The Volvo EX90, the company’s newest flagship electric SUV, presents a dichotomy: cutting-edge technology housed within a design marred by a prominent lidar hump. This protruding sensor, essential for the vehicle’s advanced autonomous driving capabilities, creates an aesthetic challenge that Volvo itself acknowledges. While press images strategically obscure the hump, its presence is undeniable up close, resembling an ungainly taxi sign. This design compromise highlights the ongoing tension between integrating advanced technology and maintaining sleek aesthetics in modern vehicles. Volvo designers have admitted the difficulties in incorporating the lidar unit seamlessly into the EX90’s roofline, a testament to the complexities of blending form and function in automotive design.
The lidar technology itself, however, represents a significant leap in automotive safety. Volvo boasts that the EX90 is its safest vehicle yet, thanks to the lidar’s comprehensive 360-degree view of the surrounding environment. This sophisticated sensor array can detect even small objects hundreds of meters away, regardless of lighting conditions, significantly enhancing the vehicle’s ability to avoid potential hazards. While the technology enables Level 3 autonomous highway driving, Volvo remains cautious about activating this feature. Citing the need for extensive testing and validation, the company emphasizes its commitment to deploying autonomous driving technology responsibly, prioritizing safety above all else. This cautious approach underscores the challenges of navigating the legal, ethical, and technical complexities of autonomous driving.
Volvo’s current implementation of the lidar technology, while effective, is seen as a temporary measure. Luminar, the supplier of the lidar unit, has confirmed that the next generation of its technology will be significantly smaller and potentially integrated into the windshield, eliminating the need for the unsightly hump. This development promises a more aesthetically pleasing solution while maintaining the advanced safety features offered by lidar. While Volvo has not confirmed if or when the EX90 will receive this upgrade, the prospect offers hope for a future where advanced technology and elegant design coexist harmoniously. The expected timeline for this next-generation lidar is 2026-2027, suggesting that the EX90’s current design might be a relatively short-lived compromise.
Beyond the exterior design debate, the EX90’s interior presents a luxurious and family-friendly environment. Equipped with a radar system designed to prevent children and pets from being accidentally left inside, the vehicle prioritizes occupant safety even when parked. The plush interior, featuring sustainable materials like recycled plastic and pine oil-based leather alternatives, creates a comfortable and eco-conscious cabin. The spacious trunk further enhances the vehicle’s practicality, offering ample cargo space for various needs. Volvo’s attention to detail extends to a helpful “Will It Fit?” chart, illustrating the trunk’s capacity to accommodate items ranging from washing machines to skis, underscoring the vehicle’s versatility.
The EX90’s interior radar system, while primarily a safety feature, also contributes to the preservation of the vehicle’s high-quality interior. The advanced driver monitoring and assistance systems, combined with the radar’s ability to detect occupants left inside, protect the luxurious materials from potential damage by unsupervised children or pets. This integration of technology serves both a practical and aesthetic purpose, ensuring that the EX90’s interior remains pristine and comfortable. The combination of safety features and luxurious materials positions the EX90 as a premium SUV catering to families who prioritize both safety and comfort.
In summary, the Volvo EX90 embodies a transition phase in automotive technology. While its current design grapples with the integration of a bulky lidar unit, the technology itself represents a significant advancement in safety. The promise of a smaller, more seamlessly integrated lidar system in the near future suggests that the EX90’s current aesthetic compromise is a temporary hurdle. The vehicle’s luxurious and family-friendly interior, complete with advanced safety features and sustainable materials, further solidifies its position as a premium SUV designed for the modern family. The EX90 serves as a compelling example of how automakers are navigating the challenges of integrating cutting-edge technology while maintaining a focus on design and practicality.
