With the Volvo EX90 now launched in India at ₹1.26 crore, buyers of a luxury three-row electric SUV have three main choices: the Volvo, the Kia EV9 and the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV 580. Here is how they compare on price and published specifications. Every figure below comes from the manufacturers or established Indian auto publications.
Price and Specifications Compared
| Spec | Volvo EX90 | Kia EV9 | Mercedes EQS SUV 580 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price (ex-showroom) | ₹1.26 crore (introductory) | ₹1.30 crore | ₹1.49 crore |
| Variant | Twin Motor Ultra | GT Line | 580 4Matic |
| Battery | 106 kWh | 99.8 kWh | 122 kWh |
| Power | 335 kW (456 hp) | 282.6 kW (384 PS) | 400 kW (544 hp) |
| Torque | 670 Nm | 700 Nm | 858 Nm |
| 0–100 km/h | 5.5 s | 5.3 s | 4.7 s |
| Claimed range | 625 km WLTP / 725 km ICAT | 561 km ARAI | 809 km ARAI |
| DC fast charging | Up to 350 kW; 10–80% ~22 min | 350 kW; 10–80% 24 min | Up to 200 kW; 10–80% ~31 min |
| Seats | 6 | 6 | 7 |
Sources: Volvo Car India, ETAuto, HT Auto and Autocar India (EX90); Kia India and Autocar India (EV9); Times of India and Autocar India (EQS SUV). The EQS SUV launched in 2024 at an introductory ₹1.41 crore; ₹1.49 crore is the current price listed by Autocar India.
Price: Volvo Undercuts Both
At ₹1.26 crore, the EX90 costs about ₹4 lakh less than the EV9 and about ₹23 lakh less than the EQS SUV 580. Volvo also adds an 11 kW wall box, a three-year service package and a 65% buyback after three years for bookings made before 31 December 2026. Keep in mind that the EX90's price is introductory.
Battery and Range
The Mercedes has the biggest battery (122 kWh) and the highest certified range (809 km ARAI). The EX90's 106 kWh pack is rated at up to 725 km (ICAT) and 625 km (WLTP). The EV9's 99.8 kWh battery is rated at 561 km (ARAI). These ratings come from different test cycles, so they are not a perfectly like-for-like comparison. Our EX90 range and charging explainer explains the differences.
Performance and Charging
The EQS SUV 580 is the most powerful and the quickest of the three, at 544 hp and 4.7 seconds to 100 km/h. The EX90 makes more power than the EV9 (456 hp vs 384 PS), but the Kia has more torque (700 Nm vs 670 Nm) and claims a slightly quicker 0-100 km/h time. For fast charging, the Volvo and Kia both run on 800V platforms and accept up to 350 kW, while the Mercedes tops out at 200 kW.
Seating and Practicality
If you need seven seats, the Mercedes is the only one of the three that has them. The India-spec EX90 and EV9 are both six-seaters with second-row captain's chairs.
Verdict
The EX90 offers the most for its price, especially with the introductory benefits. The EQS SUV is the pick for maximum range, performance and a seventh seat, if you can pay the premium. The EV9 sits in between on price and offers similar fast-charging capability. To decide whether you should go electric at all, read Volvo EX90 vs XC90: which to buy.
FAQs
Which is cheaper: Volvo EX90, Kia EV9 or Mercedes EQS SUV?
The Volvo EX90 is the cheapest at ₹1.26 crore (introductory), followed by the Kia EV9 at ₹1.30 crore and the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV 580 at ₹1.49 crore (ex-showroom).
Which has the most range?
On certified figures, the EQS SUV 580 claims 809 km (ARAI) from a 122 kWh battery. The EX90 claims up to 725 km (ICAT) and the EV9 561 km (ARAI).
Which is the fastest?
The EQS SUV 580 claims 0-100 km/h in 4.7 seconds, the EV9 5.3 seconds and the EX90 5.5 seconds.
Which one has seven seats?
The Mercedes EQS SUV 580 comes with seven seats. The India-spec Volvo EX90 and Kia EV9 are both six-seaters with second-row captain seats.
