Volvo’s flagship all-electric SUV has secured its place among South Africa’s most respected automotive contenders, with the Volvo EX90 officially named a finalist in the 2026 South African Car of the Year (COTY) competition sponsored by Old Mutual Insure. The announcement positions the EX90 among 18 shortlisted vehicles vying for one of the industry’s most coveted local accolades, following the latest round of voting by the South African Car of the Year (SACOTY) jury.
For Volvo Car South Africa, the recognition represents more than a nomination. It is an affirmation of the brand’s strategic shift toward electrification and its continued leadership in safety, design and premium mobility.
“We’re proud to see the Volvo EX90 recognised as a finalist in the South African Car of the Year competition sponsored by Old Mutual Insure,” said Grant Locke, Managing Director of Volvo Car South Africa. “As our flagship all-electric SUV, the EX90 represents the very best of Volvo in terms of safety, luxury and technology, and this nomination is recognition of this.”
A finalist shaped by global acclaim
The EX90’s inclusion in the COTY final round follows a period of significant international recognition. Since its global debut, Volvo’s seven-seat all-electric luxury SUV has been widely praised for its blend of Scandinavian design, advanced technology and uncompromising safety credentials.
Among its most notable achievements is the World Luxury Car title at the World Car Awards, where the EX90 was recognised for its refined interior, elegant design language and cutting-edge safety innovations. The model was also named Electric Car of the Year at the Stuff Gadget Awards 2025, reinforcing its status as a benchmark within the premium electric SUV segment.
Safety, a cornerstone of the Volvo brand, remains central to the EX90’s appeal. The SUV recently achieved the maximum five-star rating in Euro NCAP testing, earning particularly high scores for both adult and child occupant protection. The result underscores Volvo’s long-standing commitment to real-world safety and its ambition to set new standards as vehicles become increasingly software-defined and electrified.
Rigorous local evaluation
The South African Car of the Year competition is widely regarded as one of the most thorough and credible automotive awards programmes in the country. Each finalist is assessed by an independent panel of industry experts against a demanding set of criteria that includes quality, safety, performance and suitability for South African driving conditions.
Following the announcement of the finalists, the shortlisted vehicles will now proceed to an intensive three-day testing programme at Zwartkops Raceway in Tshwane. Here, judges will evaluate each contender across a range of dynamic and practical tests designed to replicate real-world ownership and usage.
Old Mutual Insure, the long-standing sponsor of the competition, highlighted the broader importance of the programme within the local automotive landscape.
“We sincerely congratulate all the finalists of the 2026 COTY competition on reaching the final round,” said Presodhini Naicker, Executive of Marketing and Communication at Old Mutual Insure. “As a long-standing supporter, we value SA COTY’s credibility, consistency and relevance. For four decades, the competition has empowered consumers to make informed vehicle choices, and it continues to provide a credible platform through which we can meaningfully advance our road-safety message.”
Redefining all-electric luxury
Designed from the outset as a fully electric vehicle, the Volvo EX90 is built on the brand’s advanced SPA2 platform. This dedicated electric architecture enables a spacious seven-seat layout, enhanced structural rigidity and the integration of next-generation safety systems and software.
In South Africa, the EX90 is offered in Ultra Twin Performance specification. Power comes from dual electric motors delivering a combined 380 kW and a formidable 910 N.m of torque, distributed to all four wheels through a single-speed automatic transmission. The result is effortless performance, smooth acceleration and confident all-wheel-drive capability.
Ride comfort and refinement are further enhanced by a sophisticated active chassis with air suspension, allowing the EX90 to adapt to varying road conditions while maintaining the calm, composed driving experience expected of a flagship luxury SUV.
Long-distance capability is a key consideration for local buyers, and the EX90 delivers competitively in this area. Its 111 kWh battery pack provides a driving range of up to 604 km on the combined cycle, while DC fast-charging capability of up to 250 kW enables a 10 to 80 percent recharge in approximately 30 minutes, making longer journeys and daily use equally practical.
A legacy of COTY success
Volvo’s presence in the South African Car of the Year competition is underpinned by a strong historical record. The brand has previously claimed overall honours with the XC90 in 2016 and the S40 2.4i in 2005. More recently, the all-electric EX30 earned finalist status in the 2025 SACOTY awards, signalling growing recognition for Volvo’s expanding electric portfolio.
With the EX90 now advancing to the final stages of the 2026 competition, Volvo once again finds itself at the centre of the national automotive conversation. As the judging process continues, the EX90 stands as a compelling example of how luxury, electrification and safety can converge to meet the evolving demands of South African motorists.
