Volvo EX90

The Volvo EX90 is the Swedish marque's flagship fully electric SUV, offered in Malaysia in a single Ultra Twin Motor Performance variant priced at RM442,888 on-the-road without insurance. It provides seven seats in a 2-3-2 arrangement and combines a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system with Volvo's latest software-defined architecture and extensive Safe Space Technology.

Its two electric motors produce 380 KW or 517 PS and 910 NM, enabling 0–100 KM/H in 4.9 seconds. A 111-kWh NMC battery provides up to 623 KM of WLTP range. The vehicle carries a five-year unlimited-mileage warranty, while its high-voltage battery is covered for eight years or 160,000 KM.

The minimalist dashboard is dominated by a 14.5-inch portrait-oriented central touchscreen, accompanied by a compact nine-inch digital driver display and head-up display. Most climate, navigation, entertainment and vehicle functions are controlled through the touchscreen.

Open-pore Birch Wood décor, concealed air vents and backlit trim create a clean Scandinavian interior, with Charcoal and Cardamom cabin themes offered locally.

The floating centre console incorporates a physical rotary volume controller, covered storage, a wireless smartphone charger and cup holder. The compact layout frees up additional storage space between the front occupants.

A compact nine-inch digital instrument display presents speed, battery status, range, navigation and driver-assistance information directly ahead of the driver. It is supplemented by a head-up display to minimise the need to look away from the road.

The cabin uses Nordico synthetic upholstery, with electrically adjustable front seats featuring ventilation and massage functions as standard on the Malaysian Ultra. Front-seat memory and extendable thigh support further improve long-distance comfort.

An integrated child booster cushion is incorporated into the second row, while the third-row seats can be electrically folded when additional luggage capacity is required.

The current Malaysian model provides seven seats in a 2-3-2 configuration. Its long 2,985-MM wheelbase and dedicated electric architecture provide generous first- and second-row space, while the third row is usable for children and smaller adults.

The second-row seats use a 40:20:40 split and can slide and tilt for easier third-row access.

The two-spoke multifunction steering wheel uses touch-sensitive controls for media, driver information, voice commands and assistance functions. Steering and suspension responses can also be adjusted through the vehicle settings.

Storage is provided through large door compartments, the glovebox, centre-console areas and a substantial compartment beneath the rear luggage floor. A separate 46-litre front luggage compartment provides useful space for charging cables or smaller items.

Cup holders are integrated into the front centre console, while additional drink storage is available within the second-row armrest and door compartments. The front console design allows the cup holder area to remain visually unobtrusive when not required.

The EX90 provides six USB ports, with two beneath the front centre display, two at the rear of the centre tunnel for second-row passengers and one on each side of the third row. A wireless smartphone charging pad is also fitted at the front.

Nordico upholstery, open-pore Birch Wood trim, metallic speaker grilles and extensive soft-touch surfaces provide a modern luxury atmosphere without relying heavily on traditional leather. A large fixed panoramic glass roof further increases the sense of openness.

With all seven seats in use, the EX90 provides approximately 310 litres of luggage capacity. Folding the third row increases capacity to 655 litres, while lowering both rear rows expands the available volume to approximately 1,915 litres.

A separate 46-litre front compartment provides additional storage for smaller items or charging equipment.

The EX90 measures 5,037 MM long, 1,964 MM wide and 1,744 MM tall, with a substantial 2,985-MM wheelbase. Width increases to 2,113 MM with the mirrors extended, while the official running-order mass is 2,787 KG. Its turning circle is approximately 12 metres.

The front adopts a smooth grille-less design centred around Volvo's Iron Mark and distinctive pixel-style Thor's Hammer lighting. A roof-mounted LiDAR module is positioned above the windscreen, while flush door handles and clean surfacing contribute to the EX90's aerodynamic Scandinavian appearance.

The upright rear retains a recognisably Volvo silhouette but introduces C-shaped LED lamps extending into the tailgate and segmented vertical lighting elements running alongside the rear window. A roof spoiler and clean lower bumper complete the minimalist design.

The LED headlamps feature Volvo's modern Thor's Hammer daytime-running-light signature. The horizontal DRL elements physically split open when the main headlamp units activate, creating one of the EX90's most distinctive lighting animations.

Full-LED rear lighting combines horizontal C-shaped lamp sections with vertically separated light elements positioned beside the rear glass. The arrangement modernises the tall rear-light signature traditionally associated with Volvo SUVs.

The EX90 uses frameless exterior mirrors mounted on slim supports to reduce visual bulk and aerodynamic drag. Power adjustment and folding are incorporated into the Ultra specification, complementing the flush-fitting exterior door handles.

Four-wheel disc brakes operate together with the regenerative-braking system, ABS, electronic stability control and Volvo's electronic brake-management systems. One Pedal Drive allows most everyday slowing to be performed through regenerative deceleration without regularly using the brake pedal.

The Malaysian EX90 Ultra is fitted with 21-inch eight-spoke glossy-black diamond-cut aerodynamic alloy wheels. Tyre-pressure monitoring is standard.

The EX90's active-safety suite includes collision avoidance and mitigation, autonomous emergency braking, intersection braking, pedestrian and cyclist detection, blind-spot monitoring with steering assistance and rear cross-traffic alert with automatic braking.

Run-Off Road Mitigation, Oncoming Lane Mitigation, Door Opening Alert and rear-collision avoidance functions further expand its preventative-safety capability.

Occupant protection includes dual front airbags, side airbags, an inner-side airbag, curtain protection and a driver's knee airbag. ISOFIX mounting points, an integrated child booster cushion and Volvo's reinforced battery-protection structure are also provided.

Interior radar-based occupant sensing can detect movement inside the vehicle and forms part of Volvo's strategy for preventing children or pets from accidentally being left behind.

The EX90 does not use a traditional selection of numerous named driving modes. Instead, drivers can separately adjust Performance All-Wheel Drive, One Pedal Drive, steering feel and suspension firmness through the central interface.

The 14.5-inch centre display runs an Android Automotive-based system with Google built-in, providing native Google Maps, Google Assistant and applications through Google Play. Wireless Apple CarPlay is standard, while over-the-air updates allow the software-defined vehicle to gain improvements over time.

Pilot Assist with Lane Change Assist combines adaptive cruise control with steering and lane-positioning support. Other systems include Lane Keeping Assist, Emergency Stop Assist, Driver Monitoring and a 360-degree camera with 3D view.

A roof-mounted LiDAR works alongside cameras, radar and ultrasonic sensors. Volvo states that the sensor hardware can detect objects at distances of up to 250 metres in suitable conditions, with capabilities designed to expand through software updates.

A flagship 25-speaker Bowers & Wilkins High Fidelity system is standard on the Malaysian Ultra. The 1,610-watt setup supports Dolby Atmos and includes speakers within the front headrests for an immersive three-dimensional listening experience.

Abbey Road Studios Mode has also been released for Bowers & Wilkins-equipped EX90s through an over-the-air update, adding several studio-inspired sound profiles.

The EX90 Ultra Twin Motor Performance uses two electric motors. The front motor produces 180 KW and 420 NM, while the rear motor delivers 200 KW and 490 NM. Combined output stands at 380 KW or 517 PS and 910 NM.

Each electric motor operates through a single-speed reduction gear, providing continuous acceleration without conventional gear changes.

The dual-motor arrangement provides all-wheel drive, with electronic torque management continuously adjusting power distribution between the front and rear axles according to traction and performance requirements.

Despite its considerable size and 2.8-tonne running-order mass, the EX90 accelerates from 0 to 100 KM/H in 4.9 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 180 KM/H, in line with Volvo's wider safety policy.

The current Malaysian EX90 uses a 111-kWh NMC battery, with approximately 107 kWh of usable capacity. Official WLTP range is rated at up to 623 KM, while combined energy consumption is listed at 20.5 kWh per 100 KM.

AC charging is limited to 11 KW, with a complete 0% to 100% charge taking approximately ten hours. DC charging peaks at 250 KW, allowing a 10% to 80% recharge in around 30 minutes under suitable conditions. A ten-minute DC top-up can add up to approximately 170 KM of range.

Standard convenience equipment includes Digital Key Plus, key-card and key-tag access, soft-close powered door releases, powered front seats, ventilation, massage, a hands-free powered tailgate and fixed panoramic glass roof.

The vehicle can also be remotely pre-conditioned through the Volvo Cars application before occupants enter the cabin.

The Malaysian EX90 receives four-zone climate control with dedicated ventilation for all three rows. Second-row passengers have their own climate controls, while dedicated vents serve passengers in the third row.

The Ultra specification uses active air suspension, paired with a double-wishbone front setup and multi-link rear arrangement. The suspension can automatically adapt its firmness according to vehicle speed, while the driver can also adjust suspension feel through the central display.

Despite the EX90's considerable mass, the air suspension is tuned principally around smooth family-oriented cruising rather than aggressive handling.

The absence of a combustion engine, aerodynamic bodywork and laminated glazing create a notably quiet cabin. Malaysian road testing found the EX90 composed and well isolated across highways, urban roads and poorer rural surfaces.

The low ambient noise level also allows the 25-speaker Bowers & Wilkins system to operate in an acoustically favourable environment. Volvo describes the EX90 as one of the quietest cabins it has produced.

The Volvo EX90 is a compelling flagship for buyers who prioritise safety, seven-seat practicality and long-distance comfort. Its 517-PS dual-motor system provides far more performance than most families will require, while the 623-KM WLTP range and 111-kWh battery make interstate journeys realistic.

Its greatest strengths are arguably elsewhere: sophisticated LiDAR-supported safety hardware, Pilot Assist, active air suspension, excellent seats, a spacious 2-3-2 cabin and one of the most elaborate Bowers & Wilkins audio systems fitted to a production vehicle.

There are nevertheless clear weaknesses. 11-KW AC and 250-KW DC charging now appear modest for a RM442,888 flagship EV, particularly as newer 800V rivals have moved beyond 300 KW. The 310-litre boot is also relatively small when all seven seats are occupied, and the touchscreen-heavy interface provides very few conventional controls.

More importantly, Volvo Car Malaysia has already confirmed that the EX90 will receive an 800V architecture, faster charging and a six-seat configuration locally. Until that updated model reaches the Malaysian configurator, however, the current 623-KM seven-seater remains the official model on sale.