Upgraded Volvo XC90 is out
VOLVO’S updated range of XC90 luxury SUVs, first announced back in February, have now gone on sale with prices starting from £52,235.
The flagship, seven-seater XC90 features new styling details, additional equipment, upgrades to petrol-electric plug-in versions and the UK debut of a new mild-hybrid powertrain.
The 2020 model year XC90 range is the first to offer Volvo’s new mildhybrid power train – badged B5 – which combines the company’s established two-litre 235hp diesel engine with a 48-volt battery, a KERS kinetic energy recovery system and the headlights and audio system. The technology will be applied to petrol engines in the XC90 line-up in the coming year.
The B5 also gets an updated automatic transmission, which brings improved fuel efficiency and superior gearshift quality and also breaks new ground for Volvo by using a brake-by-wire system.
The XC90’s T8 twin engine petrol-electric plug-in hybrid powertrain has also been revised for the new range, with an increase in the high-voltage battery’s capacity from 10.4 to 11.8 kilowatt hours. This increases the car’s electric-only driving range by almost seven miles to a maximum of 28.6 miles, says the company.
Volvo’s 250hp T5 and 310hp T6 petrol engines continue to be available and all powertrains come with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.
Styling changes include a new grille and lower front bumper designs while R-Design variants have been given an even more purposeful look with a new black high-gloss finish for the exterior trim, including the door mirror casings, window frames and roof rails.
The new XC90 range is available in Momentum, R-Design and Inscription versions – each also available in more highly specified ‘Pro’ form.