Design
The new XC90 has a redesigned chassis with double wishbone front suspension and a new integral link rear axle incorporating transverse leaf spring of lightweight material.[54][55] The new XC90 can also be equipped with electronically controlled air suspension with a choice of five modes.[52]
The interior features a 9" tablet-like touch screen control console along with steering wheel controls and voice-control system, all linked to an interface, marketed as Sensus, which allows for access to cloud-based apps including Internet radio, connected navigation, parking, music streaming, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hot spot for using a tablet in the car. Other features include a gear lever made of Orrefors crystal as well as diamond-cut controls for the start/stop button and drive mode control, located on the centre console between the driver and passenger seats.
The highest level audio system in the XC90 features a 1400W Class-D amplifier and 19 Bowers & Wilkins speakers as well as one of the first air-ventilated subwoofers in a car. Integrated into the car body, it turns the entire interior space into a large subwoofer. The latest sound processing software has been used to manage the timing of the sound and co-ordination of the speakers.
The vehicle's seats have also been redesigned with adjustable side bolsters, seat cushion extension and massage. The second row features three individual seats with recline adjustment. A sliding function can be used to create more legroom for the passengers in the third row or to increase loading space. An integrated child booster cushion in the centre seat is available. The Volvo XC90 seats five people in two rows of seating or seven people in three rows of seating. The five-seat layout version of the XC90 was discontinued after the 2017 model year, as third-row seating was made standard on all Volvo XC90s regardless of trim level and powertrain choice (with the exception of the Excellence Trim level) from the 2018 model year. Second-row captain chairs, which eliminates the centre seat in the second row and reduces capacity to six people, became optional on the Volvo XC90 in 2019 for the 2020 model year.
Volvo Cars' air purification system has been improved by adding a new carbon filter for more efficient capture of small, particles and pollen in the incoming air. The second generation XC90 offers a 360-degree view system capable of providing the driver with a birds-eye view, whereby information from all cameras is gathered and digitally integrated in a central processor to form a 360-degree image. The rear sensing system, marketed as Park Assist Pilot, offers automatic reversing into a parking bay.[52]
The 2nd generation XC90 was the first Volvo to carry the company's new, more prominent iron mark, which has the iconic arrow aligned with the diagonal metallic slash across the grille,[56] along with T-shaped LED daytime running lights known as "Thor's Hammer" by Volvo designers.[57]
The car is available in five trim levels (Volvo describing it as "expressions"), namely Kinetic (base trim level), Momentum, Inscription (a more luxurious trim), R-design (a sportier trim) and Excellence (ultra-luxury).[52][58]
Safety
The Second Generation Volvo XC90 SUV feature (IntelliSafe), including Run-off-road protection package and Auto brake at intersection.[59][60]
The Volvo XC90 safety systems include:
- Run-off-road protection package. In a run-off-road scenario, the all-new Volvo XC90 detects what is happening and the front safety belts are tightened to keep the occupants in position. To help prevent Spinal cord injury, energy-absorbing functionality between the seat and seat frame cushions the vertical forces that can arise when the car encounters a hard landing in the terrain.[52]
- City Safety with auto brake in intersections. The XC90 is the first car in the world with technology that features automatic braking if the driver turns in front of an oncoming car.[61] This is a common scenario at busy city crossings as well as on highways, where the speed limits are higher.
Pilot Assist II 2017 model year
A lane departure warning system includes a semi-autonomous drive technology, Pilot Assist II as standard on the XC90 in selected markets for the 2017 model year.[62]
The Volvo brand has also made the claim that "By 2020, nobody shall be seriously injured or killed in a new Volvo."[63]
Euro NCAP tested a 2015 XC90 (model year 2016), 5-door SUV with standard equipment. Euro NCAP regards the XC90 model as a "best in class" performer.[64] NHTSA only recorded for rollover.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety also crash-tested the XC90, and presented the following results:
With over 50,000 vehicles sold in the UK by 2018, no driver or passenger fatality had been recorded.[68]
T8
The T8 plug-in hybrid version of the XC90 is based on technology used in the Volvo V60 PHEV.[47] The batteries, which are situated at the centre of the vehicle, can be charged using an electric vehicle charger and can also store energy recovered by regenerative braking. Volvo says that the XC90 T8 sacrifices no passenger or cargo space to accommodate the hybrid equipment.[51] However, the tank capacity was reduced to 50 L[69] for 2016–2018 models and the spare tire was removed.
The vehicle emits 49 g/km of CO2 and has an all-electric range of 43 km under the New European Driving Cycle. Normal driving is conducted in the default hybrid mode, but the driver can switch to a mode that uses only electric power, with zero emission driving.[70] Under the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) tests, at launch, the XC90 T8 had an all-electric range of 14 mi, with some petrol consumption (0.1 gal/100 mi), so the actual all-electric range was rated between 0 to 13 mi.
Trim levels
The second-generation Volvo XC90 is available in three distinct trim levels: Momentum, R Design, and Inscription. Momentum is the "base" design, and does not include features such as full leather-trimmed seating surfaces, woodgrain interior trim, or a GPS navigation system as standard equipment. The R Design features "Nubuck" upholstery and a sports exterior body kit, as well as dark trim accents on the exterior and interior. Inscription is the top-of-the-line design, and features full perforated Napa leather-trimmed seating surfaces, woodgrain interior trim, dual heated front, optional heated outboard rear seats, and additional bright accents on the exterior. For 2017, an "Excellence" trim was introduced (see below) with the "T8" plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain as standard equipment, as well as additional luxury features.
XC90 T8 Excellence
For 2017, a new "Excellence" trim level was introduced as a luxury-oriented version of the XC90. The Excellence offered a four-passenger (front/rear) seating configuration, which included rear "lounge" bucket seats that were heated and ventilated. Additional features included the Bowers and Wilkins premium surround-sound audio system with amplifier, heated and ventilated front and rear seats, a dual-pane panoramic power moonroof, rear seat entertainment system, and the "T8" plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain. There were a limited number of additional options available for the Excellence trim. The Excellence trim was discontinued following the 2020 model year, leaving the Inscription as the top trim level of the XC90.
XC90 T8 Excellence
For 2017, a new "Excellence" trim level was introduced as a luxury-oriented version of the XC90. The Excellence offered a four-passenger (front/rear) seating configuration, which included rear "lounge" bucket seats that were heated and ventilated. Additional features included the Bowers and Wilkins premium surround-sound audio system with amplifier, heated and ventilated front and rear seats, a dual-pane panoramic power moonroof, rear seat entertainment system, and the "T8" plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain. There were a limited number of additional options available for the Excellence trim. The Excellence trim was discontinued following the 2020 model year, leaving the Inscription as the top trim level of the XC90.
2019 facelift
In February 2019, for the 2020 model year, the XC90 received a mid-cycle facelift.[82] The facelift included revised front and rear fascias includes a new front grille design, new exterior colours, new wheel designs, the Sensus infotainment system became compatible with Android Auto, and the addition of a new kinetic energy recovery braking system.
For the 2021 model year, the "T8" powertrain was renamed the "XC90 Recharge".[83]
In 2022, for the 2023 model year, the base Momentum was replaced with the Core and Plus models depending on options, the R Design replaced with Plus and Ultimate models optioned with the Dark Theme, and the Inscription replaced with Plus and Ultimate models optioned in the Bright Theme. The range now included various previously cost-extra options as standard features.[84]
In 2023, Volvo removed conventional engines as an option, meaning mild hybrids are the base engine option in the US, denoted with a "B" distinction.[85]
2024 facelift
In September 2024, for the 2025 model year, the XC90 received another facelift.[87] Changes include a redesigned front fascia with new headlights and grille design, a modified front bumper, updated tinted LED taillights, a new 11.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system, increased interior storage spaces with a repositioned wireless charging pad, the dashboard features redesigned air vents and decorative materials made from recycled materials, and increased sound insulation. For 2025, the Ultimate trim was renamed Ultra.
Asia markets
Volvos sold in Indonesia, the Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam are all imported from Malaysia's Volvo factory in Shah Alam.[88]
The XC90 has also been selling in India since September 2015 coming from the Volvo plant in Bengaluru, India.
