Volvo EX90 launched in Mzansi

Locally, the Swedish manufacturer has a stronghold in the EV market with no 1 and no 3 sales success through the EX30 and XC40 EV models. The EX90 will aim to solidify that position. We attended its launch in Cape Town.

The front gets a closed grille, typical of EV cars which don’t need a radiator opening like ICE cars. This has the prominent Volvo logo.

The signature Thor’s Hammer LED Daytime Running Lights have been refined whilst the headlight now feature High Definition Pixel technology.

The EX90 gets privacy glass as standard with 22 inch diamond cut alloys also coming as standard. There are now flush door handles aiding a clean, sleek look. The EX90 also has an electrically operated tailgate, a panoramic glass roof and LED taillights.

The 14.5-inch centre screen ensures a seamless digital experience, while the Bowers & Wilkins High Fidelity audio system—enhanced by Dolby Atmos—delivers concert-quality sound.

Spacious and serene, the cabin offers seating for up to seven across three rows, ensuring every journey is a first-class experience. The seats, upholstered in high-quality, sustainable vinyl, provide the signature support and comfort synonymous with Volvo.

Rear seating also gets climate control settings whilst Volvo has gone to extra lengths to ensure the cabin is functional with the rear seats able to move forward individually (3 split). For added child safety, the middle seats features Volvos legendary booster seat integrated into the seat.

The rear 2 seats are all electrically operated with the 3rd row also featuring electric adjustments for folding.

Folding all the seats allows the EX90 to add carrying space should the owner wish to carry large items.

Designed to be the safest vehicle Volvo has ever built, the EX90 has a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance features. Standard offerings include adaptive cruise control with steering support (Pilot Assist), a head-up display, a 360-degree camera, Lane Keeping Aid, Park Pilot Assist, Run-off Road Mitigation, Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with cross-traffic alert, Collision Avoidance and Mitigation, Intersection Autobrake, Road Sign Information, and more.

The EX90 delivers a healthy 380 kW of power and 910 N.m of torque, enabling it to sprint silently from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds. Its 111 kWh battery pack provides a generous range: up to 751 km in urban driving and 604 km on the combined cycle. When plugged into a 250 kW DC fast charger, the battery can be recharged in 30 minutes (10-80%). 

Offered in Ultra specification with the Twin Performance electric drivetrain, the EX90 is powered by dual electric motors, delivering power to all four wheels through a single-speed automatic transmission. Built from the ground up on the SPA2 platform, the EX90 prioritises comfort and safety, with an active chassis and air suspension ensuring an exceptionally smooth and refined ride.

The Volvo EX90 will be available at dealerships in April, with a price tag of R2,650,000. This includes a three-year/60,000 km maintenance plan, a five-year/100,000 km warranty, an eight-year battery warranty, and five-year/unlimited mileage roadside assistance. Volvo will also provide new EX90 owners with two years of free public charging, a GridCars wallbox with installation, and 10 GB of Vodacom data per month for three years.