Introduction:
Volvo surprised dealerships and reservation holders by raising prices on all EX90 trims by $3,300. This price increase came just a month before the EX90 entered production after facing almost a year of delays. In addition to the price hike, Volvo informed reservation holders that the electric SUV would be missing certain features on delivery and would have workarounds for unsolved issues. Despite the price increase and feature omissions, Volvo assured reservation holders that the software gaps would be addressed during the “early ownership” phase.
Subheadings:
1. Price Increase and Feature Omissions
Volvo quietly raised the prices on all EX90 trims by $3,300, surprising both dealerships and reservation holders. The company announced the price increase on May 1, a month before the EX90 began production following lengthy delays. Reservation holders were also informed about feature omissions that would be present on delivery, including the absence of lidar-centric safety systems that were previously highlighted by Volvo. Despite these issues, Volvo assured buyers that the missing features would be addressed during the “early ownership” phase.
2. Communication with Reservation Holders
Volvo notified reservation holders of the price increase and feature omissions on June 26, the same day it informed them that the EX90 would miss certain features on delivery. One reservation holder mentioned receiving a customization email that revealed the new pricing, which was higher than initially anticipated. The absence of active EX90 forum threads discussing the price increase suggests that the announcement caught many buyers by surprise. Volvo’s communication strategy regarding the price increase and feature omissions has raised concerns among reservation holders.
3. Updated Pricing for EX90 Trims
Following the price increase, the new MSRPs for EX90 trims are as follows:
– Plus 7-seater: $81,290
– Plus 6-seater: $81,790
– Ultra 7-seater: $85,640
– Ultra 6-seater: $86,140
Buyers can add $5,000 for the Twin Motor Performance drivetrain, which offers increased power and acceleration. Both versions of the EX90 are equipped with a 111-kWh battery from CATL, providing varying levels of horsepower, torque, and acceleration depending on the trim option selected.
4. Reason for Price Increase
Volvo attributed the price increase to rising materials costs, indicating that external factors influenced the decision to raise prices. When Volvo initially announced the entry-level pricing for the EX90, it positioned the SUV competitively against other electric vehicles in its class. However, the recent price hike has made the EX90 more expensive than some of its key rivals, such as the Mercedes-EQS and the Tesla Model X.
5. Impact on Reservation Holders
Even reservation holders who expressed interest in the EX90 prior to the May 1 price increase will be required to pay the new, higher price if they wish to purchase the vehicle. This additional cost, combined with the existing production and software delays, has led some reservation holders to reconsider their decision to purchase the EX90. The lack of clarity surrounding delivery times and missing features has further exacerbated concerns among reservation holders, leading to potential cancellations and decreased interest in the model.
Conclusion:
The price increase and feature omissions for the Volvo EX90 have sparked mixed reactions among dealerships and reservation holders. Volvo’s decision to raise prices and delay certain features has prompted reservations holders to rethink their commitment to purchasing the electric SUV. The impact of these developments on the overall reception of the EX90 remains to be seen as buyers navigate the evolving landscape of electric vehicle pricing and features.