The all-new Volvo EX90 has just made its debut in South Africa. Double Apex was invited to learn more about the newcomer at the national launch event.

A few years ago, Volvo management made the statement that every model within its line-up would be electrified. This process has been charging (sorry) along at a steady pace. We have driven several new-gen electrified Volvos. You can read about many of them in our dedicated Electric Car section. 

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Range-Leader

The latest member of Volvo’s increasingly electrified fleet is the EX90. This is the range-leader of the brand’s SUV line-up. The all-new Volvo EX90 continues the chic design aesthetic that we first saw applied to the smaller EX30. The latter happens to be one of our favourite EVs on sale in SA.

From the slim, technical headlamps to the sealed off grille, the EX90 already announces itself as a high-tech and sleek machine. Clean lines and modernity continue throughout its exterior appearance. The 22-inch wheels and multi-part taillamps expand that theme. The EX90 is no shrinking violet. It measures over five metres long and over two metres wide. That should make it a challenge to fit into regular parking bays in most city centres.

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Minimalist Interior

However, the large exterior dimensions do help create a cabin that is quite spacious. Made to feel even more so thanks to the standard panoramic roof. Additionally, there is seating for seven in the EX90. Volvo’s recent offerings have some of the nicest cabins. The EX90 is no different. A minimalist appearance is the overwhelming theme. The seats are covered by soft hides and there is open-pore wood on some of the surfaces, creating a spa-like feeling. A small screen ahead of the driver provides vital driving info while a second, much larger item handles just abut every other duty. There are very few buttons in the cabin.

EV Power

Volvo Cars SA is offering just a single derivative in the local market called the EX90 Twin Performance. This version delivers 380 kW of power and 910 N.m of torque on tap from twin electric motors. As a result it can sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 4,9 seconds. Volvo says its 111 kWh battery can take you up to 751 km in urban driving and just over 600 km on the combined cycle. If you can find a 250 kW DC fast charger, the battery can be recharged (from 10-80%) in 30 minutes . 

Volvo EX90 Price

The price of the newcomer is a rather hefty R2 650 000. This makes the all-new Volvo EX90 more expensive than its main rivals, the BMW iX50 and Mercedes-EQ EQE350. Although, both of those are five seaters. Volvo also counters with a standard specification that only leaves the choice of colour and interior trim to be decided (at no cost) as everything else is standard.

Volvo Cars SA is also trying to make the transition to EV ownership as seamless as possible. The company offers owners two years of free public charging. They will also pay for the wallbox installation at your home and provide 10 Gb data per month for three years.