Volvo unveils new XC90

VolvoVolvoSweden, 1927 > present49 models
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finally unveiled the second generation of the Volvo XC90Volvo XC90 Gen.2Sweden, 2014 > present23 versions
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. The new model marks the beginning of a new era in the Swedish brand after the acquisition by GeelyGeelyChina, 1986 > present5 models
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, with the debut of a new modular architecture that will be extended to future brand models.

Over the past three years, Volvo spent € 8.34 billion developing the new XC90 model that will give the tone in terms of technology and design in this new chapter of the Swedish brand.

The new XC90 is based on the new Volvo Scalable Platform Architecture (SPA) and will be equipped with the new engine family Drive-E, which have already been launched in several models of the brand.

"The SPA has allowed us to create the first SUV in the world without compromise," said Peter Mertens, Senior Vice President of Research and Development at Volvo. "We have a sense of control, large interior space and flexible capability combined with the flexibility and comfort of a much smaller and lower car."

The top-end version of the new XC90 will receive the new T8 badge. According to Volvo it will be a plug-in electric vehicle, a hybrid car and a high performance car in one. It will be equipped with a four-cylinder turbo and supercharged 2.0-liter petrol to turn the front wheels and an 80hp electric motor for the rear wheels. Together these engines reach an output of about 400hp and 640Nm torque.

The XC90 D5 will probably be the most popular version in the European market, with 245hp and four-wheel drive.

The start of a new design language

The XC90 also marks the start of a new phase of design at Volvo, designed by the former designer of Volkswagen Group, Thomas Ingenlath.

One of the main innovations is the new grille with a more prominent emblem. LED daytime headlights "Hammer of Thor" T-shaped are another feature of the new model and will be adopted by all future models of the brand.

The next model of Volvo to receive this new image will be the aged S80Volvo S80Sweden, 1998 > present2 series
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which is to be inspired on the Volvo Concept CoupéVolvo Concept CoupéSweden, 2014 > 2014 and will take another step towards the new design image of the brand.

The focus on luxury

Regarding the interior, Volvo has bet on Nordic minimalism and functionality coupled with sophistication and comfort.

The interior highlights include a new touch screen mounted in the center of the dashboard with the features organized in boxes, with the navigation options at the top, followed by media and phone. The XC90 includes a new navigation system based on "cloud" technology supplied by Ericsson.

Other "cloud" services include Internet, radio, streaming music and applications to find and pay for parking. The XC90 can also use the Apple and Android CarPlay Auto systems to synchronize smartphones.

The cabin also includes a new gear lever in crystal glass and start-stop buttons and audio volume control with diamond cut finish.

The new XC90 also incorporates a new top-of-the-line audio system designed by Bowers & Wilkins. The amplifier 'class D' 1400W and 19 loudspeakers were integrated into the bodywork of the car, allowing to transform the interior space into a giant subwoofer.

Security technology

According to Volvo, the second generation XC90 offers the security package of more technologically sophisticated and comprehensive range available in the automotive industry. Two technologies make a world premiere: the run-off road safety package and the intersection automatic braking.

According to Mertens, "The new technologies will take us a significant step closer to our vision that no one will be killed or seriously injured in a new Volvo car by 2020."

Furthermore, the XC90 gives the first steps regarding autonomous driving. The new SUV is equipped with a new function that automatically follows the vehicle traveling ahead in "stop-start" traffic situation.

Limited Edition First Edition

To mark the launch of the new Volvo XC90 has decided to sell a limited edition. Only 1927 numbered units will be produced, a number that marks the founding year of the company. The limited First EditionVolvo XC90 T6 First EditionSweden, 2015 > present series will be just for sale online.

The First Edition series will be available with two engines, both based on the new 2.0-liter engines Drive-E. The first will be equipped with the T6 petrol version with 320hp and the second with the twin-turbo D5 diesel engine with 225hp. Both engines will be combined with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The new XC90 will be officially unveiled at the Paris Motor Show and the first deliveries of the model are scheduled for May 2015.