Is the Sand Dune Volvo EX90 Swedish minimalism at its best?

The Volvo EX90 is among a small bunch of three-row premium or luxury EVs available in the UK. While it’s a futuristic evolution of the XC90 on the outside and inside, Volvo Cars offers several interesting paint options to make it look catchy.

Recently, we had a chance to check out a global-spec EX90 in the peculiar Sand Dune paint, and here are some interesting observations we made:

Design

In a sea of aero-optimised electric SUVs chasing low drag coefficients, the Volvo EX90 feels balanced with its largely conventional proportions, and modern details such as the latest Thor’s Hammer headlights, ice-cube-style vertically stacked front fog lights, flush glazing and door handles, and frameless door mirrors.

Much like Mulberry Red, Sand Dune is among the most distinctive colours available on the EX90. Rather than complementing the EX90’s upright proportions, we think that it makes the large surfaces look flatter and the body appear heavier and more slab-sided than it really is.

Interior

The interior of the EX90 has a familiar Scandinavian vibe, with a pared-back design aimed at creating a sense of calm and space rather than visual drama. Volvo Cars has used wood inlays and chrome accents generously throughout the cabin to lift the otherwise minimalist layout.

In this configuration, the car features Charcoal upholstery, but we think lighter options, such as Cardamom or Dawn, would pair better with the Sand Dune exterior. A lighter colour would also reinforce the EX90’s airy, lounge-like character, with more frequent maintenance being the only trade-off we can think of.

Volvo Cars offers features like a four-zone automatic climate control system, front seats with massage, heating, and ventilation functions, and a second-row seat with a heating function in the outer positions.

On the tech front, it equips the EX90 with a wireless smartphone charger, a head-up display, a 9-inch digital instrument cluster, a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and a 1,610-watt, 25-speaker Bowers & Wilkins sound system.

Specifications

The Volvo EX90 measures 5,037 mm in length, 1,964 mm in width, and 1,747 mm in height and has a 2,985 mm wheelbase. It accommodates seven people in a 2+3+2 layout.

In the UK, the EX90 is available in Single Motor (RWD), Twin Motor (AWD), and Twin Motor Performance (AWD) variants. The Single Motor, with 245 kW (329 bhp) and 480 Nm (354 lb.-ft.) of torque, accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in 6.8 seconds and achieves a top speed of 112 mph. It has an 88 kWh battery pack that delivers a WLTP range of up to 351.1 miles.

The Twin Motor variant, packing 335 kW (449 bhp) and 670 Nm (494 lb.-ft.) of torque, hits 0 to 62 mph in 5.5 seconds. It has a 102 kWh battery pack that delivers a WLTP range of up to 378.4 miles.

The Twin Motor Performance variant, with 500 kW (671 bhp) and 870 Nm (642 lb.-ft.) of torque, cuts the 0-62 mph sprint time to 4.2 seconds. It uses the same 102 kWh battery pack and travels up to 374.7 miles on a single charge, as per WLTP.