Zakirin
Volvo Car Malaysia has officially introduced the 2026 iteration of the EX90, transitioning the flagship seven-seat electric SUV to local assembly within the country. Launched on September 8, 2026, the updated model introduces a shift to an 800-volt electrical architecture, replacing the setup found in the fully imported versions that debuted the previous year. This structural update brings measurable alterations to the vehicle’s powertrain output, acceleration, and direct-current fast-charging capabilities. The move to complete knock-down (CKD) assembly at the Shah Alam plant has also prompted a price adjustment for the Malaysian market, positioning the vehicle against established European rivals in the premium electric SUV segment.
Key Points
- The 2026 Volvo EX90 transitions to local assembly in Malaysia, resulting in a revised retail price of RM428,888.
- The adoption of an 800-volt architecture increases DC fast-charging capacity to 350 kW and raises power output to 680 hp.
- The vehicle retains a seven-seat layout and utilises a 106 kWh battery pack capable of delivering a 617-kilometre WLTP driving range.
Powertrain Dynamics and Charging Capabilities
The primary mechanical adjustment for the 2026 model year is the implementation of an 800-volt architecture. This higher-voltage system facilitates greater thermal efficiency and allows the vehicle’s electrical components to handle higher power loads. The dual-motor, all-wheel-drive configuration has been recalibrated, resulting in a noticeable increase in horsepower compared to the outgoing model, although overall torque has seen a marginal reduction of 40 Nm. Consistent with the manufacturer’s global safety mandate, the top speed remains electronically capped.
The integration of the new architecture yields specific performance and technical metrics for the domestic market release:
| Specification | Figure |
| Powertrain | Dual-motor All-Wheel Drive |
| Total Power Output | 680 hp |
| Maximum Torque | 870 Nm |
| Acceleration (0-100 km/h) | 4.2 seconds |
| Top Speed | 180 km/h |
| Battery Capacity | 106 kWh (NCM) |
| WLTP Driving Range | 617 kilometres |
Due to the 800-volt system, the peak direct-current (DC) fast-charging input has increased from 250 kW to 350 kW. When utilising compatible high-capacity DC chargers on Malaysian highway networks, the vehicle can replenish its battery from a 10 percent to an 80 percent state of charge in 22 minutes, an eight-minute reduction from the previous model. For alternating current (AC) charging, the onboard charger retains an 11 kW peak capacity, requiring approximately 10 hours for a full charge from depletion.
Cabin Layout and Technology Integration
The interior of the EX90 maintains its minimalist Scandinavian design language, centred around a 14.5-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen display. This interface operates on Google’s Android Automotive OS, providing built-in access to Google Maps, Google Assistant, and the Google Play Store, while also supporting wireless Apple CarPlay functionality. A secondary nine-inch digital instrument cluster provides primary driving data directly ahead of the driver, augmented by a standard head-up display. For the Malaysian market, the cabin features a 25-speaker Bowers & Wilkins High Fidelity surround sound system integrated with Dolby Atmos technology.
The seating configuration accommodates up to seven occupants. The locally assembled model replaces the previous Nordico faux-leather with authentic Nappa leather upholstery, offering buyers a choice between a Charcoal interior paired with Light Ash trim or a Cardamom interior with Brown Ash accents. Front-row seating includes standard ventilation and massage functions, alongside powered adjustments with adjustable side bolsters.
The storage capacity of the EX90 fluctuates based on the physical arrangement of the rear passenger rows:
- 310 litres of cargo space behind the third row with all seven seats upright.
- 665 litres of usable volume when the third-row seats are folded flat.
- 1,900 litres of maximum rear cargo capacity with both the second and third rows lowered.
- 46 litres of supplementary, isolated storage located in the front boot (frunk).
Occupant comfort is further managed by a four-zone automatic climate control system equipped with an N95 cabin air filter and a rear-passenger control panel. Over-the-air (OTA) update support remains standard, allowing Volvo to deploy software patches and system upgrades remotely.
Driver Assistance and Safety Systems
The EX90 incorporates enhanced computing hardware to process data from its exterior sensor suite, which includes high-definition cameras and radars. This processing power underpins the vehicle’s advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). A new addition for the 2026 model year is Emergency Stop Assist (ESA). This system monitors driver engagement and can automatically bring the vehicle to a controlled, complete stop within its lane if it detects that the driver is unresponsive or incapacitated.
Further software refinements have been applied to the automatic emergency steering system, which the manufacturer states now performs more accurately in low-light driving conditions. The Park Pilot assist software has also been updated to execute parallel parking manoeuvres with tighter tolerances. Passive safety equipment includes a comprehensive airbag suite featuring dual front, side, curtain, driver knee, and front centre airbags, alongside standard ISOFIX child seat anchoring points in the rear cabin.
Market Positioning and Local Pricing
Transitioning the EX90 to local assembly at Volvo Car Malaysia’s Shah Alam facility has reduced import tariffs, allowing for a downward revision in the vehicle’s retail price. The 2026 EX90 is priced at RM428,888 on-the-road without insurance, representing an RM14,000 reduction compared to the fully imported 2025 variant. This pricing structure places the EX90 in direct market competition with other premium electric SUVs available in Malaysia, such as the BMW iX, which is priced between RM425,800 and RM487,800, as well as the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV and the Audi Q8 e-tron.
The exterior design remains largely unchanged from the previous iteration, retaining flush door handles, soft-close doors, and 21-inch eight-spoke glossy black diamond-cut alloy wheels. Standard lighting comprises high-definition pixel LED matrix headlights capable of adaptive beam patterning. Buyers can select from five exterior paint finishes: Vapour Grey, Crystal White, Sand Dune, Onyx Black, and a newly introduced Mulberry Red.
Each purchase includes a standard five-year, unlimited-mileage vehicle warranty and an eight-year or 160,000-kilometre warranty specifically covering the high-voltage battery components. Five years of complimentary digital services and access to 24-hour roadside assistance are also included in the purchase price. The 2026 Volvo EX90 is currently on display at authorised dealerships nationwide, with order books open across Volvo Car Malaysia’s physical and digital retail platforms.
