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LIFE & LEISURE REFINED MAGAZINE25Text: Bernie Hellberg JrImages: Volvo Car South Africamore like a Scandinavian retreat than the cabin of an SUV. Volvo has mastered the art of making spaces feel light, airy, and calm, and the EX90 is no exception. The dashboard is dominated by a 14.5%u201d portrait-oriented touchscreen, which houses the latest version of Volvo%u2019s Android-based infotainment system. As you%u2019d expect, Google Assistant, Google Maps, and the Play Store are all integrated, making voice-activated navigation or music control seamless. While Apple CarPlay was unavailable at the international reveal, Volvo assures us that the capability will be unlocked via an over-the-air update for US customers who have already taken delivery.Materials inside the EX90 are sustainably sourced, reinforcing Volvo%u2019s commitment to environmental consciousness. From wool-blend upholstery to reclaimed wood accents, every element has been selected to elevate the experience while keeping sustainability at the forefront.One of the most impressive features is the Bowers & Wilkins sound system. Volvo has developed a speaker array that creates a 360-degree audio experience, delivering concert-level acoustics for all seven occupants. Combine this with active noise cancellation, and the cabin of the EX90 becomes a sanctuary %u2013 perfect for the chaotic streets of LA or quiet countryside getaways.Unrivalled SpaceUnlike some of its electric competitors, the Volvo EX90 doesn%u2019t compromise on space. This is a proper three-row SUV that can comfortably seat up to seven adults, with various seating options (from four to seven), with a %u201cCaptain%u2019s Chairs%u201d configuration forthe six-seater. It is unlikely that South Africa will see the fourand five-seat vehicles. The flexibility ofthe interiormakes itidealfor families, with the ability to fold down the third-row seats at the touch of a button, while the manual operation for the second row is simplicity itself.Regarding seats, the EX90%u2019s thrones are luxurious and inviting, offering some of the most sumptuous materials we have sampled in any luxury barge.With Volvo%u2019s clever packaging of batteries, interior space remains generous. Whether loading up for a weekend adventure or heading out on a long road trip, the EX90 promises comfort and practicality.Volvo%u2019s EX90 is more than just a new model; it represents the Swedish brand%u2019s future and balances its core values of safety, sustainability, and simplicity while embracing the future of electrification. The LA launch did not just show off a new car to theworld%u2019s media; it was Volvo%u2019s declaration that the future of luxury and performance is electric, and the EX90 is leading the charge.If you%u2019re interested in the EX90, you%u2019ll have to wait for the local launch that Volvo South Africa says will happen in %u201cearly 2025%u201d, with the first customer cars arriving before the middle of nextyear.In the meantime, the XC90 remains available locally and will soon be available with a fresh face, ensuring it stays relevant for consumers not yet ready for full-electric driving.