Volvo’s largest SUV has just got even better, with its updated XC90 now featuring new mild- and plug-in hybrid technology, as well as improvements to safety equipment.
The XC90 sits at the top of Volvo’s line-up, and when unveiled in 2014 it was an escape from the norm of the Swedish firm’s cars, with its imposing styling and classy interior. As it was the first Volvo to feature the new design ethos, it was naturally the first to be facelifted.
The revised SUV is the first Volvo to feature mild-hybrid technology, which helps to recover kinetic energy for improved fuel consumption – making it 15 per cent more efficient. Cars featuring this technology are badged with a ‘B’, which is an extension of Volvo’s policy of naming petrol and diesel engines with a ‘T’ and ‘D’ respectively.
Confusing, we know.
Volvo says this new naming strategy represents a “major step” towards its electrification ambitions, as from 2019 every new Volvo launched will feature an electric motor.
The XC90 will be offered with B5 and B6 variants of both petrol and diesel, while the range of the existing T8 plug-in hybrid models has also been increased by 15 per cent.
As the XC90 is one of the safest cars on the market — with the second-generation model debuting ‘world firsts’ in the safety world — it’s little surprise that Volvo has added to the model’s already comprehensive list of kit. The updated XC90 now comes with oncoming lane mitigation, which can avoid traffic on the wrong side of the road, as well as automatic braking when reversing out of obstructed parking spaces.
Styling differences over the current car are few and far between, although a new grille, fresh paint options and revised alloy wheel designs come with the new model. Elsewhere, Android users will be glad to hear that they can sync their phones to the XC90’s touchscreen, as it was only Apple users who had the privilege before.
Order books will open for the refreshed XC90 from the middle of March, with first deliveries expected in June. Pricing and specifications are expected to be announced nearer the time but expect a slight increase over the current car’s £52,410 starting price.
