Volvo’s latest creation has officially landed – and it isn’t just another electric SUV. It’s a bold manifesto on wheels. The all-new Volvo EX90, the Swedish brand’s fully electric flagship, made its glamorous South African debut in the Cape Winelands this March, setting the tone for what may be the automaker’s most audacious chapter yet.
And what a launch it was. With over 75 motoring journalists and content creators in attendance – more than you’d usually expect at an international reveal – it was clear Volvo South Africa was pulling out all the stops. This wasn’t just a car launch. It was a brand statement wrapped in glitz, music and forward-thinking Swedish elegance.
Cape Town. Concerts. Clean energy
Held at The Cooperage at Anura Vineyards near Franschhoek, the event included a stirring performance by iconic African storyteller Gcina Mhlophe and the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra. It was poetic, it was electric – literally – and it was ambitious. Although time behind the wheel was limited (about 30 minutes of scenic cruising through the Cape Winelands), the EX90 still made its presence felt, even in brief.
impressions: Smooth operator, with Nordic soul
Despite the short stint, the EX90 felt like a confident elder sibling to the EX30m – grander, more serene and oozing understated authority. Driving it felt smoother and more planted than the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV, though slightly heavier in feel. While it may not have the razor-sharp agility of a BMW iX xDrive50 and iX M60 xDrive or the performance edge of Audi’s e-tron S Sportback, it strikes a compelling balance between comfort, tech and timeless Scandinavian design.
Powered by dual electric motors delivering a punchy 380kW of power and 910 Nm of torque, the EX90 dashes from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.9 seconds. Its 111kWh battery offers an impressive up to 751 km of urban range (604 km combined), and fast charging from 10 to 80 per cent takes only 30 minutes on a 250kW charger.
Technology that protects, not distracts
True to Volvo DNA, safety is where the EX90 truly flexes. Dubbed the safest Volvo ever built, it’s loaded with an array of invisible shields: LiDAR, radars, cameras and advanced driver-assist systems all powered by NVIDIA DRIVE AI and Volvo’s in-house software. It’s like driving with a silent guardian angel, minus the wings.
Design: Nordic minimalism meets electric elegance
Volvo isn’t chasing flamboyance. The EX90’s design is pure sophistication – minimalist, aerodynamic and unmistakably premium. Standard features include ‘Thor’s Hammer’ LED headlights, 22-inch aero wheels, panoramic glass roof and high-gloss black accents. The eight colour options range from sleek Onyx Black to serene Silver Dawn – each a mood, not just a paint job.
Inside, the theme continues with a warm, tactile environment designed to calm and cocoon. Think luxury without the noise, with intuitive interfaces and sustainable materials throughout.
So, what’s the catch?
At R2 650 000, the EX90 isn’t exactly bargain territory – but it’s not trying to be. The price includes a three-year/60 000 km maintenance plan, a five-year warranty, an eight-year battery cover and five-year roadside assistance. Sweetening the deal is two years of free public charging, a GridCars wall box with installation and 30GB of Vodacom data (10GB/month for three years) to keep you and your car always connected.
A bold bet on the future
At the launch, Volvo SA MD Tarcisio Triviño didn’t mince words: “This car is very important for us. It is the safest Volvo ever. We are here to stay and aim to achieve 20 per cent of market share with our new vehicles.”
Big words – but the EX90 walks the talk. Whether it will dethrone the likes of BMW, Audi, Mercedes-Benz, and even new challengers like BYD remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: Volvo is done whispering. With the EX90, it’s speaking in confident, electric tones.
Next up? A full review comparing the EX90 to its segment rivals and a deeper dive into South Africa’s evolving charging infrastructure. Watch this space.
