Volvo has just unveiled its facelifted XC90 SUV. The model comes with new looks and a restyled cabin. The second-generation XC90 has been on the market for ten years and has just its second facelift. Volvo claims it is the best yet and that "comfort" is its middle name.
Volvo has been teasing the facelifted XC90 for quite some time. The time has come for us to finally see it in all its glory. The carmaker has updated the XC90 tech- and design-wise. The seven-seater stands as one of the safest cars on the road but it has not been significantly updated since 2019, when the brand rolled out the previous facelift of the second-generation XC90.
However, the model aged well. As seen in the photos leaked just last week, the SUV comes with a slightly redesigned front grille, flanked by restyled trademark Thor's Hammer headlights, which give it EX90 vibes. Vertical air vents showed up in the front bumper. At the opposed end, Volvo updated the taillight light pattern.
Volvo calls the plug-in hybrid XC90 “an outstanding electric car with a backup plan.” The model can drive with zero tailpipe emissions as far as 70 kilometers (43 miles), according to the European WLTP testing cycle. The numbers should be lower with the stricter EPA testing cycle, which is definitely not something to write home about. However, many XC90 owners will be able to run errands with no fuel consumption whatsoever.
Photo: Volvo
Data provided by Volvo shows that around half of the distance covered by the latest plug-in hybrid Volvo cars is driven on pure electric power. However, the SUV comes with what Volvo calls the T8. The carmaker doesn’t mention any updates on the powertrain.
The system integrates a 2.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-four ICE and the electric motor installed on the rear axle to drive the rear wheels for a total of 455 horsepower (461 metric horsepower), if the outgoing model is anything to go by. With the petrol engine involved, the facelifted Volvo XC90 can drive as far as 800 kilometers (497 miles).
Volvo continues to offer the XC90 as a B6 and a B5 with mild-hybrid tech, involving a 48-volt lithium-ion battery and a starter/generator, which reduce emissions and fuel consumption by up to 15 percent in real-world driving.
Both come with the same 2.0-liter L4 engine. The B6 should get 295 horsepower (299 metric horsepower), while the B5 should have to do with 247 (250).
Photo: Volvo
The XC90 is one of the last ICE Mohicans of the Volvo portfolio. The brand has already ditched the diesel engines. It produced its final diesel-powered passenger vehicle back in March after keeping it in production for 45 yers. The final model with diesel power was an XC90.
Volvo credits the cabin for the biggest news of the facelift. The automaker came up with a new layout, which is specifically designed to increase practicality, carrying over the Scandinavian minimalism. A dashboard with a more horizontal shape compared to the previous one, premium recycled materials, and new vertical air vents are on the menu.
The designers also came up with more storage spaces. An additional cup holder showed up in the center console. The wireless phone charger was relocated behind the central tunnel.
Furthermore, it planted technology already present in the new EX90 and EX30 electric cars and came up with better insulation to keep the wind and road noise outside.
Photo: Volvo
A larger central touchscreen, now measuring 11.2 inches instead of previous 9-inch display, with improved resolution, showed up on board. It provides access to new features, apps, and regular over-the-air software updates.
Volvo also improved the suspension system for enhanced comfort. Each individual damper can now adapt mechanically to the road conditions for better stability. An air suspension, working alongside the active chassis, monitors the vehicle, the road, and the driver 500 times per second. It can also lower the car by 20 millimeters or raise it by 40 millimeters.
Volvo labels the facelifted XC90 as one of the safest cars out there. It comes with an advanced safety cage and a comprehensive range of active safety features. For instance, the XC90 can steer you back into your own lane once it detects you are drifted into the oncoming lane, thus avoiding the risk of collision.
The car will also react in case it detects a movement of running off the road or brakes and steers to help avoid collisions with other motorists, pedestrians, or large animals.
Volvo equips its flagship SUV with the Bowers & Wilkins High Fidelity audio system, which is capable of replicating a concert hall or jazz club kind of experience.
The order books have already opened. The 2025 Volvo XC90 is scheduled to go into production in late 2024. First customers will get their brand-new SUV toward the end of the year.
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