As Volvo transitions to a fully electric vehicle portfolio, hybrid models that combine electric and gasoline powertrains will remain crucial components of its offerings.
As Gothenburg’s weather forecasted a gloomy Wednesday, Volvo took the opportunity to outline the path forward for their flagship SUVs – and confidently announced that while the recently unveiled EX90 may be stealing the spotlight, the XC90 will not be overlooked.
A newly designed grille, featuring “counteracting slats,” gives gasoline Volvos a fresh face, reinterpreting Volvo’s signature diagonal grille bars with a unique twist. The grille is framed in either brightwork or gloss black, matching the trim throughout (although U.S. Variations will undoubtedly garner an intense gaze. Newly designed headlamps boast a compact 15-segment matrix LED display, complemented by advanced active high-beam technology and seamlessly integrated cornering lamps that maintain the iconic “Thor’s hammer” aesthetic. The hood and front fenders have undergone a redesign to harmonize with their refined features. A bold new aesthetic unfolds with innovative wheel designs, mysterious darkened rear lamps, and a daring introduction of Mulberry Pink as a striking new hue.
2025.5 Volvo XC90
XC90 goes Google-based, retains CarPlay
While these updates collectively constitute a subtle facelift, the most significant enhancements actually occur beneath the surface. There, the SUV is equipped with the EX90 and EX30 electric vehicles, boasting a larger, free-standing touchscreen system that seamlessly integrates with various smartphone apps and accommodates over-the-air updates. The 11.2-inch fully capacitive display, conceived in collaboration with Google, features the same intuitive interface as the 14.5-inch touchscreen system on the EX90. It seamlessly integrates with Google Assistant, Google Maps, and Google Play, as well as supports Apple CarPlay. The devices feature USB-C ports strategically placed in both the initial and subsequent rows for added convenience. The Volvo XC90 now offers seamless over-the-air software replacement capabilities.
With its reimagined dashboard boasting an additional horizontal structure compared to previous iterations, Volvo has incorporated recycled materials and a more tactile finish, while vertically oriented air vents now inject a sense of visual hierarchy into the design. The lighting scheme too has undergone a refresh. The centre console’s tunnel space has been reconfigured to provide ample storage for handsets, while wireless charging is now situated at the front of the compartment.
The exterior dimensions of the XC90 remain unchanged, with no significant updates to its length, width, or height. Standing approximately 195 inches tall, its wheelbase measuring 117.5 inches, and reaching a height of around 69 inches. The XC90 is available in both six- and seven-seat configurations, differing primarily in that the latter features two spacious captain’s chairs in the second row. Each layout boasts flat-folding second and third rows, accompanied by a spacious panoramic roof that pours sunlight onto interior designs characterized by soft, understated elegance and meticulous attention to detail in terms of materials and textures. The Volvo interior features advanced air purification technology across all models, with certain trims offering customizable four-zone climate control for enhanced occupant comfort.
U.S. Although details on options and pricing for the 2025.5 XC90 remain scarce, Volvo has confirmed that the trim level will include a destination fee of $1,295.
On Wednesday, Volvo unveiled its XC90 in two new world-inspired trim levels: Plus and Extreme, each featuring unique interior designs, including optional quilted Nordico or herringbone-weave upholstery. As soon as once more, the XC90 will be geared up with Harman Kardon premium audio or, above that, a Bowers & Wilkins system with 19 audio system and 4 surround-sound listening modes.
Will Volvo’s PHEV Be an Electric Vehicle Backup Plan?
Volvo refers to its XC90 T8 as “an electric automobile with a backup plan,” acknowledging the plug-in hybrid’s dual nature, where it seamlessly transitions from electric-only to gas-powered propulsion when needed, delivering a more spirited driving experience once its internal combustion engine kicks in. The system seamlessly shifts between Pure, Hybrid, Energy, Fixed AWD, and Off-Highway modes to adapt to varying driving conditions. The T8 plug-in hybrid boasts a tried-and-true three-layer 18.8-kWh battery pack (14.7 kWh usable), the same reliable unit used across many of its plug-in hybrid models over the past couple years, combining for 310 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque from the gasoline engine and an additional 145 horsepower and 228 pound-feet in electric drive mode. Volvo stays ahead of the curve by anticipating and meeting EPA regulations.
The remaining 2025.5 XC90 models will be led by a base B5 trim, powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine producing 247 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. The B6 model follows, boasting a potent powerplant that produces a considerable 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. Two fashion-focused vehicles aim to achieve EPA-rated fuel economy of 26 mpg and 23 mpg, respectively, featuring innovative technologies designed to enhance fuel efficiency during low-load and stop-and-go driving conditions.
Preconditioning the vehicle’s interior based on local weather conditions optimizes battery life and reduces electricity costs for plug-in hybrid models, as it warms or cools the cabin prior to departure. The system includes a windshield de-icer function that can be started via the app or triggered automatically at set intervals.
Volvo has factored in a higher-output 6.4-kilowatt onboard charger, which will enable plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) owners to charge their vehicles more quickly at destinations and during breaks on the go? And the XC90 is Plug & Cost suitable in line with Volvo. Volvo claims to have revamped its charging port, but fails to provide a comparable benchmark to Tesla’s NACS port.
The revamped XC90 may receive a 2025.5 model year designation due to its significant overlap with the recently arrived 2025 XC90 in the US market. dealerships. The 2025.5 XC90 may become available for purchase in late 2024, with deliveries commencing in the United States shortly thereafter. By mid-February of 2025, ideally.
