While the Zeekr 009-based Volvo EM90 is not available outside China, the Swedish premium carmaker will soon have a viable alternative to the various electric MPVs that are taking the Malaysian market by storm lately: the new Volvo EX90 6 Seater. Yes, it’s an SUV rather than an MPV, but it’s equally electric and nearly as practical.
The 6 Seater version of Volvo’s flagship model will arrive on local shores sooner rather than later, as previously hinted at by Chris Wailes, MD of Volvo Car Malaysia earlier in the year. In our neighbouring market Thailand, where these photos were taken, it has been by far and away the EX90’s best-selling variant (outselling the 7 Seater), with many of its customers upgrading from MPVs.
Whether or not the same strategy would work in Malaysia remains to be seen, of course, but its track record is solid and sound. As the name suggests, the EX90 6 Seater, well, seats six rather than the standard seven, featuring a pair of individual captain seats with adjustable centre armrests (with hidden cupholders) in the middle row.
That’s certainly plusher than the standard bench in the current model, and it goes a long way in remedying one of the EX90’s biggest drawbacks as an executive, chauffer-driven vehicle. Add that to the fact that Volvo makes the best seats in the industry – especially so when it comes to shapely individual seats – and the Volvo EX90 6 Seater definitely stands out.
As comfy as they are, however, they are still ways off the level of luxury on offer in top-spec China MPVs. For instance, the seats are all manually adjustable, without massaging and/or one-touch full recline functions available. The rear doors aren’t powered either, nor is there a large TV screen to entertain its occupants.
On the flipside though, the seats being narrower than others does offer a practical walk way to access the third row without having to fold the captain seats. This will allow parents to keep child seats installed in the second row at all times, or have their children get in and out of the last row without unseating second row-occupants every single time.
Then there’s also the more subjective element of appearance or rather image, with Volvo wishing VIPs or people of stature would rather be seen getting out of a stylish Volvo SUV instead of a typical boxy MPV. It’s not an exact science, sure, but I do have to admit that I’d agree with that notion.
As for the price, if shouldn’t be all that different from the standard EX90 7 Seater, which currently carries a tag of RM442,888 in Malaysia. In Thailand, both the 6 and 7 Seaters are priced exactly the same, so customers there have a free choice between the two seating configurations. Full review of the EX90 here.
GALLERY: Volvo EX90 6 Seater, Thailand spec
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Source: Volvo EX90 6 Seater coming to Malaysia in 2026 – EV SUV with captain seats to challenge China MPVs
