By Prashirwin Naidu

I recently headed to Cape Town to get a first look, and to drive, at Volvo’s new flagship electric SUV, the EX90. It’s the brand’s most luxurious and high-tech model yet. While there’s plenty to be impressed by, I walked away with mixed feelings. We only had thirty minutes to drive it, and that time was split between two drivers. With roadworks in Stellenbosch, I barely had fifteen minutes behind the wheel – just enough to get a taste, not the full experience.

Then came the moment that got everyone talking: the R2.6 million price tag – a serious amount of money, even in the world of premium electric SUVs.
Here’s what stood out during my short time with the EX90.

First Impressions
The EX90 is a real head-turner. It’s got that sleek, modern look Volvo is known for, with clean lines and smart design touches like its signature “Thor’s Hammer” LED
headlights, a smooth body-coloured grille, and shiny black roof rails. It sits on stylish 22- inch wheels that give it an extra touch of class. Inside, the panoramic glass roof makes the cabin feel airy and open, which adds to the luxury feel. But there’s a catch – the roof doesn’t open, and there’s no built-in shade. Under the South African sun, that might be a bit of a problem for some.

The Drive
The EX90 comes in Volvo’s top-spec Ultra trim, powered by two electric motors – one for the front wheels and one for the back – giving it all-wheel drive. It is fast, doing 0 to 100 km/h in just under five seconds (claimed). (It also offers an impressive driving range of up to 600 km (WLTP), which is handy for longer trips) Still, it doesn’t feel as punchy as the smaller, sportier EX30, which makes it feel more relaxed and family-friendly and offers an impressive driving range of just over 600 km, which is handy for longer trips. Out on the road, it’s a smooth and effortless cruiser. The air suspension soaks up bumps nicely, giving it that floaty, luxury feel – perfect for unpredictable South African roads.

The Interior
Step inside the EX90, and your eyes are immediately drawn to the massive 14.5-inch
touchscreen in the centre. It’s powered by Google, super sharp, and controls nearly
everything in the car. But there’s a catch – there are hardly any physical buttons. Even something as simple as adjusting the side mirrors or steering wheel involves scrolling through menus. While it gives the cabin a clean, modern look, a few actual buttons would’ve made everyday tasks a bit easier – especially while driving.

One of the standout features is the Bowers & Wilkins sound system, with 25 speakers that deliver a surround-sound feel that’s genuinely impressive. You also get the usual modern comforts like a wireless charging pad, Bluetooth, USB ports, and a smaller 9-inch screen behind the steering wheel that shows your driving info.
The wooden trim that runs along the dash and centre console adds a bit of natural
warmth and charm to the otherwise sleek, tech-heavy space.

The wooden trim that runs along the dash and centre console adds a bit of natural
warmth and charm to the otherwise sleek, tech-heavy space. The EX90 seats seven, and the cabin feels open and spacious.

Volvo has gone for eco-friendly materials, which is great in theory, but the vinyl seat coverings don’t quite scream luxury – especially at this price. On the upside, the front seats are power-adjustable, have built-in massage functions, and come with four-way lumbar support and side bolsters. Both front and rear passengers get heated seats, which is a nice touch.

Safety
Volvo has built its name on safety, and the EX90 continues that tradition. It’s loaded with smart tech designed to help keep you safe on the road. This includes things like
adaptive cruise control that keeps a steady distance from the car in front, a 360-degree camera for easier parking, lane-keeping assistance, and blind spot monitoring. There’s even LiDAR – a system that uses laser sensors to scan the road ahead – plus clever features like automatic braking at intersections and collision avoidance to help prevent accidents before they happen.

Now, at R2 650 000, the EX90 is not a budget buy and with Volvo currently restructuring its dealerships in South Africa, some buyers might hesitate. But there’s quite a bit included in the price. You get a three-year/60,000 km maintenance plan, a five- year/100,000 km warranty, an eight-year battery warranty, and five years of roadside assistance. Volvo also throws in two years of free public charging, a home charging unit (installed), and 10GB of Vodacom data per month for three years to keep your car connected.

I’ve always had a soft spot for Volvo. Models like the XC60, XC90, and the fully electric C40 Recharge have stood out for me over the years. But the EX90? I’m still figuring out how I feel about it. There’s no denying it’s stylish, full of clever tech, and feels every bit the premium SUV it is. Yet somehow, it doesn’t have the same charm or personality that made the XC90 so special. As for competition, it’s going up against some strong rivals, like the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV and BMW’s iX M60.

The Volvo EX90 arrives in South African showrooms this April. Whether it finds a place in the growing premium electric vehicle market here is something we’ll have to wait and see.