As we go deeper into the transitional period of automotive history, where the car makers are looking to an electric future and not really willing to invest millions to develop successors for existing internal-combustion-powered models, we’re finding more and more cars are ‘living’ longer each life cycle, which in turn requires more than one update to keep them fresh and relevant. And one of the latest treated to this prolonging treatment is the second-generation Volvo XC90 seven-seat SUV.
Subtle exterior and interior tweaks
This generation of XC90 launched in 2015, although it still has a few years left to catch up with the lifespan of the Mk1, which lasted 11 years from 2003 until 2014. Nevertheless, the Mk2 XC90 remains an attractive, competent machine and so Volvo hasn’t made drastic changes to it for this second update (it had a mild facelift and tech revision in 2019).
Chief alterations on the outside include the familiar ‘Thor-hammer’ daytime running lights (DRLs) that now have a new iteration of illumination, with an outline formed by the units instead of solid beams. The main change, though, is to the radiator grille, which features a ‘distinctive interpretation’ of the diagonal Volvo motif. To complement this, there’s also a redesigned bonnet and front wings, as well as a reshaped charging port, darkened rear light clusters, new designs of alloy wheels and an additional body colour called Mulberry Red.
Inside, it takes its inspiration from the forthcoming EX90 all-electric seven-seat sibling SUV, with a horizontal design punctuated by the upright form of the latest 11.2-inch portrait infotainment system. The centre console has been resculpted to allow for a ‘2+1’ cupholder, with the smaller one designed for the use of slimline cans of drink, while the wireless smartphone charging pad has been repositioned to be more convenient. Environmentally sustainable materials are employed, too, called Nordico and Navy Herringbone Weave.
Hybrid powertrains continue
Power in the latest XC90 range still comes from a series of hybridised drivetrains, all centred around the 2.0-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine from the company’s ‘Drive-E’ era. Both the B5 and the B6 are mild hybrids, the former a turbocharged unit with 250hp/360Nm and the latter a turbocharged and supercharged unit delivering peaks of 300hp and 420Nm.
These are accompanied by a 10kW electric motor which helps reduce fuel consumption, but those wanting much more electrical capability from their family SUV will want the T8 plug-in hybrid, which features a 107kW electric motor on the rear axle and a 14.7kWh (usable energy capacity) lithium-ion battery pack. Peak outputs are 455hp and 709Nm, while the electric range is stated to be around 63km.
All three XC90s are four-wheel drive, and they have eight-speed automatic gearboxes, while the standard suspension set-up (including double wishbones at the front) has been enhanced with frequency selective dampers (FSDs) to improve the rolling comfort of the Volvo SUV. As before, full self-levelling air suspension will be an option on the range. The Swedish company also says it has packed more sound-deadening into the hidden areas of the XC90, to make it quieter on the move.
Full Irish prices and specifications for the updated Volvo XC90 range will be announced in due course, ahead of the order books opening later this year.