2026 Updated Volvo EX90 launched in Malaysia: now CKD, 800V and RM428,888

KUALA LUMPUR: Volvo Car Malaysia has launched the updated EX90 today, and the important changes sit under the skin rather than on it.

The seven-seat electric flagship now runs an 800-volt electrical architecture in place of the 400V system it launched with, it gets a new NVIDIA-based core computer, and it is now assembled locally in Shah Alam.

Price is RM428,888 without insurance for private registration, or RM429,088 if you are registering under a company. Volvo lists the recommended selling price at RM426,468 before number plate, registration fee and one year of road tax.

Also Read: Volvo Wallbox home charger now on sale in Malaysia at RM3,990

That figure is worth pausing on. The outgoing EX90 was a fully imported unit from China at RM442,888, so the move to local assembly has taken RM14,000 off Volvo's flagship.

It also means the fully electric EX90 now undercuts the XC90 T8 plug-in hybrid, which tops out at RM434,888. When the two were launched together here, the EX90 was the more expensive car.

What the 800V switch actually gives you

The twin-motor all-wheel-drive setup now makes 500 kW, or 680 hp, and 870 Nm. Volvo quotes 4.2 seconds for the 0-100 km/h sprint and a top speed capped at 180 km/h, in line with the brand's self-imposed limit.

Compare that with the 400V car it replaces and the picture gets interesting. The old EX90 Twin Motor Performance made 517 hp and 910 Nm and needed 4.9 seconds. So the update adds a substantial 163 hp while actually giving up 40 Nm of torque.

The extra speed comes from the higher power output and a lighter car, since an 800V system moves the same energy at lower current and lets Volvo use thinner internal wiring. Less copper, less heat, less weight.

Battery capacity is quoted at 106 kWh with 103 kWh usable, and WLTP range is 617 km with average consumption of 19.4 kWh/100km. That is a touch under the 623 km claimed for the outgoing car, so the gains here are in charging and pace rather than distance.

Charging is the real upgrade

DC charging capability jumps from 250 kW to 350 kW, and Volvo quotes 22 minutes for a 10 to 80 percent top-up against 30 minutes before. Home charging is unchanged at up to 11 kW AC, which Volvo says takes 10 hours for a full charge on a three-phase wallbox, or 16 hours on a single-phase 7.4 kW unit.

The caveat is the one every 800V car in Malaysia shares. You need a charger fast enough to use it. On a more commonly found 50 kW DC unit, Volvo's own figures put 10 to 80 percent at 92 minutes.

New brain, more over-the-air updates

The updated EX90 moves to a core computer based on NVIDIA DRIVE AGX Orin, the same setup found in the ES90, running Volvo's Superset technology stack. In practice, that is the platform that handles active safety functions, sensor processing and battery management, and it is meant to make over-the-air updates more frequent and more meaningful, covering everything from infotainment to driving performance.

Volvo describes the EX90 as its safest car yet and says it will stay that way as the software evolves. The hardware behind that claim includes radar, camera and ultrasonic sensors, two infrared sensors for the Driver Understanding System that watches for distraction and impairment, and interior radar for the Occupant Sensing System, which is sensitive enough to detect breathing and flag a child or pet left in the cabin. Pilot Assist and Park Pilot Assist are both the latest versions.

"The evolved EX90 represents an amalgamation of Volvo's past and future, because evolution cannot happen without people," said Chris Wailes, Managing Director of Volvo Cars Malaysia and Thailand. "Today, it stands confidently as Volvo's flagship SUV model: fully-electric, inherently safe and exceptionally responsive, while continuing to put people first."

Same look, familiar cabin

Visually the car carries over. Malaysian cars come in a single Ultra Twin specification riding on 21-inch eight-spoke glossy black diamond-cut wheels with a staggered tyre setup, 265/45R21 front and 295/40R21 rear, over active air suspension.

Standard kit includes a 25-speaker, 1,610-watt Bowers and Wilkins system, a 14.5-inch centre display, a 9-inch driver display, a head-up display, built-in Google services with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, four-zone climate control with third-row air conditioning, an electrochromic roof, ventilated and massaging front seats, power-folding third-row backrests, a 360-degree camera and Digital Key Plus.

Five exterior colours are offered: Onyx Black, Sand Dune, Crystal White, Vapour Grey and Mulberry Red. Interiors are ventilated Charcoal Nappa leather with Light Ash decor, or ventilated Cardamom Nappa leather with Brown Ash.

Warranty is five years with unlimited mileage, the battery is covered for eight years or 160,000 km, and five years of connected digital services are included before a subscription applies.

Launch offer 

The first 100 bookings get a RM25,000 cash rebate and a Volvo Wallbox worth RM3,990. Worth noting that the wallbox is listed as coming soon on Volvo's own accessory price list, so timing on that is something to confirm with your dealer.

ES90 also gets an update

Alongside the EX90, the ES90 saloon picks up model year 2027 changes. Those include Mulberry and Aurora Silver exterior colours, a Cardamom interior option, a new glossy silver 21-inch wheel design and wireless Android Auto. Early bookings from September 2026 come with cash rebates of up to RM17,600, terms applying.

The updated EX90 is on display at Volvo Malaysia dealers nationwide from today, with orders open online or at retailers.

Also Read: Volvo ES90 Ultra launched in Malaysia, 651 km WLTP range, 350 kW DC charging, RM339,888