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Starts at about 106.2 million KRW (approximately $79,650), cheaper than a PHEV… brand aims for 30,000 annual sales
Volvo Cars Korea officially launched the electric flagship SUV EX90 on April 1 in South Korea. The EX90 is priced from about 106.2 million KRW (approximately $79,650), roughly 10 million KRW (approximately $7,500) less than the plug-in hybrid lead version of the previous flagship, the XC90. Volvo Cars Korea says it intends to leverage the EX90’s competitive features and strong value proposition to lead the domestic premium EV market.
◆ 680 hp peak power… 106 kWh battery delivers up to 625 km (≈ 388 miles) WLTP range
The powertrain pairs CATL’s 106 kWh NCM battery with a next-generation twin-motor setup. Thanks to an 800V architecture, the EX90 can recharge from 10% to 80% in about 22 minutes on up to 350 kW fast charging. Volvo cites a WLTP range of up to 625 km (about 388 miles); domestic certification is pending. The top Twin Motor Performance trim produces 680 hp and 92.8 kg·m of torque (≈ 672 lb-ft) and accelerates from 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) in 4.2 seconds.
Safety systems include five cameras, five radars and 12 ultrasonic sensors for exterior monitoring, plus driver monitoring and in-cabin passenger detection. Battery protection features thermal-runaway detection sensors and a pyrotechnic fuse that severs electrical connections if needed. Volvo also strengthened the safety cage, increasing torsional rigidity by 50% compared with the XC90.
◆ Built-in Hugin Core for full SDV transition… price starts at about 106.2 million KRW (approximately $79,650)
The EX90 ships with Volvo’s in-house Hugin Core, a centralized computer that manages vehicle control in a software-defined vehicle (SDV) architecture. That enables over-the-air updates for infotainment and driving features. The Korea-market launch model comes standard with the T-map infotainment service and the Naver Whale browser.
Volvo will offer three trims based on options and powertrain. Seven-seat pricing starts at: Twin Motor Plus — about 106.2 million KRW (approximately $79,650); Twin Motor Ultra — about 116.2 million KRW (approximately $87,150); and Twin Motor Performance Ultra — about 121.2 million KRW (approximately $90,900). For roughly 2.0 million KRW (approximately $1,500) more, the Ultra trim can be specified as a six-seat layout with independent second-row seats. Ultra equipment includes a Bowers & Wilkins sound system and a two-chamber air suspension as standard.
Volvo Cars Korea said it will “sell the EX90 at the most affordable price globally,” stressing that the model offers premium features at prices comparable to Volvo’s and competitors’ internal-combustion models.
◆ Lee Yun-mo, CEO: “Build segment-leading EVs to expand sales”
Asked about Volvo Cars Korea’s strategy, CEO Lee Yun-mo said the company found it difficult to top sales in the internal-combustion segment against established German premium brands. “In the electric-vehicle market, though, we plan to lead each segment with highly competitive, well-equipped models,” he said. He added that annual sales had stalled around 15,000 units over the past two years and that Volvo aims to scale to 30,000 units annually as soon as possible, targeting more than a 10% share of the premium EV market.
Volvo Cars Korea opened EX90 preorders on March 24 and plans to begin customer deliveries in earnest in the third to fourth quarter after certification is complete. The company also plans to launch an electric flagship sedan, the ES90, in the second half of the year.
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