I drove the new Volvo EX90 EV – it’s a fast, safe and smart SUV but there are two things I must grumble about

IN a recent interview, TV chef Delia Smith described herself as the “Volvo” of cooking – “reliable but not very exciting”.

Bit harsh.

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We like Delia.

We like Volvo.

We can only assume she’s not tried one for a while because modern Volvos are cool.

Like, really cool.

Take the electric EX90 you see here.

The Google-powered touchscreen uses graphics developed by Epic Games, the people behind Fortnite. The kids will love that.

The eco cabin is so quiet and soothing it’s like a spa. Minus the candles and the eucalyptus oil. The missus will love that.

Then there’s the speed.

Bury your foot in the carpet and this seven-seat SUV has more get-up-and-go than a sports car. We’re talking 517hp with sticky all-wheel drive.

Anyone who loves driving will love that.

I do get Delia’s point, though.

I didn’t grow up thinking, “Oooh, if I work really, really hard I could treat myself to a Volvo one day.”

Nobody did.

Old Volvos were safe, obviously. But they had the desirability of a hearing aid.

Now they’re safe, smart, sophisticated, sustainable — all of those things — and show everyone that you’re doing well.

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By the way, that isn’t a TAXI light embedded in the roofline. I was just having a bit of fun.

It’s a LiDAR sensor, an absolute game-changer for road safety.

First developed for the Navy, LiDAR — light detection and ranging — can see danger 250 metres ahead in the dark.

The hardware is key to self-driving cars in the future. I’m really not fussed about that, but the futuristic tech helps to create an invisible safety shield around EX90, assisted by eight cameras, five radars and 16 ultrasonic sensors.

Safety is cool too.

Now for the sticky bit. Price.

This is Volvo’s first £100k car. You could buy three electric EX30s for that kind of money and transport 12 people in a convoy. Like the royals do.

Thoroughbred Volvo

Or just wait for the cheaper, rear-drive version costing around £75k and get a new kitchen. That said, this is the top, top EX90 with absolutely everything baked in.

Hovercraft-smooth air suspension, bi-directional charging, a cinema sound system and massaging seats.

All that cutting-edge software. All that performance.

And you know it’s still going to be half the price of an electric Range Rover.

Out on the road, EX90 is a thoroughbred Volvo. It feels strong and safe and assured and is easy to place on the road.

At low speed and high speed, it’s 4WD. In between, its front-wheel drive to maximise efficiency. Unless you or the road conditions tell the computer otherwise.

The cabin is the quietest I’ve experienced this side of a Rolls-Royce Spectre. The seats are super comfy. The reversing camera shows how many inches you are from hitting something you shouldn’t.

The EV9 looks mean and chunky, feels bigger inside and has a neat six-seat option.

Rob Gill

I do have a grumble, though. CUP HOLDERS. There’s only six of them. In a seven-seater. And when the middle seat is in use, there’s only four.

Two in the front and two in the back. I’m sorry, but this is supposed to be a family car. You can’t even fit an Um Bongo in the skinny rear door pockets.

Kia’s EV9 has 12 drink holders if you include space in the doors.

Ah yes, EV9. EX90’s biggest rival.

Which is best?

EV9 looks mean and chunky, feels bigger inside and has a neat six-seat option. Whereas EX90 doesn’t. The Kia is also a lot cheaper, costing £65k to £77k.

But a Volvo is a Volvo.

Everyone likes the Volvo recipe.

Except maybe Delia.