2019 Volvo XC90 updates include 'B' badged Mild Hybrids

2019 Volvo XC90 Mild Hybrid

The Volvo XC90 gets its first proper update with small tweaks and the arrival of mild hybrid versions of both diesel and petrol engines.

The Volvo XC90 still feels like a ‘new’ car from Volvo, but it’s been with us since 2014. So it’s time for a bit of a refresh.

Volvo hasn’t exactly gone overboard with a complete makeover, instead delivering small nips and tucks to the looks and specs; more a non-surgical lunchtime titivate than a full-blown facelift.

There’s the usual updates you expect on a refresh to alloy and paint options, and the grille get an update. And really, that’s about it for the looks. But if it ain’t broke…

Beyond that, the only other real update news is the arrival of Android Auto to add to Apple CarPlay (we thought it’d have to wait for the new Google Android MMI for Sensus).

But it’s the arrival of new mild hybrid powertrains for the XC90 which are the big news, with Volvo using ‘B’ on its badging to denote the hybrid option, which is available as a B5 petrol and diesel and a B6 petrol.

The new system, which will be rolled out across the rest of Volvo’s range, uses kinetic energy recovered from braking to assist the ICE, with Volvo promising savings of up to 15 per cent in fuel and emissions from the new system.

Full details and prices for the 2018 Volvo XC90 will be announced soon, with production starting in March and deliveries starting in June.