The New Volvo EX90: Redefining All-Electric Luxury in South Africa

Whew! What a way to relaunch the Volvo brand in Mzansi. Volvo Car SA could not have chosen a better model to make a bold statement about the brand and their latest offering to the SA market. The media was anticipating something out of the ordinary. Well, the Volvo EX90 is no ordinary vehicle. It’s aesthetically pleasing, the stance brims with confidence, it’s fully electric with not one but two motors, space aplenty, a very user friendly 14.5 inch centre-consoled tablet, boot space is more than ample. The drive in a fully electric vehicle is very reassuring and silent. Instant power to the wheels and equally excellent braking power. The Volvo’s all-electric luxury SUV has arrived, setting new standards for the segment. It’s a stand out from all that I have driven. The EX90 has redefined the segment, to say the least.    

 

Connoisseur Crafted

Crafted for the connoisseur with sustainability and safety in mind, the EX90 attracts those who appreciate sophisticated design and quiet luxury. 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 Safest Volvo yet! No compromises       

Worldwide, Volvo has been synonymous with safety. 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 introduces Volvo’s invisible safety shield, thanks to its integration of cutting-edge sensing technology, including radars, LiDAR, and cameras, to ensure maximum protection for the vehicle and its occupants. These systems are seamlessly connected to the EX90’s vehicle computers, powered by NVIDIA DRIVE technology and Volvo’s proprietary software.

Additional safety features include driver and passenger airbags, a driver’s knee airbag, inflatable curtain airbags, side-impact protection airbags, whiplash protection (WHIPS), and ISOFIX anchors for the outer rear seats.

With Google built-in, drivers can enjoy intuitive apps like Google Maps, Google Assistant, and Google Play, complemented by wireless Apple CarPlay. 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 from 25 speakers. Whew!

 

Scandinavian comfort

The Volvo EX90 is meticulously crafted to envelop its occupants in luxury, blending cutting-edge technology, advanced safety features, and premium materials. 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.

For the driver and front passenger, power-adjustable seating with four-way lumbar support and side bolsters makes finding the perfect position effortless. A standard massage function and heated front seats elevate comfort even further, while heated seats for the second row and a heated steering wheel add a refined touch to the cabin.

Attention to detail is evident throughout the cabin. Customers can personalise their space with Birch Wood or Light Ash decor panels, while elegant jewel-like touches on the air intake controls and rotary media knob complete the sophisticated ambience, reflecting the EX90’s status as Volvo’s top-of-the-range offering.

Effortless power, exceptional Range

The EX90 delivers a healthy 380 kW of power and 910 NM 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%).

 

Minimalist elegance Bold Presence

The EX90’s elegant lines are complemented by refined exterior details, highlighting its minimalist design. Standard features include LED 'Thor’s Hammer' headlights, glossy black roof rails, high-gloss black lower bumper trims, and a body-coloured grille cover. The SUV also has an electrically operated tailgate, a panoramic glass roof, 22-inch 5-spoke aero wheels, and laminated side windows. And there is an exterior colour to match your need.

Is this the best Volvo yet?

Absolutely Yes! The charging time of between 25 and 80 minutes is commendable. The range is approximately 614kms, depending on conditions. The handling, the ride comfort, the silence of the cabin and the epic sound system, the reliability, the tech and the feel of the UI , I’ve never driven a Volvo car like it. The EX90 is the start of a new era for Volvo Cars.

Final Words

"The Volvo EX90 represents the pinnacle of our design, engineering, and safety innovation,” commented Felipe Yagi, Head of Marketing & Communications at Volvo Car South Africa. “It's more than just the most luxurious car we've ever made—it embodies a bold new chapter for Volvo in South Africa. The EX90 delivers an unparalleled blend of sophistication, sustainability, safety and cutting-edge technology, redefining what our customers expect from a modern luxury SUV.

 

Price and Charging

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.