Volvo has finally unveiled, in full, the second generation XC90, which will prove to be a make-or-break vehicle for the brand, especially in the US.
The second generation Volvo XC90 is the first car from the brand to be based on the company’s Scalable Product Architecture (SPA), which will underpin all next generation Volvos. It’s also the first car from the brand to sport the company’s updated plainer grille badge and new styling direction.
As we’ve seen in earlier teaser photos, the second generation XC90 does away with the floating dash concept that’s been a part of the brand’s identity for at least the last decade. In it’s place is a chunkier dashboard design, replete with leather and wood covering.
Swedish minimalism is the key concept both within and without. The large tablet-style touchscreen controls everything from the air conditioning to the entertainment and navigation system, and helps to keep the number of physical buttons to a minimum.
In the centre tunnel there’s a crystal glass gear lever made by Swedish glassmaker Orrefors. Hoping to the up the stakes on mass market interior quality leader Audi, the XC90’s start/stop button and volume control knob are diamond cut. Top spec models feature a 19-speaker 1,400W audio system from Bowers & Wilkins. Buyers can specify wheels up to 22 inches.
More about the limited First Edition that will be sold online only and the XC90’s 4-cylinder-only drivetrain range, which tops out with a plug-in hybrid featuring a turbocharged and supercharged 4-pot.
