Malaysia-bound Volvo EX90 production begins in the US; deliveries to start in H2 2024

KUALA LUMPUR: Globally unveiled in late 2022, the Volvo EX90 was initially planned for the second half of 2023 but was delayed to 2024 due to software issues. Well, the problems have now been fixed, and the electric SUV's manufacturing has finally begun in South Carolina, USA.

The first customer deliveries of the Volvo EX90 are scheduled for the second half of this year. The automaker confirms that the first unit of the EV destined for a customer in the States will be painted in Denim Blue.

“The fully electric Volvo EX90 is the start of a new era for Volvo Cars – a new era for safety, sustainability, and human-centric technology,” says Jim Rowan, Volvo's chief executive. “The EX90 is proudly manufactured in the USA and reflects our long-term commitment to our people in South Carolina and the broader US market.”

Speaking of the South Carolina plant, it is the brand’s first facility in the US that has been operational since 2018. The automaker made extensive investments in the facility in recent years to prepare it for the production of electric cars. It gets a state-of-the-art battery pack production line, a renewed body shop, and a paint shop. With an annual production capacity of 150,000 cars, it currently produces the EX90 and the S60 sedan. 

Let us now discuss the details of Volvo's new electric flagship SUV, the EX90. It is based on the brand’s next-gen, born-electric EV technology base and is touted as the safest Volvo car to date. It is equipped with a wide range of active and passive safety tech features and software driven by a suite of sensors.

The EV features a strong core system that stays connected and improves with regular software updates. Volvo software engineers deliver these updates using AI and real-time data.

The EV will be offered with a dual-motor setup tuned to generate 509 horsepower and 910 Nm of torque. It will come paired with a 111-kWh battery pack offering a driving range of 600 km on a single charge. 

In terms of design, the upcoming EX90 boasts a sleek and aerodynamic appearance, making it look like a road-going spaceship. It is kitted with a closed front panel with a diagonal line, Thor’s hammer headlamps, 22-inch aero-optimised wheels, C-shaped tail lights, and a prominent bump on the roof for LiDAR sensors.

The clean and minimalistic interior features premium finishings, elegant touches, and several high-end tech bits, such as a 14.5-inch portrait-oriented central touchscreen, high-res digital driver’s display, Smartphone key function, touch controls on the steering wheel, and Bowers and Wilkins audio system.

As for sustainability, Volvo uses synthetic fibres made from recycled materials and natural fibres for plush upholstery. The interior panels are made from Nordico, which is a composite material derived from pine resin and recycled PET bottles.

During the launch of the C40 Recharge in 2022, Volvo Cars Malaysia teased the EX90 as the ‘next’ Volvo EV set to hit the Malaysian shores. Although the company has not shared further details, the SUV is expected to arrive next year.

Also read: 2024 Volvo C40 EV SUV upgraded in Malaysia with extended 550km range, Matrix LED headlights with no price increase