Volvo EX90 may be delivered without key features due to software issues

Volvo’s flagship EX90 SUV could be delivered to customers without some safety and convenience features, the brand has said.

The seven-seat SUV is available to order now from £96,000, with UK deliveries expected to start in October. However, functions ranging from smart charging and Apple CarPlay to the operation of its much-vaunted Lidar system will have to be added via over-the-air updates, according to information shared with customers.

The document reveals that as well as lacking Apple CarPlay, the infotainment system will only feature a ‘dark’ mode usually reserved for nighttime driving. Smart charging, bi-directional charging and cardless plug-and-go public charging will also not be available from launch.

A number of advertised safety systems are also expected to be missing from early models and are due to be activated via subsequent over-the-air updates. These include nighttime operation of the Lidar, cross-traffic alert and curve speed assist that slows the car automatically for corners when cruise control is active.

Drivers have also been warned that the car’s core computer system will drain around 3% of the battery every 24 hours due to the complexity of its functions. Volvo says a future update will address this problem.

A Volvo spokesperson said that customers, including buyers in the UK, had already been made aware of the changes.

In a statement, they said: “Introducing a new generation of technology comes with inherent challenges and we need additional time in software integration to release a few missing features and functionalities, and prepare for continuous improvement.

“The EX90 is designed to become better over time, and customers can expect updates and upgrades that will improve functionality and add features to their car. Details about the exact timing of the updates roll-out will be shared with customers in due course.

“Customer satisfaction and product quality remain our top priorities as we start deliveries of our new fully electric flagship SUV.”

The news is the latest software-related setback for the Swedish firm. The EX90’s launch has been delayed by two years due to software problems and in June Volvo issued a recall of all 72,000 EX30 models sold so far due to a software problem that could render its main information display useless.