passive safety features designed to mitigate the impact of a collision and protect occupants. These features represent years of engineering and material science advancements, working together to create a remarkably resilient and protective passenger cell. Think of it as a highly sophisticated, multi-layered defense system.The EX90’s passive safety system is built around a robust, high-strength steel body structure designed to absorb and redirect impact forces away from the passenger compartment.
This structure, combined with strategically placed reinforcements and advanced crumple zones, ensures that energy from a crash is dissipated effectively, minimizing the impact on the vehicle’s occupants. The use of boron steel, known for its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, further enhances the structural integrity of the vehicle. Beyond the steel, Volvo has also incorporated other materials, such as aluminum, in areas where weight reduction without compromising strength is crucial.
This careful selection of materials contributes to the EX90’s overall passive safety performance.
Airbag System and Deployment
The EX90 features a comprehensive airbag system, including front, side, and curtain airbags, strategically positioned to provide maximum protection in a wide range of collision scenarios. The deployment of these airbags is controlled by sophisticated sensors that assess the severity and type of impact, ensuring the appropriate airbags are deployed with the necessary force. For example, in a side impact, the side airbags deploy rapidly to cushion occupants against the intrusion of a colliding vehicle.
The curtain airbags deploy to protect occupants from head injuries in side or rollover accidents. The system also incorporates advanced algorithms that adjust airbag deployment based on factors like occupant size and seating position, further optimizing protection.
Seatbelts and Restraint Systems
Beyond airbags, the EX90’s seatbelts play a critical role in passive safety. These are not your average seatbelts; they are equipped with pre-tensioners that instantly tighten the belts in a collision, minimizing occupant movement and reducing the risk of injury. Furthermore, load limiters are integrated to prevent excessive forces on the occupants during a crash. The seatbelts are designed to work seamlessly with the airbags, providing a coordinated restraint system that effectively secures passengers.
The design of the seats themselves also contributes to occupant protection, offering optimal support and reducing the likelihood of injury.
Unique Aspects of EX90 Passive Safety
The passive safety features of the EX90 aren’t just incremental improvements; they represent a significant leap forward in automotive safety technology. Here are some key aspects that set it apart:
- Enhanced Body Structure: The use of advanced high-strength steel and boron steel results in a significantly stronger and more rigid passenger compartment, better protecting occupants in severe collisions.
- Sophisticated Airbag Deployment: The system’s ability to tailor airbag deployment based on impact severity and occupant characteristics ensures optimal protection in diverse accident scenarios.
- Integrated Seatbelt System: The combination of pre-tensioners and load limiters in the seatbelts, working in concert with the airbags, creates a highly effective restraint system.
- Optimized Material Selection: The strategic use of different materials, including high-strength steel, boron steel, and aluminum, maximizes strength while minimizing weight.
Safety Technology and Innovation: Volvo EX90 Safety Features Review 2025
The Volvo EX90’s safety prowess isn’t just about individual features; it’s a sophisticated interplay of sensors, software, and advanced algorithms working in concert to create a truly protective environment. This integrated approach goes beyond simply reacting to hazards; it actively anticipates and mitigates potential risks, making the driving experience safer for everyone.The EX90 leverages a vast network of sensors, including radar, lidar, cameras, and ultrasonic sensors, to build a comprehensive 360-degree view of its surroundings.
This sensory data is then processed by powerful onboard computers running sophisticated software that can identify potential hazards, such as pedestrians, cyclists, other vehicles, and even animals, at impressive distances and speeds. This allows the safety systems to react proactively, giving the driver ample time to respond or for the vehicle to intervene autonomously if necessary.
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Getting back to the Volvo EX90, its advanced driver-assistance systems are definitely worth a closer look.
Sensor Fusion and Data Processing, Volvo EX90 safety features review 2025
The EX90’s safety system doesn’t rely on any single sensor type; instead, it employs sensor fusion, combining data from multiple sources to create a more accurate and robust understanding of the environment. For example, radar excels at detecting objects at long ranges, while cameras provide detailed visual information about those objects, allowing the system to differentiate between a pedestrian and a piece of debris.
This combined data is crucial for accurate object classification and prediction of their movement, leading to more effective and timely safety interventions. The processing power allows for real-time analysis, crucial for rapid responses to dynamic situations. Think of it like having multiple witnesses providing slightly different accounts of an event – combining their testimonies paints a much clearer picture than relying on just one.
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Interaction of Safety Systems
The EX90’s various safety systems are not independent entities; they communicate and collaborate seamlessly. For example, the forward collision warning system might detect an impending collision and initiate automatic emergency braking. Simultaneously, the lane keeping assist system could help steer the vehicle back into its lane, while the adaptive cruise control adjusts the vehicle’s speed to maintain a safe following distance.
This coordinated response maximizes the effectiveness of each individual system, providing a level of protection far exceeding the sum of its parts. This coordinated effort is analogous to a well-rehearsed orchestra – each instrument plays its part, but the combined performance is far more impactful than the individual notes.
Innovative Safety Technologies
The EX90 boasts several innovative safety technologies that set it apart from the competition. For instance, its advanced driver monitoring system utilizes interior cameras to constantly monitor the driver’s alertness and attentiveness. If the system detects signs of drowsiness or distraction, it can provide warnings or even take action to prevent accidents. This is a significant advancement over simpler systems that only detect driver fatigue based on steering input.
Another example is the integration of “child presence detection,” using sensors to detect if a child has been left unattended in the rear seats after the vehicle is turned off, thus preventing potentially tragic consequences. This technology actively helps prevent a common cause of accidental child death.
Real-World Performance and Testing
The Volvo EX90’s extensive suite of safety features is impressive on paper, but real-world performance and independent testing are crucial for validating its claims. While the 2025 model is relatively new, we can look at Volvo’s consistent safety track record and early testing data to gauge its likely performance. Independent crash test results are paramount in assessing the effectiveness of the vehicle’s safety systems.The EX90’s safety performance will be rigorously evaluated by organizations like Euro NCAP (European New Car Assessment Programme) and the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety).
These organizations conduct standardized crash tests using various impact scenarios and assess the vehicle’s structural integrity, occupant protection, and the effectiveness of its safety systems. The results of these tests are crucial for consumers and inform safety ratings.
Euro NCAP and IIHS Ratings
While official 2025 Volvo EX90 ratings from Euro NCAP and IIHS weren’t available at the time of writing, we can expect scores reflecting Volvo’s history of achieving top ratings. Volvo consistently scores highly in these tests, emphasizing its commitment to safety. Past Volvo models have frequently earned the highest possible safety ratings, demonstrating the strength of their safety engineering and technologies.
We anticipate the EX90 will follow this trend, likely receiving a five-star rating from Euro NCAP and top scores from the IIHS. These ratings would reflect the vehicle’s performance in various crash tests, including frontal, side, and pole impacts, as well as assessments of its safety assist systems. The detailed breakdown of scores would cover aspects like adult occupant protection, child occupant protection, vulnerable road user protection (pedestrians and cyclists), and safety assist systems.
Real-World Accident Data
Currently, real-world accident data specifically for the 2025 Volvo EX90 is limited due to its recent release. As the number of vehicles on the road increases, we can expect more data to become available over time. However, Volvo’s extensive data collection from its existing fleet, coupled with the advanced safety features in the EX90, suggests a positive outlook for accident reduction.
The data collected will likely be analyzed to assess the effectiveness of the EX90’s safety features in real-world driving conditions and identify areas for further improvement. This ongoing data analysis contributes to the continuous refinement of Volvo’s safety technologies.
Safety Feature User Experience
The Volvo EX90’s safety suite is impressive, but its effectiveness hinges on user interaction. A well-designed user interface is crucial for drivers to understand and utilize these advanced systems correctly, maximizing their protective capabilities. Poorly designed controls, however, can lead to confusion and potentially dangerous situations. This section examines the user experience aspects of the EX90’s safety features.The EX90 primarily utilizes a large central touchscreen for controlling most safety-related functions.
While this provides a visually appealing and modern interface, it does present some challenges compared to more traditional button-based systems. Many safety settings are nested within menus, requiring several taps to access and adjust. This can be distracting, especially during critical driving moments. Furthermore, the reliance on a touchscreen means drivers cannot easily make adjustments while wearing gloves, which could be a concern in colder climates.
The haptic feedback, while present, isn’t always strong enough to confirm actions, potentially leading to accidental changes or missed adjustments.
Touchscreen Interface and Control Layout
The central touchscreen displays safety system status and allows for adjustments to various features like adaptive cruise control settings, lane keeping assist sensitivity, and blind spot monitoring parameters. However, the organization of these settings within the menu system could be improved. A more intuitive visual hierarchy, perhaps using icons instead of solely text, could significantly enhance usability. For example, a visual representation of the adaptive cruise control distance setting would be more user-friendly than a numerical value alone.
The current layout necessitates familiarity with the system’s menu structure to efficiently access and modify settings.
Ease of Use and Intuitiveness
While the system is generally intuitive once familiarized, the learning curve can be steep for new drivers. The sheer number of safety features and the depth of their customizable options can be overwhelming. Volvo’s user manual is comprehensive but requires dedicated time to fully understand the capabilities and limitations of each system. In-car tutorials or interactive guidance during initial setup could improve the onboarding experience and ensure drivers understand how to use these features effectively.
Potential User Errors and Challenges
One potential user error stems from the touchscreen’s reliance on visual feedback. Distractions, like bright sunlight or a cluttered dashboard, can hinder the driver’s ability to interpret information displayed on the screen accurately. Another challenge is the potential for accidental activation or deactivation of features due to the touchscreen’s sensitivity. For instance, inadvertently adjusting the adaptive cruise control speed while reaching for a drink could have serious consequences.
Finally, the lack of tactile feedback in some areas of the system could lead to a driver believing an action has been completed when it has not, causing a false sense of security.
Future of Safety in the Volvo EX90
The Volvo EX90 represents a significant leap forward in automotive safety, but Volvo’s commitment doesn’t end with the initial release. The company’s ongoing dedication to over-the-air updates and continuous improvement ensures the EX90 will remain at the forefront of safety technology for years to come. This commitment translates to a vehicle that not only meets today’s safety standards but also adapts and evolves to exceed future expectations.Volvo’s plan for the EX90’s future involves a robust program of software updates, designed to enhance existing features and introduce entirely new safety capabilities.
These updates will leverage advancements in machine learning and artificial intelligence to refine the vehicle’s understanding of its surroundings and improve its predictive capabilities. This iterative approach ensures the EX90’s safety systems are constantly learning and adapting, leading to improved performance and a more secure driving experience. Think of it like a smartphone – constantly getting better with each software update.
Planned Software Enhancements and New Features
Volvo’s commitment to over-the-air updates allows for continuous improvement of the EX90’s safety systems. These updates will not only address bugs and improve existing functionalities, but also introduce new safety features based on data collected from real-world driving and advancements in technology. For instance, future updates might refine the predictive capabilities of the driver-assistance systems, leading to earlier and more accurate warnings and interventions.
Similarly, the system’s understanding of various weather conditions and road types could be significantly improved, allowing for more nuanced and effective responses. This continuous learning process will help the EX90 adapt to a wider range of driving scenarios and improve overall safety.
Potential Areas for Future Improvement
While the EX90 boasts impressive safety features, there’s always room for improvement. One potential area is enhancing the system’s ability to handle complex and unpredictable situations, such as navigating crowded intersections or reacting to unexpected actions from other drivers or pedestrians. Further development could focus on improving the system’s communication with the driver, ensuring clear and concise alerts without overwhelming the driver with information.
Another area of potential improvement lies in expanding the range of scenarios the safety systems can effectively manage, incorporating factors such as different road surfaces, lighting conditions, and weather patterns. Finally, refining the system’s ability to differentiate between various types of obstacles, like animals versus inanimate objects, is crucial for preventing unnecessary interventions.
Potential Future Safety Technologies
The following technologies represent potential future additions to the EX90’s safety suite:
- Improved Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection: Enhanced algorithms could allow the system to detect and react to pedestrians and cyclists in more challenging conditions, such as low light or inclement weather, significantly reducing the risk of collisions.
- Predictive Safety Systems: Utilizing advanced AI and machine learning, these systems could anticipate potential hazards based on data analysis and provide warnings or take evasive actions before a collision occurs. Imagine the system predicting a potential rear-end collision based on the behavior of the car in front and automatically braking.
- Biometric Driver Monitoring: Advanced sensors could monitor the driver’s physiological state (heart rate, drowsiness, etc.) and adjust safety features accordingly. For example, if the system detects drowsiness, it could provide haptic feedback or adjust the climate control to improve alertness.
- Enhanced Interior Monitoring: This would expand beyond child detection to include a more comprehensive system for monitoring passenger safety and well-being, potentially identifying and responding to medical emergencies.
- Integrated Road Infrastructure Communication: The EX90 could communicate with smart infrastructure (traffic lights, road signs, etc.) to receive real-time information about potential hazards and optimize driving behavior for enhanced safety.
Illustrative Examples of Safety Features in Action
The Volvo EX90 boasts a suite of advanced safety features designed to mitigate risks in a variety of driving scenarios. These systems work individually and collaboratively to provide a comprehensive safety net, significantly reducing the likelihood of accidents and minimizing the severity of impact should one occur. Let’s examine some specific examples to illustrate their effectiveness.
Emergency Braking System Activation During Sudden Stop Ahead
Imagine you’re driving the EX90 at 35 mph on a city street. Suddenly, a car in front of you slams on its brakes, leaving you with minimal reaction time. The Volvo’s advanced emergency braking system (AEB) detects the sudden deceleration ahead. The system first issues an audible and visual warning, alerting the driver to the impending danger. If the driver doesn’t react, the AEB automatically engages, applying the brakes forcefully to reduce speed and potentially avoid a collision altogether.
The system calculates the optimal braking force based on speed, distance to the obstacle, and road conditions. In this scenario, the AEB brings the EX90 to a complete stop just short of the vehicle ahead, preventing a rear-end collision.
Lane Keeping Assist Intervention on a Winding Road
Consider driving the EX90 on a winding mountain road. As you navigate a sharp curve, a momentary lapse in attention causes your vehicle to drift slightly toward the edge of the road. The lane keeping assist (LKA) system immediately detects this deviation. The system subtly corrects the steering, gently guiding the EX90 back into the center of the lane.
This intervention is smooth and unobtrusive, preventing a potentially dangerous departure from the lane. The driver feels a slight tug on the steering wheel, a clear indication of the LKA’s action, encouraging them to regain control and maintain focus.
Blind Spot Information System Alert During Lane Change
You’re driving the EX90 on a highway, intending to merge into the adjacent lane. However, a motorcycle is approaching rapidly in your blind spot, unseen by the driver. The blind spot information system (BLIS) detects the motorcycle using radar sensors. The system activates a visual warning—a bright orange light illuminates in the side mirror—alerting the driver to the presence of the motorcycle.
Simultaneously, the system might provide a haptic warning, a gentle vibration in the steering wheel, providing additional sensory feedback. This multi-sensory alert effectively prevents a dangerous lane change maneuver, ensuring the safety of both the driver and the motorcyclist.
Visual Representation of the Emergency Braking System in Action
Imagine a top-down view. We see the EX90 (represented by a simple rectangle) moving towards a stationary object (another rectangle) ahead. Distance markers are shown, decreasing with each frame. The first frame shows a significant distance. The second frame shows the AEB warning light illuminating (represented by a small yellow triangle inside the EX90 rectangle) and an audible warning sound (represented by a small speaker icon with sound waves).
The third frame shows the distance significantly reduced; the braking system is now actively engaged (represented by brake symbols within the EX90 rectangle), and the vehicle is slowing rapidly. The final frame shows the EX90 safely stopped a short distance from the object, indicating a successful avoidance of a collision. The entire sequence visually demonstrates the speed and effectiveness of the AEB system.
Conclusive Thoughts
The Volvo EX90 isn’t just about surviving a crash; it’s about preventing them altogether. Its comprehensive safety suite, blending advanced technology with robust engineering, sets a new benchmark for the industry. While minor improvements are always possible, the EX90 represents a significant step towards a future where driving is safer and more intuitive than ever before. It’s a game-changer, and its impact on automotive safety will be felt for years to come.
Buckle up – the future of safety is here.
