Volvo Cars has unveiled the latest iteration of its iconic XC90, demonstrating a commitment to continuous improvement. This updated model builds upon the already award-winning and best-selling flagship hybrid SUV, incorporating a range of technological and design enhancements both inside and out. The new Volvo XC90 is not just better; it’s been elevated to new heights of premium quality and user experience.
New Volvo XC90: exterior
The Volvo XC90 has long been synonymous with comfort, safety, and versatility, and this updated model reinforces these core values. As a premium seven-seater, it prioritizes passenger comfort while maintaining its position as one of the safest vehicles on the road. Furthermore, the plug-in hybrid version of the Volvo XC90 excels as an electric vehicle, offering an extended fully electric range exceeding 70 kilometers (under WLTP testing conditions*). This significant electric range allows many drivers to complete their daily commutes with zero tailpipe emissions. Data from Volvo Cars indicates that approximately half of the distance covered by their latest plug-in hybrid vehicles is powered purely by electricity**.
For longer journeys, the Volvo XC90 seamlessly integrates its hybrid powertrain with an efficient petrol engine, providing a total range exceeding 800km†. Drivers also have the option to utilize the combined power of both petrol and electric motors, delivering constant all-wheel drive capabilities, ideal for varied terrains and conditions.
New Volvo XC90: exterior
The exterior of the new Volvo XC90 has been refined with a more contemporary design, reinforcing its confident stance. This refreshed aesthetic reflects Volvo’s ongoing transition towards full electrification, incorporating design cues seen in their latest fully electric models, such as the EX90 and EX30.
However, the most significant updates to the Volvo XC90 are found within its interior. The cabin has been redesigned to enhance practicality and integrate Volvo’s latest user experience, mirroring the systems found in the new EX90 and EX30 electric vehicles. A larger, higher-resolution central touchscreen significantly improves user interaction, providing access to a range of new features, applications, and regular over-the-air software updates. More details on the new infotainment system are available in a separate release from Volvo.
New Volvo XC90: interior
According to Jim Rowan, CEO of Volvo Cars, “The new Volvo XC90 exudes confidence, and rightfully so. It has been a top-selling model for years and remains a favorite among our customers. Whether customers prioritize comfort, space, luxury, versatility, or hybrid efficiency, the Volvo XC90 excels in all areas. Together with its fully electric sibling, the EX90, the Volvo XC90 offers customers a comprehensive choice and provides Volvo with a balanced product portfolio as we continue our journey towards full electrification.”
A Balanced Product Strategy
The plug-in hybrid Volvo XC90 T8 remains a crucial model for Volvo Cars, maintaining popularity and contributing significantly to sales and profitability, alongside the brand’s expanding line-up of fully electric vehicles. This strategic balance between plug-in hybrids and fully electric models allows Volvo Cars to cater to the current market demands while bridging the gap towards a fully electrified future. Plug-in hybrids are projected to remain essential for Volvo’s sales and profit growth in the coming years as the premium fully electric market continues to develop across various key regions.
Uncompromising Safety Standards
Staying true to Volvo’s legacy, the Volvo XC90 remains one of the safest cars available. It features an advanced safety cage construction and a comprehensive suite of active safety technologies designed to protect occupants and other road users. These features include lane-keeping aid, which uses radar and a front camera to detect lane drifting and automatically steers the vehicle back into its lane, mitigating the risk of collisions. The system also assists in preventing unintentional road departures. Furthermore, the Volvo XC90 incorporates collision avoidance technology, utilizing braking and steering assistance to help prevent accidents involving other vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists, and even large animals.
Legendary Comfort, Now Enhanced
The ride quality of the Volvo XC90 has been further improved, building upon its renowned seating comfort. The vehicle now features enhanced suspension as standard, with each damper mechanically adapting to real-time road conditions. This intelligent system optimizes both comfort and stability, contributing to a more confident and relaxed driving experience. For the ultimate in ride comfort, an optional air suspension system is available, working in conjunction with an active chassis that monitors the vehicle, road, and driver inputs 500 times per second.
The air suspension also offers practical benefits, automatically lowering the vehicle by 20mm for easier entry and improved aerodynamics at higher speeds, or raising it by 40mm for increased ground clearance on uneven terrain. To further enhance the in-cabin experience, Volvo has incorporated additional insulation in key areas, significantly reducing wind and road noise.
New Volvo XC90: interior
The redesigned interior of the Volvo XC90 showcases contemporary Scandinavian design at its finest. The dashboard features a more horizontal layout, incorporating decorative panels made from premium recycled materials that add a textured finish. New vertical air vents further refine the dashboard’s aesthetic, and enhanced ambient lighting elevates the luxurious atmosphere within the cabin, particularly at night.
New Volvo XC90: interior
Responding to feedback from existing Volvo XC90 owners, the cabin has been reconfigured to maximize practicality. Designers have created additional storage solutions in the center console, including an extra cupholder, and relocated the wireless phone charger to a separate compartment behind the central tunnel for improved convenience and less clutter in the main storage area.
New Volvo XC90: interior
For audiophiles, the Volvo XC90 offers the option of the Bowers & Wilkins High Fidelity audio system, considered among the best in-car audio systems available. This system is engineered to faithfully reproduce the acoustics of various performance venues, from concert halls to jazz clubs.
Finally, for customers preferring traditional combustion engines, the Volvo XC90 is also available in two mild-hybrid petrol variants. Both the B5 and B6 versions utilize a 48V lithium-ion battery and an integrated starter/generator, which contribute to reducing emissions and improving fuel economy by up to 15 percent in real-world driving conditions.
The new Volvo XC90 is available for order starting today, with production scheduled to commence in late 2024 and initial customer deliveries expected around the end of the year††.
Small Print:
* Range according to the realistic WLTP driving cycle under controlled conditions for a new car. Real-world range may vary. Figures are based on preliminary targets. Final vehicle certification pending.
** Volvo Cars data covering long-range plug-in hybrid cars in global markets: on average 48% of distance driven uses electric-only power.
† Additional 800km+ not including electric-only range. Based on preliminary WLTP fuel economy figure of 8.6 l/km once high-voltage battery is depleted, starting with a full fuel tank. Real-world range may vary.
†† Launch timings will vary between markets.
