2026 Volvo EX90 updated: Faster charging, smarter safety, and new high-tech roof

KUALA LUMPUR: Volvo has revealed updates for its flagship electric SUV, the 2026 EX90, and it’s not a small round of tweaks. The big SUV now comes with upgraded hardware and software, including a brand-new 800-volt electric system, more computing power under the hood, and additional safety features designed to step in when things go wrong.

Also Read: All-new 2025 Volvo XC60 bookings open in Malaysia; here’s what’s new

More Power, quicker charging

The jump from a 400-volt to an 800-volt system is one of the biggest upgrades for the EX90. It cuts down heat during charging, which means the SUV can now top up faster. In ideal conditions, Volvo says the EX90 can add up to 250 km of range in just 10 minutes when hooked up to a 350 kW charger.

The brand’s in-house battery management software also plays a role, using algorithms to optimise charging and improve efficiency.

Apart from charging, the 800V setup brings more punch to the motors while trimming unnecessary weight. In short: better acceleration, higher efficiency, and less wasted material.

Smarter safety features

Volvo has long built its reputation around safety, and the EX90 is getting more digital muscle to back it up. The SUV now runs on a dual NVIDIA DRIVE AGX Orin-based core computer, offering 500 trillion operations per second. This kind of processing power gives Volvo more room to roll out AI-driven safety and driver support features through software updates.

Among the new functions:

• Emergency Stop Assist (ESA): If the driver doesn’t respond due to illness or another emergency, the car can stop itself safely in its lane.

• Automatic e-call: Once stopped, the EX90 can directly connect to a call centre so occupants can speak to someone, and emergency services can be dispatched if needed.

• Connected safety alerts: Warnings for slippery roads, accidents ahead, or other hazards are now sent straight to the driver.

• Expanded emergency steering at night: Automatic evasive manoeuvres are now possible even in darkness.

• Park Pilot Assist: Helping with tricky parallel parking.

Anders Bell, Volvo’s chief technology & engineering officer, explained:

“The additional computing power enables us to harness the power of AI, data and software to further enhance safety and overall performance of the EX90. This means we can provide our customers with advanced safety and driver support features, along with continuous improvements to the infotainment and battery management systems – all delivered seamlessly over the air.”

Notably, these updates aren’t exclusive to the 2026 EX90. Owners of the 2025 EX90 will also get a free one-time computer upgrade via a scheduled service at Volvo workshops.

This however was the message in an international press release, so we'll have to wait for Volvo Passenger Car Malaysia to give a heads up about this in our country.

New touch of luxury

Beyond the tech, the 2026 EX90 also picks up a feature borrowed from the new ES90 sedan: an electrochromic panoramic roof. Drivers and passengers can now adjust the glass tint at the press of a button, reducing glare or adding privacy without fiddling with a sunshade.

The 2026 Volvo EX90 isn’t just about speedier charging or a smarter roof—it’s about laying the groundwork for longer-term software updates and AI-driven safety.

With the 800V system, improved computing power, and enhanced driver assistance features, Volvo is positioning its big electric SUV not just as a luxury family hauler, but as a tech-forward EV ready for the years ahead.

Also Read: Volvo XC70 production begins in China, pre-sales to start at Chengdu Auto Show