Big Fixes for Volvo EX90 in 2026 After Faulty Launch

Image Credit: Volvo

Volvo ex90 2026

A Second Chance for Volvo’s Flagship SUV If you’re keeping an eye on upcoming car models, the 2026 Volvo EX90 is one of the most important automotive reveals of the year. Originally launched with high expectations, this luxury electric SUV was supposed to usher in a new chapter for Volvo—one dominated by electric vehicles. But the 2025 launch didn’t go as planned. Critics and early adopters were both let down by software problems, slow charging times, and missed benchmarks. Volvo comes back with a new version for 2026 that aims to overcome those problems and ultimately deliver on the promise of a real next-gen automobile.

Why the launch in 2025 didn’t go as planned The original launch was designed to get everything ready for Volvo’s all-electric future, which is planned to start in 2030. The EX90’s launch, on the other hand, felt like a false start. Drivers were irritated by software issues, and the EX90’s low-efficiency 400-volt charging system. Charging from 5 to 80 percent took 36 minutes, with an additional 24 minutes needed to hit full charge. Add to that only 94 miles of range added in 15 minutes, and the EX90’s performance felt lackluster compared to other luxury EV debuts in the U.S. and U.K.

Major Hardware Upgrades in the 2026 Model Volvo has responded decisively. The most significant change? The shift to an 800-volt electrical architecture. This move brings the EX90 in line with some of the fastest-charging EVs on the market. According to Volvo, you can now expect to add up to 150 miles of range in just 10 minutes—a huge leap forward. This model year update also introduces a powerful Nvidia Drive AGX Orin central computer, designed to improve software stability, AI integration, and autonomous features.

• Upgraded charging architecture: From 400V to 800V for faster charging.
• Faster range recovery: 150 miles in 10 minutes (expected).
• AI-ready computing: Centralized control via Nvidia Orin chip.
• Level 4-ready hardware: Lidar and sensors already in place.

If you’re asking “when can I pre-order the 2026 EX90?”, keep an eye on Volvo’s official site—reservations are expected to reopen soon for U.S. and global buyers.

Image Credit: Volvo

EV with 800 volt architecture

Added Safety and Driver Support Features
One of the biggest selling points for Volvo has always been safety, and the EX90 continues that tradition. The 2026 version includes an automatic emergency call function that activates if the driver becomes unresponsive. An enhanced automatic emergency steering feature now performs better at night, and hands-free parallel parking has been introduced—a welcome convenience in urban driving scenarios.

The car is already equipped with the hardware needed for Level 4 autonomous driving, including a prominent lidar array above the windshield. While Volvo hasn’t confirmed when these features will be activated, the vehicle is future-proofed for when regulations and infrastructure catch up.

What About Existing Owners?
If you already own a 2025 EX90, you’re not being left behind entirely. Volvo is offering a free upgrade to the Nvidia central computer via a service appointment. Unfortunately, the upgraded 800-volt system is a hardware change that can’t be retrofitted. Still, the software improvements should make a noticeable difference in everyday usability.

The Bigger Picture for Volvo
This isn’t just a new car launch—it’s a brand rehabilitation effort. Volvo’s Chief Engineering and Technology Officer, Anders Bell, publicly apologized for the flawed rollout and emphasized the company’s commitment to restoring customer trust. These updates are more than just technical patches; they’re a statement that Volvo is serious about getting things right in the EV space.

For anyone closely following new car launches in 2026, the Volvo EX90 stands out not just for its features but for the story behind its evolution. If you’re considering a luxury EV, this next-gen SUV is well worth a second look.

Final Thoughts
In a year brimming with concept car reveals, prototype vehicles, and upcoming SUV models with advanced hybrid powertrains, the Volvo EX90’s reboot is one of the more compelling stories. It’s a case study in what to expect from a brand’s next-generation vehicles when it learns from past missteps. If you’re looking for the latest electric car launches in late 2025 or luxury EV debuts in the U.S., the EX90 might just reclaim its position at the top of the list.