Volvo Cars has launched the EX90, a midsize-large electric sport-utility vehicle (SUV), in Korea. The car was first unveiled in Sweden in Nov. 2022 and went on sale in global markets starting in Sept. 2024.
Erik Severinson, chief commercial officer (CCO) of Volvo Cars, said at the EX90 launch event held on the 1st at Inspire Resort in Jung-gu, Incheon, "The EX90 is the safest car in the world," adding, "Nothing is more important than safety at Volvo. We have set a new standard for safety in the industry."
◇ Applying the "Hugin Core," which the car learns by itself, to safe space technology
Based on the long-term goal of achieving "zero collisions," Volvo Cars applied "safe space technology" to the EX90. Five cameras, five radars, and 12 ultrasonic sensors come standard, designed to protect the vehicle's interior and exterior. A "driver monitoring system" that detects the physical condition of the driver and passengers in real time was also applied. Rigidity and energy absorption were increased to protect the battery.
The EX90 is equipped with Hugin Core, Volvo Cars' next-generation centralized computing system. Nvidia chips, which serve as the vehicle's brain, are linked with interior and exterior sensors and the infotainment system, enabling the car to learn and evolve on its own. Volvo Cars said that as more functions operate through this system, the vehicle's performance becomes more advanced.
The EX90 is offered as an all-wheel-drive twin-motor model and a twin-motor Performance model. The twin-motor Performance model delivers a maximum output of 680 horsepower and maximum torque of 81.1 kg·m, accelerating from a standstill to 100 kph in 4.2 seconds.
The twin-motor model produces up to 456 horsepower and maximum torque of 68.4 kg·m. It is equipped with a 106 kWh nickel-cobalt-manganese (NCM) battery, providing a driving range of 625 km on a single charge. With an 800V battery system, it supports up to 350 kW fast (DC) charging, allowing charging to 80% in about 20 minutes.
◇ Starting at 106.2 million won… 10 million won cheaper than the XC90
Volvo Cars emphasized that it launched the EX90 at the most competitive price in the world. The price of the twin-motor Plus trim starts at 106.2 million won, 10 million won lower than the XC90 T8, Volvo Cars' midsize-large internal-combustion SUV. The starting price of the twin-motor Ultra is 116.2 million won.
Lee Yoon-mo, head of Volvo Cars Korea, said, "It is 17 million won cheaper compared to the U.S. market," adding, "Deliveries will begin in the third quarter, and our goal is to sell 500 units this year and then 2,000 units annually."
Including the EX90, Volvo Cars set an annual sales target of 30,000 units in the Korean market. After entering the country in 1988, Volvo Cars sold around 3,000 units annually, surpassing 10,000 units for the first time in 2019. It set a record high of 17,018 units in 2023, but has since remained at around 15,000 units for two consecutive years.
Lee said, "Through the EX90, Volvo Cars will write a new chapter over the next 10 years," adding, "We will quickly rise to become a brand that sells 30,000 units annually and secure a market share of more than 10% in the domestic market."