The Volvo EX90 has launched in South Africa, with the Swedish carmaker saying the all-electric, seven-seater SUV signals the start of a new era for the brand. Here’s what you can expect…
Designed to be the safest vehicle ever produced by Volvo, the EX90 introduces the automaker’s “invisible safety shield”, which incorporates an array of sensing technology, including LiDAR (light detection and ranging), cameras and radars, to ensure maximum occupant protection. The setup is connected to the the EX90’s vehicle computers, which are powered by NVIDIA DRIVE technology and Volvo’s proprietary software.
The EX90 is the start of a new era for Volvo Cars, and it begins now — Jim Rowan, CEO of Volvo Cars
The EX90 ships with a suite of active and passive safety systems as standard. The package includes seven airbags and Isofix child-seat mounting points, while it’s been so designed to offer protection against whiplash.
The EX90 further features a variety of driver assistance systems. Included among the latter are adaptive cruise control, replete with Volvo’s ‘Pilot Assist’ steering support system, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, collision avoidance and mitigation, cross-traffic alert, and the firm’s ‘Park Pilot Assist’ setup.
Quintessentially Scandinavian in design, the interior is minimalistic. Only two digital screens are present — a 14.5-inch, touch-enabled, portrait-oriented item for infotainment and a 9.0-inch unit for the instrumentation. The infotainment system features Google built-in, which includes a selection of apps, such as Google Maps and Google Play. Wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless smartphone charging and a Bowers & Wilkins High Fidelity audio system are also present. The list of standard features further includes a panoramic glass roof, an electronically operated tailgate and 22-inch alloy rims.
The single EX90 offered in South Africa, the Ultra Twin Performance, is powered by a duo of electric motors, producing combined power and torque figures of 380 kW and 910 N.m. Volvo claims a 0-100 km/h time of 4.9 seconds. The EX90’s 111 kWh battery allows for an emissions-free driving range of 604 km when the 111 kWh battery pack is fully charged.
What does the Volvo EX90 Ultra Twin Performance cost in South Africa?
As standard, the EX90’s R2 650 000 asking price includes a three-year/60 000 km maintenance plan, five-year/100 000 km vehicle warranty and an eight-year battery warranty.
- Volvo EX90 Ultra Twin Performance — R2 650 000
“I can confidently say that the EX90 is the best car we have ever made,” said Jim Rowan, CEO of Volvo Cars. “The charging, the handling, the ride comfort, the silence of the cabin and the epic sound system, the reliability, the tech and the feel of the UI [user interface] – I’ve never driven a Volvo car like it. The EX90 is the start of a new era for Volvo Cars, and it begins now.”
