The three-row fully-electric Volvo EX90 large SUV currently lands locally in a sole Ultra Twin trim.
Volvo Car Malaysia has recently pulled the covers off its latest fully-electric flagship, the EX90. This tailpipe-less large SUV debuts alongside its newly-facelifted ICE-equipped XC90, and is currently available in a sole Ultra Twin spec that wears a retail price tag of RM 442,888.
Compared to the XC90, this more mininalistically-styled EX90 is actually a slightly larger vehicle. Dimensionally, the EX90 measures 5,037 mm in length (vs 4,950 mm of the XC90), 1,964 mm in width (vs 1,923 mm), 1,747 mm in height (vs 1,776 mm), and rides on a 2,985 mm wheelbase (vs 2,984 mm).
In terms of exterior aesthetics, one could say that the EX90 is pretty much a scaled-up version of its smaller EX30 sibling. Up front, the design is dominated by pixelated Thor’s Hammer headlights flanking a closed-off grille, while the sides feature flush door handles. At the rear, C-shaped split taillights give it a modern touch that still nods to Volvo’s traditional upright rear lighting signature.
Inside, Volvo claims the cabin of the EX90 is inspired by a Scandinavian living room, and it shows. The dashboard layout is clean and minimalist, while the seating — arranged in a 2-3-2 configuration — consists of orthopedically-designed seats with massage function for the front row and a clever convertible child booster seat in the second row. Both front and second-row outer seats are ventilated too.
Dominating the dash of the EX90 is a large 14.5-inch central touchscreen with built-in Google services, supported by a 9-inch digital instrument cluster, a head-up display, and a Bowers & Wilkins 25-speaker sound system with high-fidelity audio and Dolby Atmos. There’s also wireless Apple CarPlay, Digital Key Plus with key card and key tag support, soft-close doors, a powered tailgate, and a fixed panoramic sunroof (though there’s no physical shade, which might be a bit of a downside in our blazing Malaysian heat). Rounding out the comfort features is a four-zone climate control system, with dedicated vents for all three rows.
As the trim name suggests, the sole Twin Ultra variant currently offered in Malaysia is powered by an electric motor on each of its axles. The front motor delivers 245 PS and 420 Nm, while the rear motor adds 272 PS and 490 Nm, bringing total system output to 517 PS and 910 Nm. That’s good enough to rocket this large SUV from 0-100 km/h in just 4.9 seconds, with its top speed limited to the usual Volvo ceiling of 180 km/h.
Feeding these motors is a nickel cobalt manganese (NCM) battery pack with a gross capacity of 111 kWh, which Volvo claims offers up to 623 km of WLTP-rated range. Charging the battery from 0-100% via the standard 11 kW AC onboard charger will take around 10 hours, while a quick top-up from 10-80% can be achieved in just 30 minutes when connected to a 250 kW DC fast charger.
In further continuing on details of what lies under the EX90’s skin, Volvo is quick to point out that this all-electric flagship SUV features its quietest cabin ever, thanks to a combination of a vibration-absorbing chassis, enhanced sound insulation, and double-laminated glass. The Twin Ultra variant available in Malaysia is further equipped with an air suspension system, which can lower the SUV by 20 mm for better high-speed aerodynamics or raise it by 40 mm when off-road mode is engaged.
As with any Volvo, the EX90 is predictably packed to the rafters with safety kit. Just the active driving assistance features alone include collision avoidance and mitigation, oncoming mitigation by braking, steering avoidance (with pedestrian, cyclist and scooter detection), rear collision warning and avoidance, intersection auto brake, blind spot monitoring with steer assist, lane keeping assist, run-off road mitigation, oncoming lane mitigation, rear cross traffic alert with low-speed auto brake, door opening alert, driver monitoring, emergency stop assist, Pilot Assist adaptive cruise control with Lane Change Assist, and a 360° surround view camera with 3D view.
All this ADAS tech is naturally supported by an array of cameras and radar sensors, but it is also further enhanced by the inclusion of a Luminar LiDAR system discreetly integrated into the EX90’s roofline. Volvo currently touts that its LiDAR is capable of detecting objects — including pedestrians up to 250 metres away or small hazards like a tyre on the road 120 metres ahead — even in complete darkness, all while cruising at highway speeds.
Another innovative feature making its debut in the EX90 is the new Occupant Sensing system, which actively monitors the entire cabin and boot after the car is locked to ensure no one is left behind — whether it be a child or pet. If movement is detected, the system triggers a series of alerts via flashing lights, horn, air-conditioning activation, and notifies the owner through the Volvo Cars App.
The EX90 is currently available over here in four exterior colours: Onyx Black, Crystal White, Vapour Grey, and a new Sand Dune finish. Interior options in turn include either Charcoal or Cardamom tones, paired with sustainable Nordico upholstery and FSC™-certified natural Birch Wood trim.
Buyers of the EX90 will also enjoy five years of complimentary digital services, 24/7 roadside assistance, and a five-year unlimited mileage warranty. The high-voltage battery meanwhile comes with a separate eight-year warranty, offering additional peace of mind for EV adopters.
For now, the EX90 is being fully imported (CBU) from China, but Volvo Car Malaysia has confirmed that local assembly (CKD) is scheduled to begin before the end of this year. To sweeten the deal for early adopters, the first 50 customers will receive a complimentary wallbox charger and foldable sunshade for the panoramic roof, with a total value of RM 5,000.
