At the launch event of the Volvo C40 Recharge Pure Electric, Volvo Car Malaysia (VCM) teased the all-new EX90 in the form of a video played towards the end of the presentation, which suggests that the model has been earmarked for a local launch.

However, there was no timeframe given nor any indication as to whether the Volvo EX90 will arrive as a fully-imported (CBU) model or a locally-assembled (CKD) model like the XC40 EV and C40.

During its global debut, Volvo said that production of the EX90 will begin in 2023 at the South Carolina plant in the US, followed by the Daqing plant in China.

Also read: 20 photos to decide if you prefer the Volvo EX90 over the BMW iX

Charles Frump, Managing Director of VCM, said, “I will say that this is a long-term tease and the best indication is that if we read the US press release, they’ll be taking orders throughout 2023 with deliveries in 2024.”

“We have, at Volvo, a tradition of bringing cars to Malaysia quicker than our competition does. We will do our very best to continue that tradition,” he added.

The Volvo EX90 is fully-electric (EV) 7-seater SUV and the company’s first purpose-built EV from the ground up. Popular opinion is that it will succeed the Volvo XC90 but we think otherwise since it uses a new naming convention.

Also read: New EX name suggests Volvo EX90 will not replace XC90, all-new 2023 model to launch in Malaysia

At introduction, the Volvo EX90 will be available in two versions, both with two motors for all-wheel drive capability – the Twin Motor and Twin Motor Performance. The former makes 408 PS/770 Nm while the latter churns out 517 PS/910 Nm.

Battery wise, both get a 107-kWh battery (usable capacity) that’s good for up to 600 km range (WLTP) in the Twin Motor, 590 km (WLTP) in the Twin Motor Performance. AC charging is up to 11 kW while DC fast charging is rated at 250 kW.

VCM also reiterated their goals to have 75 percent of sales from EVs by 2025 and become the number 1 brand for luxury EV in Malaysia.

Also read: Volvo wants to overtake Porsche for No.1 luxury EV brand in Malaysia, targets higher than global