There’s something about escaping the city for a long-weekend country escape, leaving Melbourne behind, and rolling through Victoria’s serene countryside.

Our destination? Cleveland Estate, a vineyard and retreat nestled in the heart of the Macedon Ranges. Over two nights and three days, the way of means was the Volvo EX90, a luxurious seven-seater electric car that proved its $140,000 price tag in more ways than one.

From rolling meadows dotted with grazing cows to the warm glow of the vineyard at sunset - when the rain clouds broke ever so quickly, every moment felt like a home away from home.

Cleveland Estate itself is versatile—perfect for a romantic getaway, solo retreat, or even corporate events and weddings. During our stay, I particularly noticed other couples between 30–50 year sold making the most of the peaceful weekend vibe, most escaping Melbourne for a midweek refresh but in saying that it didn't stop young families from a brisk one day escape from reality.

A quick stop in Lancefield town centre, just five minutes from the property, added to the charm: a local brewery, pub, bakery, a small grocery store, and even an EVIE charger for topping up the car while grabbing dinner or some very yummy bakery treats. Practical small town vibes—it doesn’t get much better, if you ask me.

Need to know basis - About the Volvo EX90

‍Price when new: $124,990 - $134,990 before on road costs.
Seats: 7
Powertrain: AWD electric dual-motor,
‍
Cost to insure: $349.80 per month or $3,910.85 per year
Based on a 35 year old female living in Mosman with a 2025 Volvo EX90 Plus with Stella Insurance. Get your quote today.

A year of comprehensive insurance coverage with Stella Insurance is quoted at $3910.85 based on a comparative quote for a 35 year old female, living in Mosman, NSW. Insurance estimates may vary based on your location, vehicle, driving history and personal circumstances.

Normal underwriting terms and conditions apply. Any advice provided is general in nature and has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs and may not be right for you. To decide if this product is right for you, please read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and the Target Market Determination (TMD) available at stellainsurance.com.au. Stella Comprehensive Car Insurance is distributed by Stella Underwriting Pty Ltd (Stella) (ABN 72 633 811 319) as an Authorised Representative (AR No 001282046) of Virginia Surety Company, Inc. (ARBN 080 339 957, AFSL 245579), who is the insurance issuer.

First Impressions & Design of the Volvo EX90

The Volvo EX90 makes an entrance without trying too hard. Even as a seven-seater, it feels sleek and elegant thanks to its Scandinavian minimalist design, flush door handles, and T-shaped LED headlights. There’s quiet a sophistication to it, the kind that  whispers “luxury” and makes you feel like you’ve arrived in effortless style.

Inside, the 14.5-inch infotainment display takes center stage, neatly integrating climate controls, apps, Apple CarPlay, and an in-built Google operating system, while a lean landscape digital instrument cluster keeps your speed and navigation surprisingly visible.

A heads-up display projects navigation directions onto the windscreen, so there’s no need to glance down mid-turn. The woodgrain dashboard and centre console give the cabin a cozy yet upscale feel, and the stalk-style shifter behind the steering wheel is intuitive once you get used to it—modern EV design at their best.

Seating is where the EX90 really shines. Comfortable, supportive, and generously spaced, the front seats offer lumbar support, heating, ventilation, and even a massage function with the top-spec Ultra trim, while a heated steering wheel adds a small but very appreciated touch during chilly Victorian mornings. Even taller passengers won’t feel cramped, and with the panoramic moonroof flooding the cabin with natural light, the interior feels open and airy.

Driving Experience: How does the Volvo EX90 drive?

Hitting the open road in an electric car can be nerve racking especially if you're relying on the public charging network to be your gateway to your destination. The EX90 almost removed that fear with its 111kWh battery which can reach up to 570km of electric range - pretty impressive for more electric cars in Australia.

We navigated winding country roads, bumpy highways, and city streets, and every surface was handled with poise thanks to Volvo’s suspension tune and the added luxury of air suspension in the Ultra. The car feels smooth, almost cushioned, while the electric drivetrain provides quiet, instantaneous power with a crazy 380kW.

The EX90 isn’t just smooth—it’s quick. With enough power to get you from 0–100km/h in 4.9 seconds, it’s surprising how nimble it feels for a car of this size. Even fully loaded, it glides rather than lumbers along, and its all-wheel-drive system gives confidence on uneven surfaces like the glorious off-road driveway that welcomed us at Cleveland Estate.

Driver assistance features mostly worked seamlessly, though on long, straight highways the driver attention warning sometimes beeped often than needed, which after 20 minutes become annoying. The adaptive cruise control, however, is a lifesaver for keeping consistent speed on highways, especially with Victoria's notorious hidden speed cameras dotted along the route.

Charging was straightforward and stress-free. Short top-ups at Chadstone using a Mod 2 cable gave us enough range for errands or city errands, while the 50kW EVIE charger in Lancefield added 62kWh in just over an hour—perfect for a quick dinner at the local pub and catching the tail end of a footy game.

Practicality & Lifestyle Fit: Is the Volvo EX90 fit for everyday use?

The EX90’s practicality impressed from the start. I will admit I can be quite the harsh critic of vehicle practicality and overall everyday use as one OCD detailed girlie but I'm pleased to say the Volvo EX90 was hard to fault.

Air suspension means you can lower the rear end of the car for easy loading—perfect for luggage, groceries, or a pram. Even with all 7 seats up, we easily fit a full-size Maxi-Cosi pram and a few grocery bags, and the official boot space of 697L is just the beginning. Two large suitcases, weekend gear, and a few overpacked outfit changes fit with room to spare.

Check out our instagram reel of the air suspension in action. Click here

Passengers also feel considered. With air vents, USB ports, and a moonroof filling the cabin with natural light, the space feels airy and inviting. The five top tether points make it a great family-friendly option without ever compromising on buying a people mover for your large family.

For our audience–who value safety, tech, and convenience—the EX90 delivers in spades. Voice command, heated and ventilated seats, electronic driver seat adjustment, Google OS apps, 5G connectivity for over-the-air updates, and a wireless charger are all present. Even the pixel headlights and 360-degree camera add reassurance and in relation to the headlights some added sparkle.

One of the standout features of the Volvo EX90 is just how effortlessly it fits into real life, whether you’re planning a weekend getaway, a school run, or a business trip. The flexible seating options make it easy to adapt to your needs: in the 5-seat layout, the boot feels cavernous, while with all 7 seats up, there’s still enough room for a full-size Maxi-Cosi pram and a couple of grocery bags without feeling cramped.

Official boot capacity sits at 697L, but add the air-suspension-assisted tailgate, the frunk, and the additional 72L underfloor storage, and you suddenly have a car that can carry everything from weekend luggage to sporting gear, charging cables, and picnic hampers without breaking a sweat. Loading heavy items is a breeze, and for someone like me at 5’3”, the lowered rear of the car makes managing bags and prams surprisingly easy on the back.

‍

Destination Highlights: Should I stay at the Cleveland Estate?

Cleveland Estate in Victoria’s Macedon Ranges is the perfect backdrop for a weekend getaway in the Volvo EX90.

The property combines a vineyard, boutique accommodation, and high-quality on-site restaurant, meaning you can enjoy an indulgent stay without ever leaving the grounds. A hot outdoor spa overlooking the vines offers the perfect way to unwind after a day of exploring country roads or nearby wineries, while the estate’s scenic views and manicured gardens provide stunning photo opportunities.

Just five minutes away, the Lancefield town centre offers a charming local experience, including a brewery, pub, bakery, grocery stores, and an antique shop, along with a convenient EVIE charger for topping up electric vehicles.

We stayed 2 nights and left mid-morning on the third day and found it was enough time to relax in-between activities but still manage to get a cellar door tasting, roast marshmallows by the fire and enjoy multiple meals in the dining area before watching the sunset from the outdoor spa facilities.

If you're interested in booking a stay you can use this link:

Overall Thoughts & Recommendation: Is the Volvo EX90 worth it?

In three words: Luxury meets practicality.

Over two weeks with the EX90, it didn’t lose its charm—the tech, comfort, and smooth driving held up perfectly, proving it’s more than just a “new car smell” experience.

The EX90 isn’t for the faint-hearted in price—$149,711 for the top-spec Ultra we drove—but it’s ideal for those who want space, style, safety, and tech in one luxurious package. Perfect for families, weekend escapes, or those extra passenger or cargo room.

In the luxury seven-seat EV market, it competes with the Kia EV9, Hyundai Ioniq 9, and Zeekr 009, but the EX90 stands out for Scandinavian design and energy efficiency. For me, only the Genesis GV70 competes for a similar balance of luxury and everyday usability if I was to put my hard earned money into a car.

Memorable moments? Charging in town while enjoying a pub dinner, taking in sunsets over the vineyard, and effortlessly loading luggage into the air-suspended boot—all moments where the car’s practicality and luxury really shone.

Whether it’s school pickups, a girls’ weekend away, or a long drive outside Melbourne, the EX90 makes every journey feel polished, comfortable, and worry-free—a true modern SUV for women who want it all.

‍