2025 Volvo EX90
Volvo has officially brought its all-electric EX90 SUV to South Africa – a flagship model that aims to set a new benchmark for luxury, safety, and sustainability in the electric vehicle space.
While the brand has long been associated with understated elegance and a strong safety record, the EX90 represents something more ambitious: a high-tech, premium EV built to take on the heavy hitters of the luxury SUV segment.
Available in a single, high-spec “Ultra” trim level, the EX90 is positioned as a top-tier offering. With a price tag of R2 650 000, it enters a fiercely competitive space, but Volvo believes it offers enough to justify the investment.
A calm, considered approach to luxury
Step into the EX90, and you’re greeted by a cabin that leans into calm, minimalist design rather than flashy theatrics. There’s seating for seven, with quality materials used throughout. The upholstery is made from sustainable vinyl, and real wood inlays add a refined Scandinavian touch. Every detail, from the rotary media knob to the jewel-like air vent controls, is designed to feel both premium and practical.
Comfort is a major focus. The front seats are not only heated and power-adjustable but also offer massage functions and four-way lumbar support. The second row is heated too, while the third row caters more to occasional use. For tech-savvy drivers, the EX90 features a 14.5-inch centre display powered by Google’s built-in services, including Google Maps and Google Assistant. Apple users aren’t left out either, with wireless CarPlay included as standard.
A Bowers & Wilkins audio system with Dolby Atmos provides high-end sound quality, and the cabin is designed to reduce external noise – further enhancing what Volvo describes as a “sanctuary-like” driving experience.
Range, power, and plenty of peace of mind
Performance-wise, the EX90 is no slouch. It produces 380 kW and 910 Nm of torque from its twin electric motors – enough for a 0–100 km/h sprint in 4.9 seconds. Despite its size and luxury orientation, the EX90 feels responsive and composed on the road, thanks in part to air suspension and an active chassis setup that prioritises comfort.
The 111 kWh battery offers a claimed range of up to 751 km in urban settings and 604 km on the combined cycle. Fast charging is supported up to 250 kW, which allows the battery to be topped up from 10 to 80 percent in around 30 minutes.
Volvo also includes two years of free public charging, a home wallbox charger with installation, and three years of 10 GB monthly Vodacom data for in-car connectivity, making the ownership experience a little more seamless for first-time EV buyers.
But where the EX90 really aims to differentiate itself is in safety. Volvo has long been a pioneer in this field, and the EX90 is said to be the safest vehicle the brand has ever made. It includes an extensive list of advanced driver assistance features, including LiDAR technology, a 360-degree camera system, adaptive cruise control with lane keeping, and collision avoidance systems. In true Volvo fashion, these features are designed to work quietly in the background, offering support without overwhelming the driver.
Is the price justified?
At R2.65 million, the EX90 enters a segment where prices are already steep – and largely accepted. Rivals like the Audi SQ7 (from R2.5 million), BMW X7 (from R2.1 million), BMW XM (from R3.4 million), and Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV (from R2.7 million) occupy similar price brackets, often before optional extras are added.
Despite this, Volvo’s pricing often attracts more scrutiny. Perhaps it’s because the brand has historically been perceived as a step below the traditional German luxury trio. Or maybe it’s simply a case of Volvo’s quieter, more reserved marketing approach not commanding the same attention as its rivals.
That said, the EX90 is not trying to mimic the loud, performance-driven personas of some competitors. Instead, it focuses on comfort, safety, and sustainability – areas where Volvo has earned genuine credibility. The brand’s decision to include generous ownership perks and leading-edge safety tech as standard also strengthens the value proposition.
