Volvo EX90: First details on the all-electric SUV flagship

On November 9, Volvo will present the successor to the popular SUV XC90. The Volvo EX90 comes as a fully electric SUV in the premium segment and comes up with pioneering sensor technology and extensive safety features.

First details on the Volvo EX90

The Swedish automaker’s Volvo EX90 is scheduled to be unveiled on November 09. As an SUV flagship, the electric SUV positions itself at the top of the manufacturer’s portfolio and aims to set new standards, especially when it comes to safety.

One new feature, for example, is an effective protective shield consisting of state-of-the-art sensors that detect the entire vehicle environment in all light conditions and at all speeds. In this way, the manufacturer intends to further expand its leading role in the field of mobile safety.

“For almost 100 years, we have been a leader in automotive safety, always setting standards and inventing technology innovations that have saved many lives,” revealed Jim Rowan, CEO of Volvo Cars, at the keynote.

A car that understands human perception

For example, the new Volvo EX90 is said to be able to provide occupants and surroundings, thereby enhancing safety. The E-SUV is able to learn recorded data and become smarter and safer over time through continuous updates.

In doing so, the installed sensors are able to understand and interpret the state of the driver and the environment, which should help minimize traffic accidents. On the outside of the vehicle, state-of-the-art sensors such as cameras, radar and LiDAR work together to create a 360-degree real-time view. The sensors are supported by Volvo’s central computing platform and software.

They are said to be able to respond within milliseconds. LiDAR captures the road during the day and night, and does so both at slow speeds and at higher speeds on highways and rural roads.

It detects even small objects hundreds of meters in advance and relays the information to provide more time to inform, act and avoid. According to Jim Rowan, the software and sensors should be able to reduce accidents resulting in serious or fatal injuries by up to 20 percent.

“We also expect to improve overall crash avoidance by up to nine percent. This would prevent millions of accidents over time,” Rowan added.

Interior attention sensors

The Volvo EX90’s interior is also equipped with sensors and cameras that, for example, keep an eye on and measure the driver’s concentration. In this way, the e-SUV is supposed to detect independently when one is distracted, tired or inattentive.

The vehicle then draws attention to this, gently at first and more intensively if necessary, in an attempt to refocus attention on the road. Should one fall asleep or pass out while driving, the EX90 is even capable of stopping and calling for help on its own.

The driver monitoring system uses two cameras to observe the driver. It registers how long the driver looks at the road – and if and when his gaze wanders. Even the steering wheel is able to detect the stability of inputs and determine when you let go of the wheel, whereupon warnings are issued.

Volvo uses algorithms for real-time recognition of gaze patterns and steering behavior for the patented system. This allows the vehicle to take completely autonomous action when needed. From audible warning signals that get louder and louder if nothing changes, to an autonomous emergency stop at the safe side of the road. Including activation of the hazard warning lights for other road users.

In addition, the Volvo EX90 is able to store the data it collects and is thus intended to get to know the driver better over time so that it can react even more intelligently and quickly in the future.

More details to follow

In the coming weeks before the unveiling of the Volvo EX90 on November 09, the manufacturer plans to reveal more details about the all-electric SUV. Not too much is currently known about the technology and design anyway, but the safety aspects already sound impressive. In the premium segment of E-SUVs, the EX90 will compete with the XPeng G9 or Togg, among others.