Volvo EX90 named “World Luxury Car of 2024” – Here's what sets it apart

KUALA LUMPUR: Recently launched in Malaysia, the Volvo EX90 has clinched a remarkable accolade on the global stage. The seven-seater electric SUV won the World Luxury Car of the Year 2024 at the 2025 World Car Awards announced ahead of the New York International Auto Show.

For 2025, the World Car Awards jury consisted of 96 esteemed automotive journalists from 30 countries who were all quite impressed by the EX90’s Scandinavian luxury, all-electric, powerful performance, and the next-level safety tech.

Engineered as a “computer on wheels”, the EV is built on Volvo’s in-house Superset tech stack and powered by NVIDIA DRIVE core computing AI platforms and a broad range of sensors.

Let’s take a look at the advanced technologies that secured its spot as the World's Luxury Car of 2024 - 

Lidar: A new perspective for safety

The EV is equipped with a roof-mounted Luminar lidar system, which uses laser pulses to detect surroundings in three-dimensional space. 

It can identify actual objects and surroundings in real time, with pedestrian detection up to 250 metres away. The system can also detect hazards like loose tyres at 120 metres, even when driving in complete darkness or at highway speeds.

In comparison to cameras and radars, lidar tech adds another layer of safety as it can reduce severe crashes by up to 20%, and overall accidents by up to 9%, claims Volvo.

Award-winning Driver Understanding System

The EX90 also features an advanced Driver Understanding System, which was recently named as one of TIME Magazine’s Best Inventions of 2024. Touted as the co-pilot, this system uses two cameras and a special steering wheel sensor to monitor if the driver is distracted, drowsy, or unwell. 

Upon detecting any of these, it first gives gentle alerts and then louder warnings or can even slow down the vehicle. However, in case the driver becomes suddenly ill or unconscious, it stops the car, switches on the hazard lights, and calls emergency services. 

Occupant sensing

The ultimate smart and intuitive EV also has an occupant sensing feature, which makes sure no one is left behind. It can detect even the smallest movements, like a sleeping child or pet. And if someone is left inside, the car will not lock and send alerts to the driver in several ways. It also keeps the AC on to prevent heatstroke and helps prevent “forgotten baby syndrome”.

Smart and simple user interface

The EX90 features a 14.5-inch infotainment unit powered by a Snapdragon chip for smooth performance. It offers easy access to several car settings, navigation, media, and phone apps. This intuitive system also functions like a smartphone, learning your behaviour and frequently used apps, and offering smarter suggestions over time.

The central screen is complemented by -

• A smaller screen located right behind the steering wheel, offering essential driving-related information such as directions, current speed, and remaining range.
• Volvo’s biggest head-up display projecting key information on the car’s windshield

Volvo EX90 in Malaysia

Volvo introduced the EX90 in the Malaysian market earlier this month. The electric SUV is offered in a single Ultra Twin variant priced at RM 442,888 (for Peninsular Malaysia) and RM 442,648 (for Sabah and Sarawak). 

Key specifications are as follows - 

Electric motor	Dual motor, all-wheel drivetrain
Total output	517 PS and 910 Nm
0-100 kmph	4.9 seconds
Battery	111 kWh nickel cobalt manganese (NCM)
Range	623 km (WLTP)
Charging time	10 hours for 0-100% SoC when using an 11-kW onboard AC charger 30 minutes for 10-80% SoC when using a 250 kW DC charger
Boot capacity	310 litres with all seats up 665 litres with the third-row seats folded down 1,900 litres with the second row seats folded down
Exterior	“Pixel” LED matrix headlights, flush door handles, 21-inch eight-spoke Aero wheels, C-shaped LED tail lights, laminated panoramic sunroof, powered tailgate, power release, and soft-close door
Interior	14.5-inch infotainment unit with Google built-in functionality, 9-inch digital instrument cluster, head-up display, Nordico faux-leather upholstery, 4-zone automatic climate control, 25-speaker Bowers & Wilkins High Fidelity sound system, Interior Air Quality System, industry-first SunLike interior lighting, Digital Phone Key, wireless charging pad
Safety	Multiple airbags, lane keeping aid, oncoming traffic and vulnerable road user detection, door opening alert, Autonomous emergency braking system, driver understanding system, occupant sensing system, next-gen pilot assist, adaptive cruise control system, blind-spot monitor

On the purchase of the EX90, Volvo Car Malaysia offers a five-year, unlimited-mileage vehicle warranty, an eight-year or 160,000 km high-voltage battery warranty, five years’ complimentary digital services, and 24-hour roadside assistance.

Interested folks can visit Volvo Car Malaysia’s website or selected authorised Volvo Car dealerships to book a test drive of this award-winning luxury EV.

Also read: 2025 Volvo XC90 facelift is here - MHEV & PHEV options from RM 418,888