Volvo to sell refreshed XC90 alongside electric EX90

A facelifted Volvo XC90 is coming with hybrid powertrains only. It will sell alongside the new electric EX90, as is increasingly the way given waning EV interest globally.

The refreshed XC90 is launching at the same time as its electric EX90 sib. The former is a hybrid-powered model only and is the first real update of any combustion-powered Volvo model in a long time. And that just goes to show how car makers are hedging their bets at present.

Why wouldn’t Volvo keep such a cash cow on its books? The XC90 has proven extremely successful for the brand over two generations. The next XC90 will likely be a significant update of the existing generation that launched in 2015. 

A teaser shot reveals a new headlight design, using of course the Thor’s Hammer lighting motif, this time in outline as DRLs. The headlights will be slimmer in shape, and sit amongst a cleaner new front end design and reshaped bonnet. 

Expect styling cues borrowed from its zero-emissions sister car, the EX90. The grille opening is sure to be smaller, or perhaps non-existent, and you can expect aero-friendly wheel designs up to 22 inches in diameter. 

The interior of the new EX90 will likely turn up in the XC90 reboot. So expect a floating tablet display comprising a 14.5-inch touchscreen, few physical controls and eco-friendly materials across most surfaces. 

The lone hybrid powertrain will probably be based on the existing T8 model. This uses a 2.0L four-cylinder petrol engine mated to an electric motor and 19kWh battery pack. To match its rivals the electric range needs to be at least 100km; currently it is closer to 70km.

To do so, it may instead use sister brand Link&Co’s 09 powertrain comprising a 2L petrol and three electric motors spitting out 408kW and 845Nm of torque. With a 40kWh battery an electric-only range of 160km is possible. And with the generator operating expect range of almost 1100km between fuel stops.

The 09 also offers a petrol mild-hybrid set-up with 187kW and 350Nm driving all four wheels.