Delayed Volvo EX90 Finally Enters Production, Deliveries Starting Soon
Production of the all-new Volvo XC90, which was initially planned for the second half of 2023 but was pushed back to the first half of 2024, has finally begun in Charleston, South Carolina. The first deliveries to customers will follow this summer.
As we reported last fall, the automaker needed more time for software development and testing in order to minimize potential issues and bugs experienced by early adopters—arguably a wise move on their part considering how important this seven-seat electric SUV is and the myriad of technologies that make it the safest Volvo ever.
- Also: AJAC Hands Out 2024 Innovation Awards to BMW, Volvo, Range Rover
- Also: 2024 Volvo EX90 Debuts in Canada, Pricing Announced
The Charleston plant, which also builds the S60 sedan, has the capacity to manufacture up to 150,000 units annually. Thanks to major investments in recent years, the body shop and paint shop have been renewed and expanded significantly. The plant now also has a state-of-the-art battery pack production line.
“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,” Volvo CEO Jim Rowan said during a special ceremony.
Over $100,000
The Volvo EX90 made its Canadian debut in Toronto earlier this year, and that’s when we found out how much it costs. Pricing starts at $110,000 not counting freight, PDI and dealer fees, or the federal luxury tax on six-figure vehicles. Needless to say it doesn’t qualify for any EV rebates.
Unprecedented levels of safety are achieved through the use of a long-range lidar, five radars, eight cameras and 16 ultrasonic sensors. Meanwhile, the driver monitoring systems can identify if the driver is distracted or suffering a medical event. If necessary, the EX90 will pull over and come to a complete stop. AJAC gave the new Volvo its Best Safety Innovation award for 2024.
Inside, the 14.5-inch centre screen is powered by a next-generation infotainment system with Google built-in including Google Assistant, Google Maps navigation and more through Google Play. And while this is the quietest Volvo cabin yet, the Bowers & Wilkins premium sound system can alternatively turn it into a concert hall.
As for performance, the EX90’s dual motors generate a combined 509 hp and 671 lb-ft of torque. They draw energy from a 111kWh battery, while range is estimated at 480 km (the official NRC rating still hasn’t been announced). Charging from 10-80 percent takes about 30 minutes, the company claims, with DC fast charging capacity of up to 250 kW.
Set to go up against the likes of the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV, Tesla Model X, VinFast VF 9 and Rivian R1S, the EX90 will soon be joined by the equally new 2025 EX30 small crossover, which is expected to become a big hit for Volvo.