2025 Volvo EX90 launched in Malaysia – 623 km WLTP EV range; RM442,888; RM8k more than XC90 PHEV

It took a while but Volvo Car Malaysia (VCM) has finally launched the EX90 here. First revealed to the world back in November 2022, getting the electric SUV to dealerships has been a challenge globally, what with delays that led to production only beginning in June last year. In any case, the EX90 is here now and is being offered in a sole Ultra Twin variant that is priced at RM442,888 on-the-road without insurance.

If you’re considering this over the facelifted XC90 that is also making its local launch debut today, the EX90 is more only RM8,000 more than the PHEV version of the XC90. The EX90, unlike the new XC90, is a fully imported (CBU) model from China for now, although VMC has confirmed that local assembly (CKD) will start later this year.

For the money you’ll be paying, you’re getting an SUV built on Volvo’s SPA2 platform and an electric powertrain capable of delivering 623 km of range following the WLTP standard. The latter is made possible by a nickel cobalt manganese (NCM) battery with a gross energy capacity of 111 kWh (107 kWh net) that feeds a pair of electric motors for an all-wheel drive setup.

No shortage of oomph from the Performance version of the Twin Motor powertrain, with the front electric motor delivering 245 PS (241 hp or 180 kW) and 420 Nm, while the one in the rear is rated at 272 PS (268 hp or 200 kW) and 490 Nm. Together, the total system output is 517 PS (510 hp or 380 kW) and 910 Nm, enabling a 0-100 km/h time of 4.9 seconds and top speed of 180 km/h.

As for charging, the EX90 supports AC charging (Type 2), with a full charge from 0-100% taking 10 hours thanks to an 11-kW onboard charger, which is actually behind rivals like the BMW iX and Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV that can handle up to 22 kW. There’s also DC fast charging (CCS2) at a max of 250 kW, which gets the battery from a 10-80% state of charge in just 30 minutes.

While the EX90 may have a profile similar to the XC90, the electric-only model gets distinctive design cues to set it apart from its sibling. These include a closed-off front grille bearing the Iron Mark and pixel-style daytime running lights that extend into the front bumper has a trapezoidal-shaped lower intake. The DRLs split open when the main LED headlamps are switched on, which is a neat party trick to impress onlookers.

Elsewhere, you’ll find a roof-mounted lidar sensor and flush door handles – both absent on the XC90 – while the C-shaped taillights at the rear encroach more into the tailgate. They also mimic the “extended look” of the front DRLs with dashed light bars going along sides of the rear window.

The differences continue on the inside, with the EX90 sporting an even more minimalist dashboard that forgoes physical buttons. A large 14.5-inch touchscreen in a portrait orientation serves as the display for the infotainment system with Google built-in, so you’ll have access to services like the Google Assistant, Maps and Play Store without having to whip out your phone – VCM says the price of the car includes access to these digital services for a period of five years.

The only other display inside the cabin is a 9-inch digital instrument cluster set just above air vents that have a full-width look. Touch controls can also be found on the steering wheel and there is a rotary dial on the centre console for basic media controls.

Exterior colours for the EX90 include Onyx Black, Sand Dune, Crystal White or Vapour Grey, all of which have an interior trimmed in Birch Wood décor, although you get to choose between Charcoal or Cardamom themes that also affect the seat upholstery.

Standard features for the EX90 include a 25-speaker Bowers and Wilkins audio system, a head-up display, wireless Apple CarPlay, Digital Key Plus, key card and key tag support, 21-inch eight-spoke aero wheels, a tyre pressure monitoring system, active air suspension, powered front seats (with ventilation and massage functions), one-pedal driving, a powered tailgate, a fixed panoramic sunroof as well as four-zone climate control with vents for all three rows.

On the mention of seats, the EX90 for Malaysia can accommodate up to seven people in a 2-2-3 layout. With all the seats in their default position, you get 310 litres of boot space, which is expendable to 655 litres if you fold down the third row.

It is known that Volvo takes safety seriously, and the EX90 comes loaded up in that aspect. In addition to the dual front, side, inner side, curtain and driver’s knee airbags, there are ISOFIX mounting points, an integrated booster cushion and an interior radar for occupant sensing.

Driver assistance features 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 with Lane Change Assist and a 360-degree camera with 3D view.

Every EX90 comes with a five-year, unlimited-mileage new car warranty, while the battery is covered for eight years or 160,000 km (whichever comes first).With all said and done, what do you think of the EX90? Would you pick it over other premium electric SUVs on sale in Malaysia?

GALLERY: 2025 Volvo EX90 in Malaysia

GALLERY: 2025 Volvo EX90 brochure

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