Volvo has heavily reworked the highly V successful XC90 with a number of "fundamental changes", including design and technology updates inspired by its new electric EX90 sibling.
The second generation of the large SUV was launched in 2014 and the Swedish firm has sold close to a million examples. This new version is effectively a significant development of that model. It sits on the same SPAI platform and will be available with the same choice of one plug-in hybrid and two mild-hybrid allwheel-drive powertrains.
The significant revamp of the XC90 comes as Volvo abandons its pledge to sell only electric cars from 2030 onwards. Citing EV infrastructure and lower consumer acceptance than expected, the brand is now aiming for between 90% and 100% of sales to be electrified - either battery-electric or plug-in hybrid with the remainder coming from mild hybrids.
Volvo CEO Jim Rowan said that "the transition to electrification will not be linear" and that the firm "will continue to invest in our hybrids".
The new XC90 line-up will continue to be headed by the T8 PHEV, which pairs a 306bhp four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine with a 143bhp permanent magnet synchronous motor powered by a 14.7kWh (usable capacity) battery. The set-up offers an electric-only range of 44 miles.
The two mild hybrids use a four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine mated to an integrated starter-generator. The entry-level B5 version offers 247bhp while an e-supercharger in the B6 lifts that to 296bhp.
Volvo says that it has reworked the mild-hybrid engines to use the Miller combustion cycle to optimise their fuel efficiency. The B5 has an official fuel economy of 33.2mpg and the B6 offers 31.7mpg.
Denne historien er fra September 11, 2024-utgaven av Autocar UK.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra September 11, 2024-utgaven av Autocar UK.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Poster car that went from rusty to trusty
One evening, two years ago, George Pappas was being driven down his local high street by a mate and mulling over whether to replace his Mk4 Golf diesel, a recent purchase that was boring him to death, when his girlfriend, also in the car, spotted an old BMW 3 Series at the side of the road with a 'for sale' sign in the window.
THE SEVEN-SEATER THAT VOLVO DARE NOT KILL OFF
The current-gen XC90 has been on sale since 2015 for good reason
GENESIS ELECTRIFIED G80
Where the story begins, in the Hyundai premium marque’s luxury saloon
LEXUSLBX
Can you shrink premium quality to fit an SUV this small? We now know
Rolls boss ready to 'define the next chapter'
Nine months into the job, Rolls-Royce CEO and car guy Chris Brownridge tells STEVE CROPLEY what he's learned and where the firm's heading
Once more, with feeling
AC Cars' recreation of the classic MkII Cobra is at first glance a faithful facsimile of a 1960s performance benchmark. SIMON HUCKNALL drives it
MERCEDES-BENZ CLE
Does a PHEV set-up work in a coupé that exudes such old-school vibes?
ANALOGUE SUPERSPORT
Lotus Elise specialist uprates 1990s icon with an eye on track days
ALPINE A290
The hot hatch is alive and well, and living in France. On both road and track, there's much to savour`
UK HANGS ON TO OLD CARS
Average car age climbs as high prices dampen demand for new models