The Volvo EX90 doesn’t hide its radar systems.
Gothenburg Volvo is launching its new flagship EX90 with a lidar sensor on the roof in the fall. Thanks to the high-mounted laser scanner, the luxury crossover should also be able to drive automatically in the future. Above all, however, the performance of normal assistance systems should benefit.
Unlike competitors such as the Mercedes EQS, the lidar is not inconspicuously housed in the front mask, but prominently placed on the vehicle. Volvo’s chief developer for vehicle automation, Joachim de Verdier, justifies this with the better “view” of the road. Eye level is better for a good overview than knee level. The attached sensor is a challenge for the designers. First sketches show that it is apparently well integrated, but still clearly visible.
Volvo believes that lidar can no longer be dispensed with today. Compared to systems that work exclusively with radar and cameras, it offers advantages in terms of accuracy and reliability in addition to the additional redundancy – for example, it also works at night, in bad weather and in tunnels. In addition, there is better recognition of free spaces in front of the vehicle, which is particularly important for autonomous driving.
Technically, the EX90 is already prepared for highly automated driving at levels 3 to 4, but the function will not be active when it starts next year. If the technical and legal conditions are met, customers can activate the “Ride Pilot” for a fee. First of all, however, the lidar technology should increase the performance of the current assistance systems.
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Among other things, Volvo cites the interaction with the further developed driver monitoring system: If the stereo interior camera used by the Swedes for the first time recognizes that the driver is no longer able to steer due to microsleep or fainting, the vehicle can move bring itself to a standstill after several warnings. The autonomous drive to the side of the road is monitored by the lidar.
The Swedes will only announce further details on the drive and technology of the electric crossover at the world premiere in autumn. The new flagship of the brand is based on the size of the current XC90, but already bears the new brand face, is a bit flatter and should receive a modernity boost, especially in the interior. The Concept Recharge presented in 2021, which already has the lidar sensor on the roof, gives a first impression. Prices should start just below the six-digit range.
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