In 2024, the arrival of the Volvo EX30 extended an already long and somewhat agonising search for a “problematic” car from the Swedish brand. Throughout nearly a decade of motoring journalism, finding an ‘ugly duckling’ in the Volvo range has remained an impossible task — a sentiment shared by many in the industry.
Volvo’s engineering and design have always made it difficult to find genuine faults, but as the brand transitions to full electric mobility, the new EX90 brings a fresh set of expectations.
A Price Tag Matching its Ambition
At the Southern African launch in April, an audible murmuring followed the announcement of the R2,650,000 price tag. It is a significant step up from the EX30, which starts under a million, but it is crucial to view this as a completely different animal. This isn’t simply an electric version of the XC90; it is a genuinely new flagship.
The EX90 is the safest Volvo ever produced — a highly luxurious seven-seater SUV that targets a very select market. Volvo understands that this vehicle won’t be seen on every street corner; it is an exclusive product focused on quality, safety, and efficiency. The price becomes easier to digest when considering the total ownership package: a standard maintenance plan, an eight-year battery warranty, a free home wallbox installation, and two years of public charging.
Power, Performance, and Local Reality
The South African market receives a single, high-spec model: the Ultra Twin Performance. With 380 kW and 910 Nm of torque, these are massive figures. For a vehicle approaching three tons, a 0–100 km/h sprint in 4.9 seconds is impressive, providing effortless overtaking ability on the open road.
While the 111-kWh battery claims a total range of 600 km, the reality of South African highway driving — often at high speeds over long distances — tells a slightly different story. Real-world local tests yielded about 490 km on a combined cycle. It is still a respectable figure, and with a 150-kW DC fast-charger, a 10–80% top-up takes roughly 55 minutes. For home charging, an 11-kW wallbox will return the battery to 80% overnight. A particularly useful feature for the local context is the Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality, allowing the car to power household appliances during grid outages.
Interior Sanctuary and Safety Tech
The cabin is exactly what is expected from a flagship: modern, minimal, and filled with sustainable materials. The third row is actually usable for children or shorter adults, while the front seats offer heating and massage functions for long hauls. The focal point is the 14.5-inch portrait touchscreen, but the real star is the 25-speaker Bowers & Wilkins sound system, which provides an unmatched audio experience.
On the tech front, Volvo has integrated LiDAR, radar, and cameras to create a 360-degree safety net. This makes the EX90 the new benchmark for safety on our roads. Despite its weight, the car handles with surprising agility, aided by light, direct steering and an air suspension system that balances firmness with a smooth, “floaty” ride over uneven surfaces.
The Verdict
For the buyer who can stretch to R2.65 million, the EX90 is arguably the most well-balanced large electric SUV available in South Africa right now. It isn’t a car designed for mass-market value; it is a statement of exclusivity, performance, and world-leading safety. Once again, Volvo has added a vehicle to the favourites list that is simply very hard to fault.
The stats
| Max Power | 380 kW |
| Max Torque | 910 Nm |
| 0-100 km/h | 4.9 sec |
| Boot Space | 324 -1316L |
| Claimed Range | 600km |
| Price | R2650000 |
