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Volvo XC90 facelift officially revealed, boasts range of over 800 km

The last time the Volvo XC90 was given an update was back in 2019. Now, five years later, the flagship SUV has received another round of makeover that sees it adapting design elements from the Swedish marque’s electric offering.

As you can see, the XC90 sports a new grille and LED headlights with sharper ‘Thor’s hammer’ DRL signatures. The front bumper also gets a fresh look with vertical air vents and wider lower air intake.

The shape of the taillights remains unchanged, but they now appear more modern thanks to a new lighting pattern.

For the interior, Volvo has made it even more practical in response to feedback from current XC90 owners. The center console now has additional storage space and cup holders, while the wireless charger is placed behind the central tunnel for better convenience.

On top of that, the XC90 gets a larger 11.2-inch touchscreen with a sharper and brighter display with 21% higher pixel density.

There’s also the the Bowers & Wilkins High Fidelity audio system which Volvo claims can “faithfully replicate the  acoustics of a stage, a concert hall or a jazz club.”

The XC90 will continue to be offered in the range-topping T8 plug-in hybrid variant. It combines a petrol engine and an electric motor that offers a range of over 800 km.

Volvo also offers B5 and B6 petrol mild hybrid variants, both assisted by a 48v lithium-ion battery and an integrated starter/generator which can help reduce emissions and fuel consumption by up to 15% in real-world driving.

The automaker has revised the suspension system so that each individual damper can adapt mechanically to current road conditions to optimise both comfort and stability.

Alternatively, customers can tick the box for the available air suspension system that works with an active chassis system to monitor the car, road and driver 500 times per second to give the most comfortable ride possible.

The air suspension system can lower itself by 20 mm or raise itself by 40 mm, making it easier for passengers to get in and out, improving aerodynamics, and increasing ground clearance for off-road driving.

Finally, Volvo has added extra insulation to certain parts of the car for less wind and road noise.

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Volvo won’t go fully electric by 2030

Did you know that Volvo is among the earliest automotive manufacturers in the world to announce a strategy to offer a full-time EV portfolio by 2030?

In fact, by the end of May 2024, its CEO, Jim Rowan, explained that the target could still be achievable, and he also believes that Volvo can end the sales of internal combustion engine vehicles within the next five years.

However, in an event held with investors in late July, the CEO finally admitted that “it will take time to connect various parts of the world to achieve full electrification.”

In other words, the initial goal of becoming a pure EV brand by 2030 may be difficult to achieve.

Considering the latest developments, Volvo has decided to realign its sales targets, aiming for 90-100 percent of sales to consist of EVs and PHEVs by the end of this decade.

Meanwhile, non-plug-in hybrid vehicles will continue to be sold for a longer period than initially expected.

The Swedish manufacturer believes that several factors contribute to the slowing transition to EV usage, such as slow infrastructure development, reduced EV sales incentives, and the introduction of new tariffs for EVs in some markets.

In addition to Volvo, several other major global manufacturers are also reconsidering their aggressive electrification strategies, including Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, Bentley, and Ford.

NEWS

Volvo EX30 to arrive Malaysia soon – Electric SUV with up to 422hp, 480km range

VOLVO Car Malaysia (VCM) seems to be launching the EX30 in the near future. Bookings are now open, and those interested can start registering on the newly opened dedicated webpage.

The Volvo EX30 is a new-generation compact electric vehicle (EV) from the Swedish manufacturer. It measures 4,223mm in length, 1,837mm in width, 1,555mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,650mm.

Depending on the variant, this SUV is equipped with a 69kWh nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) battery. It can be charged using AC 11kWh (7.5 hours) or DC 153kW (26.5 minutes from 10 to 80 percent).

The specific variant available in the Malaysian market is yet to be confirmed, but the EX30 comes with three motor configuration options.

The Core Single Motor Extended Range and Ultra Single Motor Extended Range models each have a single electric motor at the rear, with outputs of 268hp and 343Nm, and a driving range of 480km.

The higher variant is the Ultra Twin Motor Performance with two electric motors, and outputs of 422hp and 543Nm torque. It has a slightly lower driving range of 460km according to WLTP cycle.

Like previous Volvo models, the EX30 cabin is quite minimalistic but features a completely new design. The dashboard features a 12.3-inch vertical infotainment screen with software such as Google, Apple, and Qualcomm. It also has ECARX, and all of this can be updated over-the-air.

The EX30 also comes with a digital key that can be integrated with various smartphones, with applications for functions such as charging, location, locking, and heating. The Park Pilot Assist on the EX30 is the latest version.

Interested in the latest Volvo electric SUV? You can register your interest at this link.

NEWS

Volvo Cars reports record core operating profit of SEK 8.2 billion in Q2 2024

Volvo Cars today reports an operating profit (EBIT), excluding joint ventures and associates, of SEK 8.2 billion for the second quarter of 2024, the highest-ever in a single quarter and an increase of 28 per cent versus the same period in 2023.

The corresponding core EBIT margin reached a record high of 8.1 per cent, versus 6.3 per cent in the same period last year. This improvement in the underlying profitability was a result of the company’s focus on pricing discipline, internal cost control and sustained growth in sales.

During the quarter, global retail sales rose by 15 per cent year-on-year to 205,400 cars. This was driven by the performance of the company’s electrified cars – both plug-in hybrids and electric cars – sales of which grew by 43 per cent in the second quarter, versus the same period last year.

48 per cent of Volvo Cars’ global sales volume during the quarter consisted of plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and fully electric (EV) cars, while its EV-only share of sales rose to 26 per cent. The strong demand for the company’s electrified cars was demonstrated by the EX30 small SUV, which was among the top three best-selling EVs in Europe, while the XC60 plug-in hybrid continues to be the best-selling PHEV in Europe in recent months.

The EX30 has proved popular with customers in Europe and other markets. This has been reflected in Volvo Cars’ gross margins, which increased to 22.8 per cent from 19.0 per cent last year. Gross margins on its EVs reached a new high of 20 per cent in the period, demonstrating that Volvo Cars continues to make the transition towards electrification profitably.

Revenue for the second quarter came in at SEK 101.5 billion, versus SEK 102.2 billion reported in the same period last year. The slight revenue decline was due to reduced income from contract manufacturing and a normalisation of sales to rental companies. Volvo Cars’ core revenues from operations during the quarter, excluding income from contract manufacturing, remained stable.

“We delivered a strong second quarter performance in 2024 with record underlying profitability, demonstrating our ability to create value despite a complex geopolitical and economic environment,” said Jim Rowan, chief executive of Volvo Cars. “Our core operational momentum remains on a firm footing, thanks to the strength of our balanced strategy, product portfolio and our agility in responding decisively to headwinds.”

“Our brand and values around safety and sustainability, as well as our unique technology approach, continue to resonate strongly with customers,” added Jim Rowan.

The EX30, EM90 and EX90 are clear examples of where Volvo Cars is going, as it continues its journey towards full electrification. Together with its plug-in and mild hybrid cars, these EV models provide Volvo Cars with a balanced portfolio that serves as a clear bridge to an all-electric future.

This transition will not be a linear development. Many consumers are not yet able to go fully electric, particularly in areas with low infrastructure development or because of the early withdrawal of incentives by governments. These factors make Volvo Cars’ balanced line-up of fully electric, plug-in and mild hybrid models important as a bridge.

Volvo Cars continues to invest across the breadth of its product range, both in new models and ongoing improvements to existing ones. During its Capital Markets Day in September, Volvo Cars will reveal more details on its technological roadmap as well as forthcoming models and updates.

Yet like all global companies, Volvo Cars operates in a complex geopolitical environment that impacts trade and tests supply chain resilience. In the short term, potential tariffs from the EU commission affecting EVs from China will affect the EX30.

However, as the company previously announced, it will start producing the EX30 in its Ghent, Belgium plant next year, as part of its ‘Build where we sell’ strategy. The company aims to start production of the EX30 in Ghent during the first half of 2025, with volumes ramping up during the second half of that year.

NEWS

Volvo S60 is no longer on sale in US, to make way for all-new EX90

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THE Volvo S60 in America has become a quiet alternative to the BMW 3-Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Now, this executive sedan has reached the end of its life.

Volvo has confirmed that sales of the S60 will be discontinued in the United States (US) after 24 years, spanning three generations.

“After five years Volvo Cars is ending production of the S60 sedan in Ridgeville, South Carolina at the end of June 2024 for the US and some other markets to focus on the all-new EX90,” a Volvo spokesperson told Motor1.

The third-generation Volvo S60 was introduced as a 2019 model and manufactured in the South Carolina facility.

Several variants were offered throughout production, from the base T5 version with 252hp to the high-performance Polestar Engineered model.

Compared to its competitors, Volvo S60 sales have been relatively lackluster in the US. Its sales have never exceeded 20,000 units per year, averaging around 10,000 to 12,000 units annually.

In comparison, BMW and Mercedes each sold 33,000 units of the 3-Series and C-Class respectively last year.

At the same time, the discontinuation of the Volvo S60 is expected to pave the way for more profits for Volvo when they introduce the EX90 later.

The EX90 is Volvo’s first fully electric (EV) three-row SUV, equipped with a 111kWh battery delivering 496hp and a driving range of up to 480km.

NEWS

This radio-controlled Volvo FH16 truck will make you drool for its details

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TAMIYA is an expert in producing radio-controlled vehicle models (RC) with intricate details like scale models for decoration. The latest model from their 1/14 scale truck series is the Volvo FH16 Globetrotter XL 750 4×2.

The actual truck, which has a 16.1-liter 6-cylinder turbo in-line engine with 750hp, has been recreated as an RC model with a realistic body. The chassis features various iron components and a three-speed gearbox.

The FH16 model measures 462mm in length, 193mm in width, and 309mm in height, weighing approximately 3.5kg. It is also equipped with an aluminum shock absorber with leaf springs.

Details on the cab include an air deflector, stainless steel grille, LED headlights with fog lights, antenna, roof LED light set, side mirrors, battery box, air tank, and a coupler for trailer connection.

For even more realism, you can get the Tamiya Multi-Function Control Unit (sold separately) that offers sound, lights, and vibrations. The digital sound is recorded from the actual truck, including air horn and gear shifting sounds. Furthermore, all light operations, signals, including 3-speed gear shifting, can also be controlled remotely.

The RC model Volvo FH16 Globetrotter can be found at Tamiya stores and official distributors worldwide.

NEWS

Volvo EX90 will have a battery passport system where you can check battery health level

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The electric SUV Volvo EX90 had already been officially launched at the end of 2022, but production of the model will only begin in South Carolina, United States, this month.

The production delay is due to the complexity of the LIDAR system that will be incorporated into the Volvo EX90. However, one thing is certain, the Volvo EX90 will be the world’s first car to have its own battery passport system.

This documentation system will record all essential information about the battery pack, including the origin of raw materials, components, recycled content, and the overall carbon footprint.

This passport will also record current information regarding the battery health for up to 15 years. This is crucial for customers in determining the current value of an EV, especially as the Volvo EX90 begins to enter the used vehicle market.

Volvo took over five years to develop this passport system in collaboration with the UK startup company Circulor, with an expected cost of approximately $10 (RM47) per vehicle.

In addition to the Volvo EX90, this battery passport will be expanded for use in other Volvo EVs. According to a Reuters report, every EV sold in Europe will be required to have a battery passport starting in February 2027.

NEWS

Volvo introduces first EV bus for Malaysia, Rapid KL to conduct testing operation

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VOLVO Buses, a part of the Volvo Group, together with Gemilang International Ltd, has launched a fully electric bus (EV).

The all-new Volvo BZL-GML Eco Range is a premium low-floor urban electric bus with two doors, the first of its kind assembled in the country (CKD) by Volvo.

The manufacturer has also collaborated with Rapid Bus Sdn Bhd for the trial operation of the Volvo BZL-GML Eco Range.

The trial is set to commence in July 2024 and is expected to last for a minimum of six months to a year.

A Volvo electric bus will operate on Route 581, covering the journey from Desa Tasik to LRT Bandar Tasik Selatan.

The chassis and powertrain components with efficient energy from Volvo BZL have been engineered and built to the highest standards at Volvo’s manufacturing plant in Sweden.

This bus can accommodate up to 91 passengers with a capacity of 33 seats, including safety seats, seats for specific groups, foldable seats, and standing passenger space.

It features a completely flat and low floor design from the front to the back, providing stability and easier access for passengers.

An electric powertrain system with a power output of 540hp and immediate torque.

The EV bus is also equipped with various advanced braking technologies, including Volvo disc brakes, Electronic Brake System (EBS), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Acceleration Slip Regulator (ASR), Brake Blending, Hill Assist System (HAS), and Electronic Stability Control (ESC).

Additionally, other safety features such as warning alerts, collision warnings, 360 cameras, and e-mirrors to assist the driver will be offered as options.

In the event of an unlikely breakdown, the battery cells and surrounding area are designed to ‘self-extinguish’ by automatically releasing temperature extinguishing agents to prevent nearby battery cells from damage. This feature has been proven effective through repeated testing.

The Volvo BZL-GML Eco Range electric bus offers flexible charging through the OppCharge interface hardware for automatic high-power charging and CCS charging sockets.

The energy storage is placed on the roof, providing more spacious passenger areas and optimizing weight distribution.

NEWS

Win a trip to Sweden worth of RM50,000 with a purchase of a new fully-electric Volvo

ARE you in the market for a new electric vehicle (EV)? How about trying out Volvo, where you might just stand a chance to win a trip to Sweden for two worth up to RM50,000!

Yes, this offer is made by Volvo Car Malaysia in conjunction with the Volvo Birthday Sale, as the Swedish brand celebrates its 97th birthday this month.

The Volvo Birthday Sale event will take place next week, from 26th to 28th April 2024 at Sentul Depot. It will also be held at selected Volvo dealers across the country, as well as in Sabah and Sarawak.

As mentioned earlier, the purchase of Volvo EV vehicles enables you to win a trip to the birthplace of Volvo in Gothenburg, Sweden, in addition to the opportunity to visit the recently opened World of Volvo experience center on the 14th of April.

During the Volvo Birthday Sale event, you can also enjoy a rebate of RM15,000 and other offers for the C40 and XC40 Recharge Pure Electric models.

The latest C40 Recharge Pure Electric has been updated for 2024, now offering an extended driving range of up to 550km (WLTP cycle), faster DC charging, pixel technology headlights, and a new Vapour Grey color.

Other Volvo models will also be showcased at this event, including the PHEV lineup (XC60, XC90, S60, S90, and V60 Recharge). Additionally, the Volvo SELEKT range will be offered, which consists of certified pre-owned vehicles with full assurance and inspection by Volvo Car Malaysia.

To further sweeten the deal for you as a customer or potential customer, the first 97 customers who make reservations within the three-day period will receive an exclusive Volvo Gift Box upon delivery of the new vehicle.

NEWS

Volvo Safety Driving Experience provides opportunity to face emergency situations, experiencing advanced safety systems

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When asked what comes to mind with Volvo, undoubtedly safety springs to mind. The Swedish manufacturer is synonymous with safety and takes pride in it.

Recently, Volvo Car Malaysia organized their first Volvo Safety Driving Experience at the country’s first air base (former) in Bandar Malaysia, Sungai Besi.

The event, held on a Saturday a few weeks ago, saw over 240 Volvo owners and enthusiasts learning driving skills through exercises such as braking, steering, and quick lane changes.

For us in the media industry, such activities are not entirely unfamiliar, but it was the first time with Volvo, making it still something interesting to observe.

The first driving activity involved changing lanes to the left or right followed by maximum braking until the vehicle stopped. Using the Volvo C40 Recharge and XC40 Recharge, this activity was performed at speeds of 60 or 70 km/h.

Even at this speed, it was evident that it could feel aggressive for passengers despite the car remaining stable. Imagine having to perform this emergency maneuver while driving at 110 km/h on the highway…

Next, we were taken to the braking activity on a straight road while avoiding obstacles. Here, it could be seen that the ABS allowed the car to remain controllable even when braking hard.

Most importantly, the driver’s ability to react and focus during driving to reduce the risk of collisions in emergency situations is crucial.

Next, we were shown demonstrations of the safety systems present in the latest Volvo models.

Among them was the Cross Traffic Alert, which warns the driver of traffic behind when attempting to reverse out of a parking spot. The warning provided is accurate depending on the direction and distance of the traffic.

We also had the opportunity to try the Pilot Assist system with the Volvo V60, which helps the driver control speed in traffic along with steering assistance.

Crucially, Pilot Assist is also capable of braking automatically if the traffic ahead slows down, and it does so smoothly and naturally, like a real driver. This can undoubtedly reduce the burden and fatigue on the driver in everyday situations.

The last activity included a slalom course and high-speed acceleration. During the slalom, we could feel the agility of the Volvo S90, V60, XC60, and XC90 being driven through narrow routes adeptly, but in a safe manner.

Despite most of these models weighing around two tons, they were still stable and agile and had very convincing braking performance.

@engear.tv #Volvo haritu jemput kita untuk join Safety Driving Experience untuk tambah ilmu memandu. #safety #engeartv #malaysia #fyp #carsoftiktok ♬ original sound – Engear TV

Lastly, for the high-speed driving activity, we were given the opportunity to accelerate on the Sungai Besi Airfield runway, which is 1.8 km long, although we were not pilots wanting to take off.

Instead, we pushed these Volvo plug-in hybrid models to their maximum speed of 180 km/h and demonstrated the stability of these models when braking from high speeds. This maximum speed could also be achieved very quickly, in about 20 seconds.

Overall, the Volvo Safety Driving Experience provides participants the chance to experience and test the capabilities of Volvo models in safety-related situations.

Moreover, in the hangar, there was an exhibition of all Volvo models, sponsored by Pirelli, the main tire sponsor, and family activities such as Småland for children, as well as an exhibition by PURAS.

NEWS

Volvo XC40, C40 Recharge renamed to EX40, EC40

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VOLVO is standardising the names for two of its fully electric models, the XC40 Recharge and C40 Recharge, in line with its transformation towards becoming a fully electric car manufacturer by 2030.

Effective immediately, said models are renamed to EX40 and EC40 respectively, following in the footsteps of other Volvo fully electric models, which are the EX30, EX90 and EM90. The XC40 name remains for internal combustion-powered variants of the model.

The update also includes the removal of Recharge badging from Volvo’s plug-in hybrid models, which are now denoted simply by the T6 or T8 suffix indicating different levels of power output.

The new and streamlined model name standard makes it even easier for existing and new customers to understand which of the Volvo models are fully electric and which are hybrids.

The Swedish automaker is also introducing a new Performance software pack for the EX40 and EC40 Twin Motor variants, and as an upgrade for the previous model year in selected markets.

The Performance software pack, which increases power output by 25 kW (34 hp) for faster acceleration, also includes unique pedal mapping for quicker accelerator response and a ‘Performance’ drive mode to unlock the full 325 kW (436 hp).

In available markets, the Performance software will be offered as an optional upgrade pack via the Volvo Cars app when ordering a new car, while drivers of previous model year 2024 C40 and fully electric XC40 Recharge can purchase and download the software from the comfort of their sofa.

Additionally, B5 mild hybrid petrol variants of XC60 and XC90 now employ a more efficient engine combustion cycle, expected to result in CO2 emission reductions and fuel economy improvements of up to around 4% for the XC60 and around 2% for the XC90 based on the WLTP cycle.

There are also a special Black Edition of the EX40, EC40 and the XC40. The Black Edition models come with Onyx Black paint, high gloss black badging, 20-inch five-spoke alloys in high gloss black and the choice between microtech or textile charcoal interiors.

NEWS

Volvo C40 Recharge updated for 2024 – Higher driving range at 550km, matrix LED, price unchanged

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VOLVO Car Malaysia (VCM) today announced that the electric SUV (EV) C40 has received enhancements for the year 2024. It is now offered with an extended driving range of up to 550km and pixel LED headlights.

Its battery pack has been increased from 78kWh to 82kWh, and with better cooling system, it adds 100km of driving range compared to before.

The 2024 Volvo C40’s battery now also supports DC charging of up to 200kW (compared to 150kW previously), meaning the battery level can go from 10 percent to 80 percent in just 28 minutes.

The powertrain has also been improved. Instead of having two motors with the same 150kW (204hp) power in the front and rear, the C40 now features a pair of motors with different outputs.

The front motor has an output of 117kW (159hp) while the rear has 183kW (249hp). The total power remains the same at 300kW (408hp).

As mentioned earlier, the 2024 Volvo C40 is also equipped with matrix LED lights for better illumination. Other features include 19-inch rims and the new Vapour Grey color.

With these added specifications, VCM has maintained the price of the C40 Recharge at RM288,888 on the road without insurance. This also includes a five-year unlimited mileage warranty, as well as an eight-year or 160,000km battery warranty.

There is also a five-year or 100,000km free service package and roadside assistance for the same duration.

NEWS

Volvo P1800 Cyan GT takes things down a notch

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In 2020, Cyan Racing pulled the cover off the Volvo P1800 Cyan as a track-inspired homage to the iconic Volvo sports car from the sixties.

However, with bucket seats and a titanium safety cage, the car was a proper street-legal track that could be a little too hardcore for some.

Now, Cyan Racing is back with a new version of the car that is developed to be a grand tourer. Known as the P1800 Cyan GT, it comes with a fully adjustable suspension now set up for winding country roads and  comfortable long-distance driving.

The car also has a different version of the titanium roll cage for increased comfort, but with a maintained high level of safety and chassis rigidity.

The cabin looks significantly more comfortable now thanks to be spoke touring seats and sand-coloured leather and fabric upholstery. The amount of sound deadening material has also been increased to improve NVH.

Much like the standard version, the P1800 Cyan GT is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine paired with a five-speed Holinger gearbox that offers “excellent precision and feeling”.

That being said, the power has been dialled down slightly from 414 hp to 345 hp. Cyan Racing claims the reduced output is to prioritise enjoyable driving rather than raw power.

The P1800 Cyan GT will be offered in limited numbers, with each unit taking approximately 12 to 15 months to be completed.

All Volvo P1800 Cyans are restored and modified from an original Volvo P1800 by the fabricators, engineers, designers and mechanics at the Cyan headquarters in Gothenburg, Sweden.

NEWS

Volvo Car Malaysia sells even more EV in 2023

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VOLVO Car Malaysia wraps up the 2023 calendar year with an increase in electric vehicle (EV) sales, which accounted for 18 percent of the total sales. This also represents a 37 percent increase compared to the previous year.

Out of the total sales, the Recharge model range (comprising fully electric EVs and PHEVs) accounted for 71 percent of the sales.

This percentage also places Volvo Car Malaysia in the top 15 globally, with the Recharge model sales averaging 38 percent.

Volvo Car Malaysia sold 2,694 cars in 2023, compared to 3,194 in 2022, which was a year of recovery for the automotive industry after the pandemic.

Charles Frump, Managing Director of Volvo Car Malaysia, said, “2023 marked a transformational year for us as we transitioned towards a fully electric future.

“Despite a drop in sales figures, we are proud to maintain our market share even without new launches last year.

“After seven years of growth until 2023, we anticipate continued growth in 2024 with the arrival of fully electric products,” Charles added.

On a global scale, Volvo Cars achieved a record sales figure for 2023 with 708,716 units sold, representing a 15 percent increase compared to 2022.

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Pre-production of the Volvo ES90 electric sedan begins, to launch in May 2024?

The Swedish publication, Teknikens Värld, reports that Volvo has now commenced the pre-production of their first electric sedan.

This is based on secret images successfully obtained from the Cixi factory, Zhejiang Province, along with internal memos detailing the initial specifications of the electric sedan.

The EV with the internal codename V551 will be officially named the ES90 and shares the same SPA2 platform as the EX90 SUV model.

The Volvo ES90 measures 4,990 mm in length, 1,945 mm in width, 1,547 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3,102 mm.

This positions the Volvo ES90 in direct competition with electric sedans in its segment such as the BMW i5, Mercedes-Benz EQE, and Audi A6 e-tron.

Furthermore, the electric sedan weighs approximately 2,600 kg for the dual-motor AWD version and 2,500 kg for the single-motor rear-wheel drive (RWD) version. The large 111 kWh battery pack offers a range of up to 600 km for the single-motor electric version.

According to the report, the serial production of the electric sedan is slated to commence in May 2024.