Real-world car advice, without the sales pitch Start Here About Trust Newsletter
Volvo EX90 Buyer's Guide: The Seven-Seat Flagship That Needed Its 2026 Update

Volvo EX90 Buyer's Guide: The Seven-Seat Flagship That Needed Its 2026 Update

New 800V electrics cut charging to 22 minutes and a new computer addresses the software woes — the £73,160–£99,960 EX90 finally matures. Range reality, the recall file, and buying advice.

Expert Review Region: United Kingdom Updated August 2026 By the True Motion Auto editorial team

The slow-burn flagship

The EX90 launched as Volvo's boldest product and its buggiest — early software frustration became the review-headline. The 2026 model year is the reset: an 800-volt system enabling 10–80% charging in 22 minutes, plus a new core computer addressing the gremlins — with a free retrofit for 2025 cars, a rare piece of manufacturer accountability. The range spans £73,160–£99,960: Single Motor RWD, Twin Motor and Twin Motor Performance, all on a ~107–111kWh battery, with up to 378 miles WLTP — though UK winter testing has seen ~250 real miles, worth pricing into expectations.

Standard lidar and Volvo's safety-first engineering anchor the family case; the cabin is Scandinavian serenity at its best.

The honest assessment

The press arc tells the story: Top Gear praises the comfort and beautiful cabin, Autocar confirms the 2026 upgrades "materially improve it" — and still notes software friction lingers. The recall file demands diligence on early builds: headlight-shutter software, power-tailgate drive units and second-row seat bolts (US-documented; UK campaign status varies) — any used EX90 needs its history verified and the computer retrofit confirmed. Efficiency trails the class for the money, and 2.7 tonnes blunts any athletic pretension.

For seven-seat electric families prioritising safety and calm over software polish, the 2026 car finally delivers the original promise.

The questions buyers actually ask

Single or Twin Motor? The Single covers family duty; the Twin's pace suits the price better. Performance versions are momentum, not necessity.

EX90 or EV9? The Kia costs vastly less and charges brilliantly; the Volvo counters with cabin, badge and safety depth. Value logic picks Kia — showrooms often reverse it.

Used 2025 bargain? Only with the retrofit done and recalls documented. Then yes — depreciation has been generous.

  • £73,160–£99,960; up to 378 miles WLTP (~250 UK winter real)
  • 2026: 800V (22-min 10–80%) + new computer; free 2025 retrofit
  • Standard lidar; the class's most serene seven-seat cabin
  • Verify recalls/retrofit on early builds; software still imperfect
  • Rivals: Kia EV9, Mercedes EQS SUV, BMW iX

Key takeaways

  • £73,160–£99,960; up to 378 miles WLTP (~250 UK winter real)
  • 2026: 800V (22-min 10–80%) + new computer; free 2025 retrofit
  • Standard lidar; the class's most serene seven-seat cabin
  • Verify recalls/retrofit on early builds; software still imperfect
  • Rivals: Kia EV9, Mercedes EQS SUV, BMW iX

Sources & further reading

  • Volvo UK 2026 announcements
  • NHTSA/DVSA recall records
  • Autocar and Top Gear assessments, 2026

Figures, prices and policy details were current at the last-updated date above. Automotive pricing, incentives and regulations change frequently — verify time-sensitive details with the linked primary sources. Read our editorial policy and fact-checking standards.