VOLVO Malaysia in a rare move has simultaneously launched two flagship models at the same time.

One of them is the ever-popular XC90 that comes in two hybrid options and a new exterior design amongst other updates.

The other is the EX90 which is the marque’s first fully electric seven-seater sports utility vehicle (SUV).

XC90

Featuring a new exterior design and user interface to bring it closer to the rest of Volvo Cars’ fully electric models, the 2025 XC90 represents the first major facelift for the current generation XC90 model.

The exterior sees a new front air intake graphic, slimmed-down headlights, sculpted hood and updated front bumper and fenders. There's also the redesigned cockpit and larger user central display, upgraded suspension and interior materials, and improved sound insulation.

Its redesigned cabin, whose dashboard is much more horizontal shape than before, adds an additional cupholder and storage space in the centre console, while the wireless phone charger is now separated from the main storage area for more convenience.

Two powertrain options are available in the form of either the T8 plug-in hybrid or the B5 mild hybrid – each with 2.0 litre engine mated to an eight-speed Geartronic transmission powering all-wheel drive (AWD). 

The electric motor in the XC90 Ultra T8 delivers s maximum combined power of 462 hp and 709 Nm of torque that gives it a 0 to 100 km/h acceleration figure of 5.3 seconds and fuel consumption as low was 1.8 litres per 100km2.

The T8 plug-in hybrid powertrain has 77km of fully electric range on under the WLTP testing cycle, and potentially more than 800km of extend range when paired to the petrol engine - owners can opt for the full combined power of petrol and electric for constant AWD or off-road driving.

On the other hand, the XC90 Ultra B5 has a maximum of 263 hp of power and 390 Nm of torque with a century sprint of 7.7 seconds.

This variant is assisted by a 48v lithium-ion battery and an integrated starter/generator which can help reduce emissions and fuel consumption by up to 15 percent in real-world driving. The B5 powertrain has also been upgraded for a more efficient engine combustion cycle with with a reported CO2 emission reductions and fuel economy improvements of up to 2 percent based on the WLTP cycle.

Both variants in Malaysia come with the top Ultra trim featuring a 11.2-inch centre display, 12.3-inch driver display and a head-up display, next-generation Pilot Assist with adaptive cruise control, a 360-degree camera, Bowers & Wilkins High Fidelity audio, powered and ventilated front seats with memory function and four-way lumbar support, panoramic sunroof with powered sunshade, and four-zone climate control.

The larger-than-before free-standing 11.2-inch central screen has an improved pixel density by 21 percent for a sharper resolution.

According to Volvo the new user interface is also intuitive, with a contextual bar that learns drivers’ habits and presents the most useful apps according to the situation, such as showing the icon for the 360-degree camera when driving at low speeds or your favourite media streaming app when stopped and charging.

For the XC90 Ultra T8 specifically, the new interface also allows an easier transition between electric, combustion, or hybrid power with the addition of “Drive Modes” on the home screen - modes come in the form of “Pure”, “Hybrid”, and “Performance”.

Ride comfort is underpinned by its active chassis with air suspension on all four wheels, providing self-levelling functionality and constant ride height adjustment - by monitoring the car, road and driver 500 times per second to give the most comfortable ride possible.

The air suspension can lower itself by 20mm for more aerodynamic efficiency and stability at higher speeds or raise itself by 40mm for off-road driving. Additionally, the electronically controlled damping system continuously monitors and adjusts to road conditions.

Sound insulation has been improved with acoustic foam-filled pillars and a new frequency selective damping system for even less wind and road noise. 

Audio system is Bowers & Wilkins High Fidelity with 19 speakers located throughout the cabin. The system features the company’s proprietary Nautilus and Continuum speaker technologies with Dirac Unison Tuning.

As with every Volvo car, the new XC90 greatly prioritises safety and has earned itself a five-star rating from Euro NCAP and the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award among other accolades.

It is equipped with an advanced safety cage, the comprehensive Safe Space Technology, advanced Pilot Assist as well as automatic braking and steering assistance.

Four colours will be offered in the form of Onyx Black, Denim Blue, Crystal White, and Vapour Grey – all paired with a Charcoal interior, Charcoal ventilated Nappa leather upholstery, and Grey Ashwood décor.

The Ultra T8 variant the 2025 XC90 will be offered at no increase in the recommended retail price compared to the previous model year, retailing at RM434,888 for Peninsular Malaysia and RM434,457 for Sabah and Sarawak, while the Ultra B5 variant will retail for RM418,888 and RM418,457 respectively.

Price includes a five-year complimentary on digital services, 24-hour roadside assistance, and unlimited-mileage vehicle warranty. Its high-voltage battery pack is warrantied for eight years.

EX90

Available in Malaysia as the Ultra Twin variant with the highest powertrain and trim specifications, the EX90 is designed to be the safest Volvo yet.

The flagship electric SUV is a first of many for Volvo. That includes being the first to incorporate lidar, the first to be fully software-driven, and the first Volvo car built with hardware in anticipation of fully autonomous driving.

It is also the first Volvo model to feature SunLike interior lighting LED technology that mimics natural light, and said to have the quietest cabin of any Volvo car to date from its vibration-absorbing chassis, improved sound insulation, and double-laminated glass. 

Notable features includes a laminated panoramic sunroof, Pilot Assist, 360-degree camera with 3D view, powered tailgate and folding third-row seats, and four-zone climate control. 

The Ultra trim for the local market includes active chassis with air suspension, first-row seat massage and power side bolsters, power release and soft-close doors, 21-inch eight-spoke Aero wheels, and laminated side and rear windows.

Performance is driven by an AWD software that delivers a maximum of 380kW or 517hp of power and 910Nm of torque with a 100km/h in 4.9 seconds. 

Power comes from a 111 kWh lithium-ion nickel-rich NMC battery with 107 kWh of usable capacity that can be charged from 10 percent to 80 percent in 30 minutes, giving it a range of up to 623 km on the WLTP testing cycle.

With the intention of protecting people both inside and outside the car, the EX90 adopts the brand's Safe Space Technology that encompasses automatic braking, steering, lane-keeping aids and alerts like the Volvo EX30's door opening alert.

There's also an all-new Driver Understanding Technology in the EX90 uses cameras, sensors and proprietary software to monitor drivers’ attention alert them if they are drowsy or distracted. 

The tech will even navigate the EX90 to a safe stop, activate hazard lights and call for emergency services if the driver becomes suddenly ill or unconscious.

Other new features debuting in the EX90 are the Occupant Sensing system, a new-generation Pilot Assist that comes with adaptive cruise control, and a new Lane Change Assist function - which Volvo says will also in near future interact with the car’s navigation system to help decisions for lane positioning and overtaking of other vehicles.

Where comfort is concerned, its cabin features natural, recycled and renewable materials while featuring a massage function for the first-row seats and a convertible child booster seat on the second row. Both the first and second row side seats are ventilated.

Its Bowers & Wilkins High Fidelity sound system is supported by 25 speakers throughout the cabin including the front headrests for an immersive Dolby Atmos music experience and clearer hands-free calls.

Its Interior Air Quality System filters up to 95 percent of all PM 2.5 particles inside the cabin and 99.9 percent of grass, tree and weed pollen allergens from incoming air. 

Additionally, the system can remove more than 97 percent of airborne viruses entering cabin and remove existing viral levels in the vehicle by up to 95 percent. Occupants can monitor air quality levels in real time via the CleanZone in-car app and perform focused air cleaning.

Digital phone key technology is present where a smartphone or smartwatch can automatically unlock the car and load your personal profile automatically as you approach the car. Owners can also share and control access to digital keys remotely.

Lastly, the EX90 features High-Definition Pixel headlights that have 1.3 million pixels in each module for optimum lighting in any conditions.

Exterior colours available are Onyx Black, Crystal White, Vapour Grey, and a new Sand Dune colourway – customers can choose between Charcoal or Cardamom interiors and Nordico upholstery paired with FSC-certified natural Birch Wood décor.

The first units to be sold this year will be imported (CBU), while the fully assembled units (CKD) come with a recommended retail price of RM442,888 for Peninsular Malaysia and RM442,648 for Sabah and Sarawak.

Price includes five years of complimentary digital services, 24-hour roadside assistance, unlimited-mileage vehicle warranty, and eight years of warranty for the high-voltage battery pack.

The first 50 customers of the Volvo EX90 will receive a complimentary charging wallbox voucher and foldable sunshade for the panoramic sunroof worth RM5,000.

The first batch of the Volvo EX90 is available to order this month and customers can visit Volvo Car Malaysia’s website or selected authorised Volvo Car dealerships to book a test drive.