Refreshed Volvo XC90 Gets New Interior and Car Control Via Mobile Phone App

The Volvo XC90 is nearing the end of its lifespan. It's been available since 2003 and has been updated several times since then. For 2012, the XC90 is getting a few more upgrades, especially to the interior. 

For the exterior, the 2012 XC90 gets daytime running lights, a slightly revised front bumper that is now silver with a body colored lower portion and LED tail lights. It also now gets standard 18in, six-spoke wheels. 

The interior is where the XC90 is getting most of its updates. It has a new three-spoke steering wheel, standard aluminum accents and white-lit, watch dial-inspired instruments. The Volvo On Call system is now combined with Bluetooth connectivity that can interact with Bluetooth phones and music players to allow for music streaming to the car's stereo. The tailgate is split into upper and lower sections with leather handle on the interior and redesigned load cover. 

The Executive version of the XC90 is available with ventilated and massaging leather seats. The R-design gets exclusive upholstery, inlays and 19in wheels.

Finally, Volvo is adding a Iphone and Android app to control some features of the XC90. The app includes a car locator that shows where the car is on a map and a digital compass to direct the buyer to the vehicle. It can also activate the car's engine block heater and can display the dashboard to tell the buyer the car's fuel level, remaining range, odometer and average speed. Finally, buyers can check the car's current oil level, coolant level, brake fluid level and information about its bulbs. 

The 2012 XC90 will be available soon, but Volvo did not say if there would be any adjustment to the price of the truck.