You’re eyeing Volvo’s big new electric flagship and wondering, in plain English: is the 2024 Volvo EX90 a good buy, or an expensive beta test with Swedish leather? The answer depends less on the brochure numbers and more on your appetite for early-adopter software drama, your charging reality, and whether you’re open to letting someone else take the depreciation hit and buying used later.
Context: 2024 EX90s in 2026
Quick answer: Is the 2024 Volvo EX90 a good buy?
The case *for* buying a 2024 EX90
- Genuinely beautiful, modern design inside and out, feels more Scandinavian townhouse than tech lab.
- Serious safety hardware (roof‑mounted lidar, radar, cameras) and a calm, confidence‑inspiring driving feel.
- Large battery, competitive range, and fast DC charging make it road‑trip capable for most families.
- U.S.‑built in South Carolina, so certain trims can qualify for federal EV tax credits depending on current IRS rules.
- If you’re shopping in late 2026 or beyond, early‑build 2024 EX90s may be strong value buys on the used market.
The case *against* buying a 2024 EX90
- Launch was delayed by software problems; early owners then dealt with quality and feature issues, especially around the lidar stack.
- Expensive: many trims sticker well into the $80Ks before incentives.
- You can feel the car’s weight, this is not a playful driver’s SUV; it’s composed but hefty.
- Competes with very compelling alternatives like the Kia EV9 and Tesla Model X, each with their own advantages.
- If you’re risk‑averse, you may prefer to let the software mature another year and target a late‑2025 or 2026 build, or a thoroughly vetted used example via a Recharged Score report.
So: yes, the EX90 can be a good buy, if you value safety, design, and a serene cabin more than razor‑sharp handling, and if you’re comfortable living with a first‑generation software platform that’s still evolving. If your tolerance for infotainment glitches is near zero, you’re probably better off waiting for later model years or targeting a used EX90 that’s already been through the early recalls and software updates.
Volvo EX90 at a glance: specs and pricing
Key 2024–2025 Volvo EX90 numbers (U.S.)
2024–2025 Volvo EX90 pricing snapshot (approximate U.S. MSRPs)
Exact pricing varies by model year, destination, options, and incentives, but this gives a realistic picture of where the EX90 sits in the market.
| Trim | Seating | Powertrain | Approx. MSRP (new) | Positioning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Twin Motor Plus | 7‑seat | 402 hp AWD | $76,000–$80,000 | Entry EX90, aimed at qualifying for U.S. federal EV credit in some configurations |
| Twin Motor Plus | 6‑seat (captain’s chairs) | 402 hp AWD | High‑$70Ks | More premium 2nd row, similar equipment |
| Twin Motor Performance Plus | 6 or 7‑seat | 496 hp AWD | Low‑$80Ks | More power, similar equipment level |
| Twin Motor Ultra | 6 or 7‑seat | 402 hp AWD | Low‑ to mid‑$80Ks | Luxury‑focused trim with more tech and comfort features |
| Twin Motor Performance Ultra | 6 or 7‑seat | 496 hp AWD | Mid‑ to high‑$80Ks | Fully loaded, performance‑oriented EX90 |
Remember that discounting and federal/state EV incentives can materially change your real transaction price.
Think in terms of *transaction* price
Where the EX90 shines: design, comfort and safety
EX90 strengths that actually matter in daily life
Beyond brochure specs, these are the qualities that will define your ownership experience.
Calm, minimal cabin
Real third‑row usability
Serious safety hardware
Effortless torque
Quiet and composed
Low‑drama EV manners
The big caveat: software and lidar issues
This is where the story turns. The EX90 didn’t fall behind schedule because someone mis‑ordered the chrome strip for the tailgate. Volvo had a very public struggle getting its new software platform and lidar‑heavy safety suite ready for prime time, delaying deliveries and then shipping some early cars with features disabled or not fully functional. Later, owners saw recalls and over‑the‑air updates aimed at getting the car to the place Volvo had promised at launch.
Understand what ‘flagship software’ really means
- Early EX90s were delayed for months while Volvo re‑worked core software for safety systems and infotainment.
- Some owners reported lidar‑related features and advanced driver‑assist systems (ADAS) that were disabled, limited, or flaky until later software and hardware fixes.
- Volvo has already had to issue updates and recalls to swap components and improve stability, good in terms of support, but a reminder that you are buying a first‑wave software car.
- By 2026, later‑build EX90s should be in a better place than the earliest 2024 units, but if you’re shopping a 2024 VIN, it’s worth verifying recall and update history carefully.
If you hate being a beta tester, proceed with caution
Range, charging, and road‑trip ability
On paper, the EX90’s 111 kWh battery and dual‑motor layout put it right in the hunt with large EV SUVs from Tesla, Kia, and Mercedes. You’re looking at EPA estimates in the mid‑ to high‑200‑mile range, depending on wheel size, seating, and trim. It’s not a range monster like some Teslas, but it’s solidly competitive, enough that charging network quality may matter more to your real‑world road‑trip sanity than the difference of 20–30 miles on a sticker.
What to expect from EX90 range and charging
The good news: it’s capable. The fine print: it’s heavy and honest about it.
DC fast charging
Cold‑weather reality
Home charging
Road‑trip planning
Match the EX90 to your charging reality
EX90 vs key rivals: Model X, EV9, and others
How the 2024 Volvo EX90 stacks up against key rivals
High‑level comparison of three‑row electric SUVs you’re likely cross‑shopping.
| Model | Character | Range ballpark | Starting price (approx.) | Biggest win | Biggest catch |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volvo EX90 | Calm, safety‑first Scandinavian | Mid‑/high‑200s mi | High‑$70Ks | Safety hardware, cabin ambience, seating flexibility | Launch‑cycle software issues, heavy, pricey |
| Tesla Model X | Tech‑forward, quick, aging but still wild | 300+ mi (varies by trim) | Low‑$80Ks | Range, Supercharger access, acceleration | Aging interior design, quality perception, 3rd‑row comfort |
| Kia EV9 | Value‑heavy, family‑centric, very modern | Mid‑/high‑200s mi | Low‑/mid‑$50Ks | Value, warranty, packaging, trims from basic to luxe | Cabin not as hushed or plush as EX90 at the top end |
| Mercedes‑Benz EQS SUV | Soft‑luxury, tech wall‑to‑wall | 300‑ish mi | $80K+ | Ride comfort, badge appeal | Complex interface, polarizing design, expensive to option |
Exact specs and prices shift often; use this as a directional guide, not a dealer quote.
Who should pick which?
Who the 2024 EX90 is actually a good buy for
Is the 2024–2025 Volvo EX90 a fit for you?
Safety‑obsessed families
You prioritize crash protection and driver‑assist tech over 0–60 bragging rights.
You regularly carry 4–6 passengers and want a third row that isn’t a medieval torture device.
You like the idea of the car quietly watching your blind spots, cross‑traffic, and even your own attention level.
If you’re buying used, you’re willing to insist on a full battery and software health report, something Recharged bakes into every listing with its <strong>Recharged Score</strong>.
Design‑driven, comfort‑first drivers
You’d rather have an airy, minimal Scandinavian living room on wheels than a rolling gaming PC.
You care about quietness, seat comfort, and ride quality more than Nürburgring lap times.
You probably cross‑shop with Mercedes and Audi, but Volvo’s design language and materials speak to you more.
You’re okay with the central‑screen‑for-everything approach, as long as it’s reasonably stable.
Early adopters and tech optimists
You understand that first‑wave software cars sometimes ship with rough edges, recalls, and OTA‑fixable quirks.
You genuinely enjoy getting the latest features over the air and don’t panic when the car says it needs an update.
You see the EX90 as a long‑term platform that will improve over time, not a static object.
You’re prepared to keep up with firmware updates and service bulletins instead of pretending it’s a 1998 wagon.
Who should probably *not* buy a 2024 EX90
You want ‘set it and forget it’ mechanical simplicity; software updates make you uneasy.
You don’t have reliable home charging and would be relying mostly on public Level 2 in a large, heavy EV.
You’re extremely price‑sensitive, Kia EV9 and used luxury EVs will likely deliver more value per dollar.
Your tolerance for rattles, bugs, and dealer visits is approximately zero, in which case, wait for a later build or a fully vetted used EX90.
Leasing, buying, or waiting for a used EX90
Why leasing a new EX90 can make sense
- Software risk is time‑boxed: If Volvo pushes major updates that transform the car, for better or worse, you’re not married to them forever.
- Tax credits can be baked into lease terms even when you might not qualify for the full federal EV credit on a purchase, depending on rules at the time you sign.
- EX90 residuals are still a bit of a crystal‑ball exercise; letting the captive finance arm take that risk isn’t crazy, especially for a first‑generation EV flagship.
Why waiting for a used EX90 is very smart
- The first 2–3 years typically absorb the steepest depreciation on luxury SUVs, EVs included.
- By 2027–2028, you’ll be able to compare early EX90s with a known track record of software fixes, recalls, and owner satisfaction.
- With a Recharged Score, you can see verified battery health, charging history patterns, and fair‑market pricing before you commit.
- Buying used through a platform that specializes in EVs (like Recharged) also means you can lean on EV‑savvy advisors instead of being the one explaining kilowatts to a random sales manager.
Where Recharged fits into an EX90 decision
Ready to find your next EV?
Browse VehiclesInspection checklist if you’re considering an EX90
Critical checks for a new or used EX90
1. Software version and update history
Have the dealer or seller show you the current software version and confirm all outstanding campaigns and recalls are complete, especially those related to the lidar and driver‑assistance systems.
2. ADAS and lidar functionality
On a test drive, systematically check adaptive cruise, lane‑centering, blind‑spot monitoring, and any advertised lidar‑based safety aids. Look for warning messages, unexpected disengagements, or nanny systems that feel over‑ or under‑eager.
3. Battery health and fast‑charging behavior
For a used EX90, insist on a <strong>battery health report</strong> that shows state of health (SoH), DC fast‑charge frequency, and any thermal‑management issues. On Recharged, this is baked into every listing via the Recharged Score.
4. Infotainment stability and UX
Live with the car for at least 30–45 minutes. Pair your phone, use navigation, stream audio, and fiddle with settings. You’re looking for freezes, lag, random reboots, or features that simply don’t work as advertised.
5. Charging port and cable condition
Inspect the charge port door, connector, and any included cables for wear, damage, or water ingress. Make sure DC fast charging works as expected at a local station if the seller allows.
6. Build quality and squeaks/rattles
On a mixed‑surface test loop, listen for rattles from the dash, doors, and third‑row area. The EX90’s quiet cabin makes small noises more obvious; better to find them before you sign than after.
Don’t skip a professional EV inspection
FAQ: Volvo EX90 buying questions answered
Frequently asked questions about the 2024 Volvo EX90
Bottom line: Should you buy a 2024 Volvo EX90?
The 2024 Volvo EX90 is a deeply appealing idea: a quiet, handsome, safety‑obsessed electric family flagship that lets you commute, haul kids, and cross state lines without burning a drop of fuel. In metal and fabric, the car mostly delivers on that promise. Where it stumbles is exactly where every ambitious modern EV stumbles, software, and the EX90’s ambitious lidar‑based safety tech has made that learning curve steeper than Volvo probably wished.
If you’re the sort of buyer who can tolerate the occasional quirk in exchange for beautiful design, a serene cabin, and class‑leading safety hardware, a well‑spec’d EX90, especially on a lease, can be a very good buy. If you want your cars to behave like appliances, your patience for over‑the‑air drama is thin, or you don’t truly need three rows, you’re better off either cross‑shopping alternatives like the Kia EV9, or waiting for a later‑build or used EX90 with a clear bill of software and battery health.
Either way, the smartest move is to treat the EX90 not as a speculative object of desire, but as a long‑term electric appliance whose value lives in its battery, software, and charging behavior. That’s exactly the lens Recharged uses with its Recharged Score and EV‑specialist support, so when you are ready to jump into a three‑row electric SUV, you’re buying with data, not just faith in a spec sheet.
