New Volvo XC90 SUV revealed

    The new Volvo XC90 is based on Volvo’s Scalable Platform Architecture (SPA) and uses the new Drive-E engine family.

    Published On Aug 26, 2014 05:36:00 PM

    15,209 Views

    Volvo has unveiled the all-new XC90, the most important model in the firm’s recent history.

    The range-topping Twin Engine model will carry the T8 badge and, says Volvo, “be a plug-in electric car, hybrid car and high-performance car rolled into one”. It uses a 2.0-litre four-cylinder supercharged and turbocharged petrol engine to power the front wheels and an 80bhp electric motor to drive the rear wheels. The most popular model internationally is expected to be the XC90 D4, which has 187bhp and 40.8kgm.

    The new XC90 is based on Volvo’s much-trailed Scalable Platform Architecture (SPA) and uses the firm’s new family of Drive-E engines, which have already been recently launched in India, in the S60 sedan and XC60 crossover. “SPA has enabled us to create the world’s first SUV without compromises,” said Peter Mertens, Volvo’s senior vice president of research and development. “You get the in-command feel, generous interior space and flexible capability combined with the agility and smooth comfort of a much smaller and lower car.”

    The XC90 also marks the beginning of the brand’s new design language, which is being masterminded by ex-Volkswagen Group designer Thomas Ingenlath. The new grille, more prominent iron mark and T-shaped ‘Thor’s Hammer’ LED daytime running lights will be featured on all future models. Volvo is also promising the option of wheels of up to 22 inches in diameter. Continued.

    Interior highlights include a new centrally mounted touchscreen whose display functions as a stack of ‘tiles’, with navigation at the top, followed by media and telephone. The XC90 has a new cloud-based navigation system provided by Ericsson. Other cloud services will include internet radio, music streaming and apps for finding and paying for parking. The XC90 will also have the option of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for syncing smartphones. The cabin also features a gearlever made of crystal glass and a diamond-cut finish for the engine start/stop button and audio volume control.

    A range-topping audio system has been designed with Bowers & Wilkins. It features a 1400W ‘class D’ amplifier, 19 speakers and what Volvo claims is one of the first air-ventilated subwoofers in a car. It is integrated into the car body and turns the whole interior space into a giant subwoofer.

    Volvo claims that the new XC90 offers “the most comprehensive and technologically sophisticated standard safety package available in the automotive industry”. It includes two world-first safety technologies: a ‘run-off road protection package’ and ‘auto brake at intersection’ capability. Should the driver lose control and run off the road, the car can detect what is happening and tighten the seat belts to keep the occupants in position. The XC90 is, according to Volvo, “the first car with automatic braking if the driver turns in front of an oncoming car”, while a new generation of City Safety automatic braking is said to be able to detect and react to other vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians in front of the car, both during the day and at night. There is also a new function by which the XC90 “automatically follows the vehicle ahead in stop-and-go traffic”, for a simplified semi-autonomous driving experience. Continued..

    Volvo has chosen to launch a limited First Edition of the XC90. The 1927 individually numbered cars mark the year in which Volvo was founded and will only be available for sale online. The First Edition cars will offer a choice of two powertrains, both based on the new 2.0-litre Drive-E engines. The supercharged and turbocharged petrol T6 has maximum outputs of 320bhp and 40.8kgm, while the twin-turbocharged D5 diesel offers 225bhp and 47.8kgm. The engines are both mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission.

    These launch models feature an onyx black exterior, eight-spoke, 21-inch ‘Inscription’ alloy wheels and an interior that features nappa leather seats in amber, a charcoal leather dashboard and walnut inlays.

    To meet the requirements for ‘dynamic handling’, Volvo is using double-wishbone front suspension for the first time. At the rear, the base multi-link axle uses a composite leaf spring, which is light and extremely simple but still offers independent springing for each rear wheel.

    The electrical architecture is designed to “skip one step” and allows nearly all of the cabin’s switches and knobs to be eliminated. Volvo has avoided using a BMW iDrive-style controller and almost all of the functions are accessed via the large touchscreen, including, for example, electric seat adjustment.

    The electrical architecture is designed to be upgraded easily and rapidly for future advances and car-to-car communications.

    More photos here

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