Following a leak of a raft of official photos of the 2015 Volvo XC90 earlier today, Volvo now reveals the new XC90 ahead of its debut at the Paris Motor Show.
We may have commented this morning – when we had a full gallery of photos of the 2015 Volvo XC90 arrive – that the new XC90 isn’t quite as radical as we’d expected. But it is definitely radical enough to relaunch the Volvo brand.
Now officially revealed, the 2015 Volvo XC90 is longer and lower than the 2002 XC90 and is equipped with clever design clever technology and clever engines.
Despite is more mainstream look, the new XC90 does take cues from the Coupe Concept that previewed the XC90 with its statement grill, ‘Thor’ running lights, long contoured bonnet and impressive back lights, and its new interior – complete with Tesla-esque central ‘Tablet’ infotainment – looks to functional, robust and luxurious.
Volvo see the new XC90 as not just the re-birth of their, arguably, most important model, but the re-birth of Volvo as a brand. Håkan Samuelsson, Volvo CEO, said:
This is one of the most important days in our history. We are not just launching a car, but re-launching our brand. This day marks a new era for our company. The XC90 paves the way for a portfolio of exciting new cars to come in the following years.
With the XC90 we see not just a new range-topping SUV, but the arrival of Volvo’s Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) which will underpin many of Volvo’s new models, a platform which is stronger, lighter and more flexible than before and can accommodate the seven seats the XC90 offers with real space for passengers.
What the new XC90 also brings with it are Volvo’s new engines – all 2.0 litre 4-cylinder units – with the new 390bhp T8 plug-in Hybrid, an XC90 T6 with a turbocharged and supercharged engine delivering 316bhp and the XC90 D5 diesel with twin turbos and 222bhp, all with an 8-speed auto.
At launch – in April 2015 – all the XC90s on offer will be 4WD, but this time next year Volvo will launch a FWD 187bhp D4 version lower down the range.
New technology also features heavily on the new XC90 with Run Off Protection and Auto Braking as world firsts, as well as City Safe, and all heading towards Volvo’s autonomous driving future.
To kick things off, Volvo are launching the XC90 First Edition models – 1927 models that can be ordered exclusively online from 3rd September – which will cost £68,000.
The First Edition models come fully specced and can be had with either the 316bhp T6 petrol(not UK) or 222bhp D5 diesel, AWD and 8-speed gearbox, with an Onyx Black paint job, 21″ alloys, Amber Nappa leather, charcoal dash and walnut inlays.
Volvo will start production of the new XC90 at the beginning of 2015.
Have your say - leave a comment