Volvo unveils refreshed XC90 with increased power and driving range

KUALA LUMPUR: Volvo has unveiled the facelift version of the XC90 SUV. The vehicle will come with newly developed fuel-efficient powertrains and modifications in terms of design. The second-gen XC90,i.e., the current model was launched back in 2014, and only last year the XC90 T8 Twin Engine Inscription Plus trim was introduced in Malaysia.

The facelift model gets significant changes under the bonnet. The petrol-plug-in-hybrid T8 Twin powertrain can now make a maximum of 420 hp which is an increment of around 13 hp. The system now includes a new battery, which increases its driving range by 15 percent. The battery has the brake-by-wire facility, which makes it advanced in terms of charging. The modification can also be seen in its smaller powertrain. The T6 Twin plug-in-hybrid engine has been upgraded as well. Volvo plans to introduce this PHEV arrangement along with the battery in all its 90 Series variants.

Coming to the design, the SUV comes with new exterior color options and wheel options. Also, the radiator grille gets a slight revision. However, the manufacturer has not changed the interior design. With its existing seat setups (four, five and seven), the six-seat configuration will also be available in the market.

Moving on to the changes in safety features, the XC90 now comes with steering assist along with the Blind Spot Information System and City Safety. Also, the car comes with Oncoming Lane Mitigation system, which was first introduced with the XC60.

The XC90 was the first car from the manufacturer to have the Apple Carplay integration. Now, the revised version also supports Android Auto.

The manufacturer has sold around 320,000 units that give us a hint about its popularity. The new refreshed version will hit the production in May, at Volvo's Torslanda plant in Sweden. Volvo has started accepting the orders of the updated XC90 worldwide.