VOLVO XC90
Modern and confident exterior
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XC90 T8 AWD Plug-in hybrid
[1] Thor’s Hammer headlamps with Volvo’s iconic iron mark as a motif. [2] The impression of the rear styling will not change significantly. [3] The center display has been enlarged to 11.2 inches. [4] Crystal selector lever.
On February 13th, Volvo Car Japan Co., Ltd. held a press conference to announce the introduction of a new model of the flagship seven-seater SUV, the Volvo XC90, which has sold 1 million units globally since the first model was released in 2002.
The new XC90 announced this time is a minor change model of the second generation that was released in 2015, and has a completely new front design in the style of the fully electric model “EX90”, with a major change to the impression of the front grille and headlights. It is claimed to have a “modern and confident exterior”.
The interior also incorporates the best of Scandinavian design, and is said to offer a luxurious and comfortable interior space. The familiar crystal selector lever is still in place. The center display has been enlarged from the previous 9 inches to 11.2 inches, with a 21% higher resolution, improving operability and visibility. The car also features a next-generation user experience, with regular software updates planned via OTA technology.
Two types of powertrains
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XC90 T8 AWD Plug-in hybrid
XC90 T8 AWD Plug-in hybrid
[1] The PHEV T8 delivers a maximum output of 317 PS/6000 rpm and a maximum torque of 400 Nm/3000-5400 rpm. [2] The MHEV B5 is equipped with a Miller cycle engine with a maximum output of 250 PS/5400-5700 rpm and a maximum torque of 360 Nm/2000-4500 rpm. Fuel efficiency is said to have improved by 5.3%.
The powertrain lineup includes a 48V mild hybrid (MHEV) system and a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) that combines a high-output motor. The model is touted as a bridge to electrification. All vehicles are equipped with a 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder turbo engine mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission, and the MHEV B5 is equipped with a Miller cycle engine with a maximum output of 250 PS/5400-5700 rpm and a maximum torque of 360 Nm/2000-4500 rpm. Fuel efficiency is said to have improved by 5.3%. Meanwhile, the PHEV T8 produces a maximum output of 317 PS/6000 rpm and a maximum torque of 400 Nm/3000-5400 rpm. The drive system is AWD.
The plug-in hybrid model, the XC90 Ultra T8 AWD, is equipped with an 18.8 kWh lithium-ion battery and boasts an EV range of 73 km. For longer distances, the electric motor can be combined with an efficient internal combustion engine, extending the range to over 900 km. Two mild hybrid grades are available: the XC90 Plus B5 AWD and the XC90 Ultra B5 AWD.
Electrification goals remain high
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[1] Folding down the split-folding third row seats opens up a spacious luggage compartment. [2] As you’d expect from Volvo, the car is equipped with high-quality seats that won’t tire you out even during long rides. [3] It boasts high safety performance all the way up to the third row.
In terms of safety, the vehicle features a robust body and comprehensive active safety features, ensuring the safety of passengers up to 170 cm tall, even in the third row. The mild hybrid model is equipped with new dampers to improve ride comfort, while the plug-in hybrid model uses air suspension, which is said to combine a comfortable ride with dynamic driving performance.
Although Volvo has withdrawn its pledge to have all vehicles sold by 2030 be fully electric, it still has the ambitious goal of having 90% BEVs or PHEVs and the remaining 10% MHEVs by 2030. Already last year, BEVs and PHEVs accounted for 23% of the total, a combined high 46%, making this a realistic target.
