Volvo Bumps EX90 Starting Price and Plans Its Launch Without Some Key Features On Board

The Volvo EX90 is due to arrive later this year, but its release hasn’t been without hiccups. It was delayed for more than a year while the automaker worked out glitches in the SUV’s software, and tens of thousands of already-released European models were recalled earlier this year for software issues. Now, facing higher production and material costs, Volvo is raising the EX90’s starting price before its U.S. launch.

The SUV’s price jumped by $3,300 across the lineup, with the starting MSRP now at $81,290 with a $1,295 destination fee. Additionally, Volvo said the vehicle would launch without some features, including safety tech using its much-touted LiDAR sensors.

Volvo didn’t say whether it would implement the features via over-the-air software updates later, but CEO Jim Rowan aimed to ease concerns about the tech in an analyst call last month.

“The whole point of a software-defined vehicle that has over-the-air update capabilities is to continually upgrade that software. We can do that. I think that customers who invest in advanced technology products like the EX90 understand this fully, and they will reap the benefits over time.”

While some dealers told Automotive News that they were not aware of the issues, one dealer said 40 percent of EX90 reservation holders canceled because their new vehicle would lack entertainment and safety tech. As a whole, the automaker confirmed that five percent of its more than 10,000 U.S. reservations had been canceled due to the delay and other challenges.

One buyer told Automotive News that despite understanding early adopter issues, Volvo launching the EX90 without some of the advanced tech features removes much of what made the vehicle feel special. They also voiced dissatisfaction with Volvo’s lack of communication, saying they would cancel their order and consider another EV brand.

[Images: Volvo]

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