Volvo updates XC90 to match BEV’s specification

FOLLOWING quickly in the tyre tracks of Volvo’s new fully electric EX90 Large segment SUV is an update to its two ICE powered hybrid XC90 seven-seat models that ushers in high-end tech’ and recent design elements lifted from BEVs in the line-up.

The AWD XC90 Ultra B5 Bright mild hybrid is priced from $104,990 and the AWD XC90 Ultra T8 Plug-in Hybrid is priced from $130,990 (both excluding on-road costs).

Competition may come from the likes of Volkswagen’s Touareg, Lexus RX variants, and perhaps Land Rover Defender variants, among others.

The XC90 changes bring a broad suite of technology and styling updates inside and out to the luxury SUV that Volvo says, “is now better than ever before”.

Outwardly, the revised model benefits from a more contemporary exterior look that reinforces the new XC90’s “confident” look echoing elements of the newest, fully electric Volvo cars.

On the inside the model features enhanced practicality bringing Volvo’s latest user experience first seen in the EX90 and EX30 electric cars.

A larger central touchscreen dominates with higher resolution thanks to a denser pixel array to improve the user experience that according to Volvo, “opens up a world of new features, apps and of course regular over-the-air software updates”.

The interior is further equipped with redesigned front cabin that represents the best of contemporary Scandinavian design, says Volvo.

Focal point is the dashboard which has a more horizontal shape than before and incorporates decorative panels made from premium recycled materials for a more textured finish. It is split by new vertical air vents and has enhanced illumination that contributes to an even more luxurious feel at night.

From a practical standpoint, the reconfigured cabin makes the refreshed XC90 even more practical and is down to feedback from current XC90 owners.

Designers reworked storage space in the centre console for increased capacity including an additional cupholder while placing the wireless phone charger behind the central tunnel, separate from the main storage area, for greater convenience.

Volvo says the revised model can be specified with one of the best-sounding audio systems for a car in the Bowers & Wilkins High Fidelity audio system that can “replicate the acoustics of a stage, a concert hall or a jazz club”.

Safety aspects received attention to make the new XC90 one of the safest cars available equipped with an advanced safety cage as well as a comprehensive suite of active safety features.

Using radar and a front camera, the new XC90 can detect if the driver has drifted into an oncoming lane and steer the car safely back on track to avoid the risk of a collision.

It will also help avoid inadvertently running off the road and can use braking and steering to help avoid collisions with other vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists, and large animals.

Dynamics and comfort have been upgraded through improved suspension further upgradable with optional air suspension that works together with an active chassis that monitors the car, road and driver 500 times per second to give the most comfortable ride possible.

The XC90’s seats have also been upgraded in line with the suspension. Volvo says it has improved seat comfort in line with other upgrades.

Propulsion for the XC90 Ultra B5 Bright remains unchanged and comes from a 184kW/360Nm turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol four-cylinder engine with mild hybrid assistance via an integrated 10kW/40Nm traction motor within the eight-speed automatic transmission.

The more potent XC90 Ultra T8 Dark PHEV is also unchanged, coupling a 107kW/309Nm permanent synchronous magnetic electric motor to a 233kW/400Nm turbo-four with e-boost. The latter has electric drive to the rear wheels that can make most daily drives on pure electric power.

Both models are generously equipped with luxury kit, the PHEV gaining additional items over the XC90 Ultra B5 Bright such as the 22-inch black diamond-cut alloys, tinted rear windows, roof rails integrated in glossy black, front grille “dark”, fully colour adapted sills and bumpers and black wing mirror covers.

2025 Volvo XC90 pricing*:

*Pricing excludes on-road costs.