GOTHENBURG: Volvo officially unveiled the new XC90 on Sept 4.
The updated SUV, now available for order, will begin production in late 2024, with first customer deliveries expected by the end of the year.
The XC90 remains a key model for Volvo, combining advanced technology, safety features, and design updates.
The seven-seater SUV, renowned for its comfort, is now offered in a plug-in hybrid variant that delivers over 70km of electric range on a single charge according to the WLTP cycle.
Volvo data indicates that about half of the distances covered by its latest plug-in hybrids are driven on electric power, making it suitable for daily travel with zero emissions.
The hybrid system pairs with an efficient petrol engine, extending the total range by more than 800 kilometers and providing the option for all-wheel drive or off-road capabilities.
The new XC90’s exterior design reflects Volvo's shift towards electrification, aligning it visually with the company’s latest electric models like the EX90 and EX30. Inside, the SUV features a refreshed cabin with a more contemporary design, improved practicality, and Volvo’s latest user interface. A larger, high-resolution touchscreen provides enhanced functionality, including access to new apps and regular over-the-air software updates.
Volvo Cars CEO Jim Rowan emphasised the XC90’s enduring appeal, stating, “Our hybrid flagship has been a best-seller for years and remains a favourite among customers.
"The XC90 delivers on comfort, space, luxury, and hybrid efficiency, and along with the fully electric EX90, it offers a balanced choice for our customers as we move towards full electrification.”
The XC90 continues to be an important model for Volvo, contributing significantly to sales and profitability alongside the company’s electric vehicles.
Volvo maintains a strategic mix of plug-in hybrid and fully electric models, which it believes is the right approach given the current market conditions where fully electric options are still emerging in key regions. Plug-in hybrids remain crucial to Volvo’s sales and profit growth as the market evolves.
Safety remains a cornerstone of the XC90’s design, with an advanced safety cage and a suite of active safety features. Using radar and a front camera, the XC90 can detect lane drift and automatically steer back into the correct lane, as well as help avoid collisions with other vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists, and large animals.
Volvo’s latest updates also enhance ride comfort, with adaptive suspension that adjusts to road conditions for improved stability and comfort. Optional air suspension can modify ride height, lowering or raising the vehicle depending on driving conditions.
The interior has been redesigned to reflect Scandinavian design principles, featuring a more horizontal dashboard, premium recycled materials, and enhanced illumination for a luxurious feel.
Volvo has also addressed customer feedback by adding more storage space in the center console and relocating the wireless phone charger for greater convenience.
The XC90 can be equipped with a Bowers & Wilkins High Fidelity audio system that replicates the acoustics of different environments, from concert halls to jazz clubs.
For those preferring a non-hybrid option, Volvo offers two mild-hybrid petrol variants—the B5 and B6.
These models incorporate a 48-volt lithium-ion battery and integrated starter-generator to reduce emissions and improve fuel efficiency by up to 15 percent in real-world driving.
