Volvo has just unveiled its facelifted XC90 SUV. The model features a new look and a redesigned cabin. The second-generation XC90 has been on the market for ten years and has just received its second facelift. Volvo says it is the best yet and that “comfort” is its middle name.
Volvo has been teasing the XC90 facelift for quite some time now. Now it’s time for us to finally see it in all its glory. The automaker has updated the XC90 in terms of technology and design. The seven-seater is one of the safest cars on the road, but it hasn’t been significantly updated since 2019, when the brand launched the previous facelift of the second-generation XC90.
However, the model has aged well. As seen from the photos leaked just last week, the Off-road It features a slightly redesigned front grille, flanked by revised Thor's Hammer headlights, giving it an EX90 vibe. Vertical air intakes have appeared in the front bumper. At the opposite end, Volvo has updated the taillight pattern.
Volvo calls the XC90 plug-in hybrid “a great electric car with a backup plan.” The model can travel up to 70 kilometers (43 miles) without tailpipe emissions, according to the European WLTP Procedure test cycle. The numbers should be lower on the more stringent EPA test cycle, which is certainly not something to write home about. However, many XC90 owners will be able to run errands without any fuel consumption.
Photo: Volvo
Volvo's data shows that about half of the distance traveled by Volvo's latest plug-in hybrids is driven on pure electric power. However, the SUV is powered by what Volvo calls the T8. The automaker doesn't mention any powertrain updates.
The system integrates a 2.0-liter twin-turbo in-line four-cylinder engine 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 any indicator. With the gasoline engine involved, the refreshed Volvo XC90 can travel up to 800 kilometers (497 miles).
Volvo continues to offer the XC90 in B6 and B5 versions with mild-hybrid technology, which features a 48-volt lithium-ion battery and a starter motor/generator, reducing emissions and fuel consumption by up to 15 percent in real-world driving.
Both feature the same 2.0-liter L4 engine. The B6 is expected to have 295 horsepower (299 metric horsepower), while the B5 is expected to make 247 (250).
Photo: Volvo
The XC90 is one of the last Mohican ICEs in Volvo's portfolio. The brand has already phased out diesel engines. It produced its last diesel passenger car in March, after keeping it in production for 45 years. The last diesel-powered model was an XC90.
Volvo credits the cabin with being the biggest change in the facelift. The automaker has come up with a new layout, specifically designed to increase practicality while maintaining Scandinavian minimalism. A more horizontal dashboard shape than before, premium recycled materials and new vertical air vents are on the menu.
Designers have also thought about more storage space. An additional cup holder has appeared in the center console. The wireless phone charger has been repositioned behind the center tunnel.
It also adopted technology already present in the new EX90 and EX30 electric cars and designed better insulation to keep out wind and road noise.
Photo: Volvo
A larger central touchscreen, now 11.2 inches instead of the previous 9-inch display, with improved resolution, has appeared on board. It provides access to new features, apps and regular over-the-air software updates.
Volvo has also improved the suspension system for greater comfort. Each individual shock absorber can now mechanically adapt to road conditions for better stability. An air suspension, working together with the active chassis, monitors the vehicle, the road and the driver 500 times a second. It can also lower the car by 20 millimetres or raise it by 40 millimetres.
Volvo labels the refreshed XC90 as one of the safest cars on the road. It features an advanced safety cage and a full suite of active safety features. For example, the XC90 can steer you back into your lane once it detects you’re moving into the oncoming lane, helping to avoid the risk of a collision.
The car will also react if it detects movement or a departure from the road, or will brake and steer to avoid collisions with other drivers, pedestrians or large animals.
Volvo equips its flagship SUV with a Bowers & Wilkins High Fidelity sound system, capable of reproducing the experience of a concert hall or jazz club.
Order books are already open. The 2025 Volvo XC90 is expected to go into production in late 2024. The first customers will receive their all-new SUV later this year.