Cape Town – South Africa has just welcomed the Volvo EX90, an electric SUV that doesn’t just set new standards in safety but redefines them with artificial intelligence.
Following the success of the EX30, Volvo’s flagship model arrives as the smartest, most protective vehicle the brand has ever built, blending cutting-edge sensing tech with Scandinavian luxury.
The ultimate safety revolution
Volvo calls the EX90 the “safest car it has ever made,” and for good reason.
At its core is an “invisible safety shield”, a network of LiDAR, radars, and cameras working alongside NVIDIA DRIVE AI to detect hazards before they become threats.
This system doesn’t just react; it predicts and prevents, offering features like Collision Avoidance, Intersection Autobrake, and Run-off Road Mitigation.
“The Volvo EX90 represents the pinnacle of our design, engineering, and safety innovation,” says Felipe Yagi, Head of Marketing & Communications at Volvo Car South Africa.
“It’s more than just luxury – it’s a bold new chapter for safety in South Africa.”
Volvo chose the breathtaking Cooperage at Anura Wine Estate – a family-run vineyard established in 1989 – as the spectacular launch venue for its revolutionary EX90 in South Africa this week.
The architectural marvel, with its striking blend of stone, concrete, steel and African wood, provided the perfect backdrop for this cutting-edge vehicle’s debut.
During my 30 minutes behind the wheel, I experienced firsthand how Volvo’s intelligent safety systems anticipate danger before it happens.
The brand emphasises this capability with an emotional launch video demonstrating how the EX90’s advanced features protect drivers when distraction strikes or unexpected hazards emerge.
The Cooperage’s contemporary industrial design, flooded with natural light, mirrored the EX90’s fusion of Scandinavian elegance with technological sophistication, making this one of the most memorable vehicle launches I’ve attended.
The spectacular setting perfectly complemented what may well be the safest car Volvo has ever built.
Brilliant tech for a smarter drive
Inside, the EX90 is just as intelligent.
A 14.5-inch touchscreen with Google Built-In (Maps, Assistant, Play) and wireless Apple CarPlay keeps drivers connected, while a 9-inch driver display ensures critical info is always visible.
The Bowers & Wilkins 3D audio system with Dolby Atmos transforms the cabin into a concert hall, and 5G connectivity keeps everything running seamlessly.
Volvo EX90 power meets precision
With 380 kW and 910 N.m of torque, the EX90 rockets from 0-100 km/h in just 4.9 seconds – all in near silence. Its 111 kWh battery delivers up to 751 km of urban range, and with 250 kW DC fast charging, it can go from 10-80% in just 30 minutes.
“I can confidently say the EX90 is the best car we’ve ever made,” declares Volvo Cars CEO Jim Rowan, who drove it 950 km across the US in varying conditions.
“The charging, handling, and tech – it’s the start of a new era for Volvo.”
Available April 2024 – Priced at R2 650 000
Every EX90 comes with a 3-year/60 000 km service plan, 5-year/100 000 km warranty, and 8-year battery coverage.
Buyers also get two years of free public charging, a home wallbox, and 10GB of monthly data for three years.
This isn’t just a car, it’s the future of intelligent, safe driving.
Volvo EX90 enters the luxury SUV arena to battle BMW XM and Mercedes EQS
Volvo’s EX90 isn’t just another premium SUV, it’s a direct challenge to German luxury heavyweights.
Priced at R2 650 000, it strategically undercuts the BMW XM (R3.4 million) while matching the Mercedes EQS SUV (R2.646 million) blow-for-blow in tech, safety, and sophistication.
This isn’t about filling a segment, it’s about dominating it.
With cutting-edge LiDAR safety systems, a 380kW electric powertrain, and Scandinavian minimalist luxury, the EX90 proves Volvo isn’t just keeping up with BMW and Mercedes… It’s aiming to outsmart them.
The question isn’t whether the EX90 belongs in this elite tier; it’s whether the Germans can keep up.
