This second facelift for the second-generation XC90 also adds more tech and more refinement.
While it still certainly doesn’t look likely, Volvo’s second-generation XC90 has actually been around for over a decade already. Though in its attempt here to keep it fresh for few more years to come, the Swedish automaker has since recently revealed a(nother) mildly revamped version of its largest fuel-drinking SUV.
This most recent revamp comes after a prior nip-and-tuck performed previously back in 2019, with the most notable exterior aesthetic change this time round being its striking new criss-cross patterned front grille. This altered snout is to be flanked by mildly updated set of Thor’s Hammer LED headlights, before a reworked front bumper featuring a set of sleek vertical vents and a slimmed-down lower central intake completes its facial makeover.
Moving on down the profile of this updated XC90 meanwhile, the sides of this sizeable Swedish SUV has been smartened up somewhat from a revised set of alloy wheel designs. Modernised LED signatures and smoked internals housed within the same taillight shape in turn gives its rump a subtly altered look, with this Volvo also to now be available in a new Mulberry Red hue.
As for what has changed within the XC90, a larger 11.2-inch touchscreen now sticks out from the space where a 9.0-inch unit once nestled neatly. This enlarged display is touted by Volvo to boast a higher pixel density (by some 21%) and a faster response time over what came before, with this latest iteration of its Google-based operating system boasting enhanced user-friendliness as well.
Elsewhere within the cabin on the other hand, the dashboard on this updated XC90 incorporates redesigned vertical air vents and comes with decorative panels ‘made from premium recycled materials for a more textured finish’. Volvo has reworked this SUV’s centre console too, with it now featuring what it calls a ‘2+1’ cupholder and a wireless charging pad that has been relocated to behind the central tunnel.
In terms of other updates its skin now, this updated XC90 has gained a revised standard suspension setup with a new double-wishbone arrangement up front for improved ride comfort. Volvo has also since added extra sound insulation to certain parts of the cabin as well, to make what was already a pretty whisper-quiet vehicle that little bit more serene within.
Regarding what lies under the hood, these facelifted XC90s are to still soldier on with the existing set of electrified powertrains already available. This therefore sees for international markets to have a choice between the super fast sleeper T8 plug-in hybrid, or a brace of more sensible turbo-ed B5 or turbo-ed and e-supercharged B6 48 V mild-hybrid.
Volvo curiously have currently still elected to remain somewhat tight lipped on the exact tech specs for these existing engines thus far, but it is nevertheless reported that the only major change on the powertrain front is for the mild-hybrid power plants to have been reworked to use a Miller combustion cycle for better fuel efficiency. Drive for all these newly facelifted XC90s are to still be sent to all four of its wheels, via an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Production of this updated XC90 is due to start later this year, with first deliveries due in certain markets before the end of the year. There is a high likelihood for this facelifted petrol-powered large Volvo SUV to be landing locally before its all-electric EX90 counterpart, though the smallest model of its new EV lineup is soon to debut over here by the end of this month.
Incidentally, the Swedish company had previously pledged to sell only EVs from 2030. Thanks to the recent slowdown in the growth of the EV market though, CEO Jim Rowan has now suggested that it could continue to sell some hybrid models (like this refreshed XC90) after that date.
