Flagship SUV gets big boost

Volvo’s flagship electric SUV is getting a big power surge.

The company announced the 2026 EX90 three-row EV will now be equipped with an 800-volt architecture, up from the 400-volt set-up in current versions.

This brings numerous benefits including faster charging, increased efficiency and a higher power output.

Max DC charging speed jumps from 250kW to 350kW, which Volvo claims can add 250km of range in 10 minutes.

The Chinese-owned Swedish brand also says this will boost acceleration thanks to increased power output and it also uses the energy more efficiently.

Upgrading the new set-up also helps to reduce the weight of the battery and electric motors, which will further increase efficiency and improve performance.

Volvo’s engineering boss Anders Bell said the EX90 also gets increased computing power, which will enhance safety and overall performance.

“This means we can provide our customers with advanced safety and driver support features, along with continuous improvements to the infotainment and battery management systems – all delivered seamlessly over the air,” said Bell.

Volvo plans to deliver four major over the air updates a year.

Owners of current EX90s will get a free upgrade of the car’s core computer to bring these improvements to early adopters, according to head office. It’s unclear whether this extends to Australian owners.

The EX90 launched in Australia earlier this year with two variants: the entry-level Plus Twin Motor, which starts at $124,990, and the top-spec Ultra Twin Motor Performance, which starts at $134,990 (both before on-road costs).

Volvo hasn’t said there will be any other other hardware updates, so it will maintain a 111kWh Nickel-Manganese-Cobalt (NMC) battery pack.

Current entry level examples use two electric motors to deliver 300kW/770Nm in the Plus Twin Motor, which help hit 100km/h from a standstill in 5.9 seconds. The Ultra Twin Motor Performance brings the heat with 380kW/910Nm, which slashes its 0-100km/h time of 4.9 seconds.