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The BMW iX has held its position as one of the finest premium electric SUVs on sale, and a comprehensive 2025 update has only sharpened its edge. But Volvo is not content to let the German establishment have this segment to itself. The Swedish manufacturer’s EX90 is a purpose-built electric seven-seater designed to bring Scandinavian luxury and class-leading safety into direct competition with the best from Bavaria. With both cars now refreshed and carrying sizeable battery packs, potent drivetrains and cabins steeped in premium materials, this is a genuine contest between two very different philosophies of what a flagship electric SUV should be.
Behind the wheel, the two cars reveal their distinct characters almost immediately. The BMW iX remains one of the sharpest-handling electric SUVs in the segment, disguising its considerable mass through corners with well-contained body roll, direct steering and a chassis that rewards confident driving without punishing passengers on comfort. An optional rear-wheel steering system tightens the turning circle to almost city-car levels and adds composure at motorway speeds. The Volvo EX90 takes a softer, more comfort-oriented approach. It rides well at higher speeds and delivers the kind of calm, cosseting motorway cruise that long-distance drivers will appreciate, but a kerbweight exceeding 2.7 tonnes makes itself felt on twistier roads, where body roll creeps in earlier than you might expect. Both cars serve up rapid straight-line acceleration, though the BMW adds an extra layer of theatre with a futuristic soundtrack composed by Hans Zimmer that shifts in tone depending on the selected drive mode.
Inside, both cabins deliver genuine luxury but from markedly different design philosophies. The iX wraps its occupants in a tech-forward cockpit dominated by a sweeping panoramic display that integrates the driver’s instruments and central infotainment screen into one seamless unit. BMW’s iDrive system, complete with a physical rotary controller and shortcut buttons, remains one of the most intuitive interfaces in the business. The EX90 counters with a large 14.5-inch portrait touchscreen running Google’s Android Automotive software, which is responsive and feature-rich, though some on-screen shortcut buttons feel unnecessarily small. Volvo’s interior leans towards a warmer, more minimalist Scandinavian aesthetic that feels particularly inviting when specified in lighter colour schemes, and it gains a practical advantage with its standard seven-seat layout, making it one of the very few premium electric SUVs that can genuinely accommodate larger families.
Efficiency is where the BMW pulls decisively ahead. On test, the iX returned 3.5 miles per kWh compared with a less impressive 2.7 miles per kWh from the heavier Volvo, translating into a meaningful range advantage from its large battery pack. The EX90 does claw back ground with faster DC charging speeds, but for drivers who cover high daily mileages and prefer fewer stops, the iX’s superior energy consumption is a significant real-world benefit. Both cars come generously equipped with advanced driver-assistance technology, and safety credentials are strong across the board, with Volvo’s suite of sensors and BMW’s comprehensive active protection systems leaving little to separate them on paper.
The BMW iX ultimately holds its ground as the stronger all-rounder in this contest. No rival in the segment matches its blend of sharp dynamics, polished refinement and efficient electric range, and its cabin technology sets a standard that few competitors have managed to meet. The Volvo EX90 is far from outclassed, however. Its seven-seat versatility, plush ride quality and distinctive interior design give it a clear identity and a compelling case for buyers whose priorities lean towards family practicality and Scandinavian craftsmanship over outright driver engagement. Both are accomplished machines, but if you can live without the third row, the iX remains the car to beat.
