The first set of detailed photographs depicting the all new 2016 Volvo XC90 has surfaced online before its official debut. 12 years have passed since the first-generation XC90 came out in 2002 and from the looks of it, the new one seems to have evolved well. Teased earlier, the new “Thor’s Hammer” shaped DRLs form the new identity. The design adds some new-age style to the relatively staid last generation XC90, yet doesn’t go overboard and keeps things classy and restrained- true to Volvo character.
The new Volvo XC90 SUV is based on the new Scalable Product Architecture Platform ( SPA ) of Volvo. The SPA has been undergoing development for the last four years, and will form the basis of a number of new models from Volvo. The company claims that the SPA is very flexible and dynamic. Dimensions of the SPA can be changed to produce differing vehicle types like sedans, SUVs or Crossovers, thus reducing developing costs in the future.
Interiors:
The interiors, also previewed earlier, are in a different league when compared to the outgoing model. The design, materials, trim and other details are premium grade, as one would expect from a full-size luxury SUV. Other handmade details like the gear knob is sourced from Swedish glass manufacturer Orrefors. The start / stop button and volume controls are fine details that Volvo describes as “jewelry for the interior.” Also, the new XC90 will be a genuine seven seater.
A huge touch screen dominates the center console, and is complimented by a fully digital instrument cluster. Then there’s integration with Apple Carplay and Android where the screen of one’s smart phone is mirrored on the screen of the navigation system.
Engines:
On the engines front, the new XC90 does away with the five cylinder motors. The new D5 gets a 2.0 four-cylinder unit with twin turbo chargers. Power is a commendable 225 hp and torque stand at 470 Nm, while fuel consumption is around 6 liters per 100 kilometers. The rest of the engines are known units: the 190 hp and 400 Nm strong D4 diesel, the T5 petrol four-cylinder with 254 hp and 350 Nm and T6 turbo and supercharger which now delivers 320 horsepower and 400 Nm of torque.
The new range-topping XC90 is the Twin Engine version bearing the T8 badge. It will employ a sequentially-charged petrol engine, combined with an electric motor. The engine will use a supercharger to boost the low-end torque, and a turbocharger in the higher ranges. While the petrol engine will send power to the front wheels only, the 80 hp electric motor will take over the rear wheels. However, the two-liter four-cylinder petrol engine with E-Drive and turbo compressor delivers enough power: 320 hp to be exact. An electric motor of 82 horsepower drives the rear wheels, so the total power would be around 400 hp.
Safety:
Volvos and safety are long established bedfellows. The new XC90 has a few cool tricks up its sleeve-the City Safety system is extended to also turn left at an intersection when oncoming traffic is detected. The radar system at the back detects if some other vehicle’s breathing down your neck and can alert with light signals. In the unfortunate event of an unavoidable collision, the belts tension themselves and enhanced anti-whiplash system WHIPS enters into force. The XC90 can also detect if the driver inadvertently drives off the road. The seating has a mechanism which receives the processed vertical folding and protects the back of the occupants.
The 2016 Volvo XC90 is rumored to start under 70,000 Euros. The first batch of 1,927(a nod to the year of establishment of Volvo) cars will designated as First Editions. All the First Edition get to the Netherlands.
Head to the gallery below for more images of the 2016 Volvo XC90:
