The all-new Volvo XC90 has entered the final stages of development prior to receiving its public debut at the Paris motor show in October. While undisguised cars have been shown to a small group of journalists behind closed doors at the firm’s Arctic test facility. Volvo may reveal it in the month of August ahead of its Paris debut.
The SUV is the first car to be based on Volvo’s new Scalable Platform Architecture (SPA), which will eventually underpin all future 40, 60 and 90-series models. The Design engineers have pushed the front wheels forwards and the A-pillars backwards to get a long bonnet and have also restricted the platform for accommodating four-cylinder engines, although there will be everything from a mild hybrid to a pure electric version.
All Volvo engines will have four cylinders for both petrol and diesel versions and will have variations of single and twin turbos and a combination of turbocharging and supercharging. Volvo claims fuel economy improvements of between 15 and 35 per cent over their predecessors courtesy the cutting edge i-ART injection system that can meter out fuel to each cylinder with extreme accuracy. Apart from the usual Internal Combustion Engines, the XC90 will also come in hybrid form with an electric motor powering the rear wheels. Further down the line, a version of the XC90 equipped with an energy-harvesting flywheel on the rear axle is likely, while a pure electric version of the large SUV will have its batteries packaged in the centre tunnel and under the rear floor so interior space won’t be compromised.
Updated on 13th August 2014
Volvo has teased the XC90 again, this time showing the ‘Thor’s Hammer’ shaped DRLs integrated onto the headlight.
The headlight unit is based on the unit shown on the 2014 Volvo XC Coupe Concept and will become a staple on many future Volvo models. The DRLS divide the full-LED headlamps and indicator units and look really nice.
Volvo also highlighted the new Scalable Product Architecture modular chassis which will be used for the first time underneath the XC90. The modular platform will help Volvo reduce costs in the future and will feature on many future products which would include a wide range of cars, powertrains, electrical systems and technologies.
Highlights of the new SPA modular chassis include:
- Freedom for designers
- Better dynamics because of reduced weight and better chassis stiffening
- Increased interior space and flexibility
- Ease of using different powertrains without intrusion into interior space or load space
- Improved safety
We will keep you updated on the XC90. Let us know your thoughts on the car in the comments section below.
Updated on 24th July 2014
Volvo has previewed safety system which will be available on the upcoming XC90. Some of them are as follows:
- Run-off protection: Car detects if it is going off-road after an accident and keep the seat-belts tightened till the car comes to rest.
- Safe positioning: Reduces spinal injuries by absorbing most of the vertical force between the seat and the seat frame cushions
- Lane Keeping Aid: reduces unintentional lane departures by correcting steering inputs
- Auto brake function at intersections: Reduces chances of colliding with other cars at an intersections, car detects other cars and automatically brakes if needed
- Queue assist: Reduces stresses of driving in bumper to bumper traffic by automatically crawling forward, braking and steering as the car in front
We will keep you updated on further developments about the Volvo XC90. Stay tuned.
Updated On 10 July 2014
After a series of leaks and teasers Volvo XC 90, has revealed an update on the powertrain, in a bid to keep the suspense and anticipation alive from the prospective customers and journalists. The upcoming Volvo XC 90 SUV, in the recent past, has garnered a lot of attention and publicity from the journalists worldwide and the brand itself. Previewed by the Concept XC Coupe at the Detroit Auto Show, earlier the brand gave us a glimpse inside the cabin, and last month it revealed its new infotainment system, but now Volvo has released details on the upcoming new XC90’s powertrain.
While the previous XC90 was available with a V8 engine furnished by Yamaha, the new model won’t be available with eight cylinders. Volvo has announced for its new flagship SUV, a highly potent four-cylinder engine that uses every trick in the book to optimize both fuel efficiency and performance.
The top-of-the-line XC90 T8 will employ a 2.0-liter four with both supercharger and turbocharger and mated to a plug-in hybrid assist to deliver a whopping 400 BHP and 640 Nm of torque. The dual-charged Drive-E engine optimizes power delivery across the range and drives the front wheels, while the rear wheels are driven by an 80-BHP electric motor for a purely electric range of 25 miles or through-the-road all-wheel drive capabilities.
The XC90 will also be offered with less advanced and less potent engines, at least overseas, including a four-cylinder turbodiesel with 190 BHP and 400 Nm of torque, and a five-cylinder turbodiesel with 225 BHP and 470 Nm.
Updated on 4th July 2014
Spy shots have emerged of the upcoming Volvo XC90 SUV. The SUV will be revealed in August 2014, and the newest spy shots show that the XC90 has shed a lot of its camouflage. The spy shots show that the final design will borrow a lot of design cues from the 2014 Volvo XC Coupe Concept with sharp headlights and a different take on the classic Volvo vertical tail-lamps. Check out the spy shots below:
Photo Gallery : 2014 Volvo XC Coupe Concept
What do you think? Let us know in the comments section below.
Spy Shots Courtesy: autoevolution.com
Updated on 1st July 2015
Google at its I/O Developers Conference on 27th announced the new Android Auto system for passenger cars. The system, which is similar to Apple’s CarPlay, will be making its way onto the dashboards of various auto brands and guess what, the next generation 2015 Volvo XC90 will boast of this Android option on its large tablet-like touchscreen.
The system, according to Volvo, will be highly functional yet simple to use. Applications like Google Search, Google Maps, Google Play Music and Spotify will be accessible through voice commands or steering mounted controls, or through the car’s touchscreen itself. Cars will also be able to connect themselves and communicate. Volvo says that owners will have the option of choosing between the Android Auto system or Apple’s CarPlay system on their future cars based on the SPA (Scalable Product Architecture). With the majority of users in Asian countries preferring Android over Apple, the competition which is already cut-throat, just got fiercer.
The new XC90, which is compatible with both these systems, will be revealed at the Paris Motor Show in October this year. The SUV is already getting teasers and launch updates which is the build to the grand launch in Paris.
Updated on 6th June 2014
Volvo has showcased the button-less infotainment system, which is the centre-piece of the car’s centre -console, in a new video. Check it out below:
Updated on 2nd June 2014
Before a grand premier of the Volvo XC 90 at the Paris Motor Show, the Swedish auto maker has revealed the interiors of the same. The full external reveal will happen in August which will be a build-up to Paris.
There’s a reason why the Scandinavians have decided to showcase the interiors first, before the launch. Touted as one of the most luxurious offering ever by the brand, Volvo a company known for its ruggedness and robust designs are making its mark by pampering the passengers. The XC90 is clearly a first class lounge running on wheels, transporting people. Volvo has a global reputation for integrating the latest technology with design that is clean, beautiful and crafted from the finest materials, atleast so they say. But the interiors of this new offering is truly miles ahead from its predecessor which was last released in 2012.
The interiors are nothing less than a revelation. The 7-seater SUV takes a giant leap in terms of upgrade and technology with maximising the touch screen accessibility features taking over from the conventional buttons. The tablet like touch-screen at the heart of the dashboard is virtually button free, represents an entirely new way for drivers to control their car and access a range of Internet-based products and services.
The whole cabin space has been crafted to perfection and would even make sheikhs from the Gulf succumb to its flattery. These include soft Nappa leather seats and dark flame birch wood, a gear-lever made of crystal from Orrefors, the famous Swedish glass maker, and diamond-cut controls for the start/stop button and volume control. Full iPhone and iPad integration is offered through Apple’s new CarPlay system.
Gear lever made by the famous glass-company Orrefors and diamond cut start/stop button“These details add a bit of exclusive playfulness rather than pure functionality in the otherwise pure and elegant design,” said Robin Page, Volvo Cars’ interior design director.
The all-new XC90 is the first Volvo to use the company’s Scalable Product Architecture (SPA), which creates a far wider range of design possibilities, improves driveability and permits the inclusion of the latest safety features and connected in-car technologies, while at the same time increasing interior space. This new architecture enables the company to strengthen and reinforce its audacious aim that by the year 2020 no one will be killed or seriously injured in a new Volvo.
The second row features three individual seats with recline adjustment. The sliding function can be used to create more legroom for the passengers in the third row – or to increase loading space if the third row seats are folded flat. An integrated child booster cushion in the center seat is optional.
The seats in the third row, which offer class-leading comfort for passengers with a height up to 5’7″, are slightly centered to offer occupants a generous theater-seat-inspired view. Additional space for the feet under the second row seats creates additional comfort and legroom. Special attention has also been given to ensure easy ingress and egress from the third row and ease of operation, making this the best third row in the segment. The all-new Volvo XC90 can be specified with a four-zone climate system with individual settings for the occupants in the front seats and in the second row. A separate air-conditioning unit for the third row is optional.
Volvo, in its press release, announced that the SUV will continue to unfold over the summer with more insight into the latest advancements within safety and interior air quality. The technology highlights, including chassis and powertrains, will be revealed starting mid-July and continue throughout the summer until the exterior launch at the end of August.
We will keep you posted on further developments on this, until then do let us know what you think of the new Volvo XC90!
