• by Tanya Gazdik , Staff Writer, September 16, 2024

Volvo has always been known for its outstanding safety features, but the EX90 all-electric SUV takes it to a new level.

The vehicle features an interior radar system that ensures no one is left behind. The system, which comes standard, is designed to be sensitive enough to detect the tiniest movements, such as those of a sleeping child or pet. 

It’s the first such feature to cover the entire interior of the car, including the trunk. It is designed to address a terrible tragedy that has affected too many families, according to the automaker. 

U.S. government statistics show that since 1998, more than 900 children in the U.S. have died after being left in hot cars with a majority occurring because someone has forgotten that their child was in the car at the time. 

The feature will also be included in other forthcoming Volvo car models, according to the automaker. 

To help avoid “reminder fatigue,” experts have determined that the best time to signal potential presence of family or pets left behind is when you attempt to lock the car. 

At that time, the interior radar system is activated and determines whether the vehice is empty of any people or pets before it allows the car to be locked. If someone is detected inside, the car will remain unlocked and will display a reminder on the center console screen to check the cabin for occupants. 

In such a situation, the car’s climate system will remain on as long as the vehicle’s battery has a charge to help lower the risk of hypothermia or heatstroke. 

&ldquo ;No one chooses to be distracted or tired, but we know it can happen,” says Lotta Jakobsson, Volvo senior technical specialist in injury prevention. 

The fact that Volvo has such a position speaks volumes. 

During a test drive of the EX90, the company’s flagship EV, I also got to try other safety systems, including a semi-autonomous driving assistance system, Pilot Assist, which controls steering and speed on designated roadways. 

It offers lane-change capability, but it is not “hands free.” The EX90 also makes sure you’re paying attention to the road and will flag it if it deems you have looked away from the road for too long.

The pleasantly understated interior reminds me of the best of Scandinavian design.There is an emphasis with the new vehicle on recycled or carbon-reduced materials like Nordico, created from textiles made from recycled materials such as PET bottles, as well as responsibly-managed forests in Sweden and Finland. 

Wood panels are backlit with warm light that creates a Scandinavian living room atmosphere that evokes the Nordic wilderness. 

A wool-blend option is certified according to strict sustainability standards on animal welfare, environmental and strict standards on animal welfare, environmental and social issues. 

Finally, the vehicle is adequately powered, although the automaker limits the top speed to 112 mph it can travel from 0-60 mph in 4.7 seconds. It has a range is 310 miles on on 21-inch wheels. When the SUV is on 20-inch. or 22-inch, it is 300 miles.

Pricing of the luxury SUV starts at $81,290 for the base model, which includes a digital key, an air purifier, a head-up display and Bose premium audio. 

Customers can add $5k for the Performance powertrain or $4,350 for the Ultra package, which includes soft-close doors, massaging front seats, laminated rear windows and 21-inch wheels. You can add a Bower & Wilkins premium sound system for $3,200.