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XC90’s Unexpected Revival: Volvo’s Flagship SUV Embraces a New Era
Once expected to bow out quietly, the Volvo XC90 luxury SUV is preparing for an exciting resurgence. Despite rumors of retirement and strong competition from fully electric models, Volvo has confirmed development plans for a third-generation XC90. This bold move was revealed by company CEO Hakan Samuelsson, highlighting a shift in Volvo’s long-term strategy to accommodate evolving market dynamics and customer demands.
Anticipated Powertrain: Plug-In Hybrid Performance Takes Center Stage
A major transformation is set to occur under the hood of the new XC90. Embracing a cutting-edge plug-in hybrid system, the next-generation SUV will likely mirror the advanced setup planned for the new Volvo XC70, which is poised for an imminent launch in the Chinese market. According to Samuelsson, European drivers, in particular, are demanding plug-in hybrids that offer impressive electric driving range and low emissions.
Current benchmarks set by the XC70’s PHEV system include a generous 40 kWh battery, facilitating an all-electric driving range of up to 112 miles (180 km) on the CLTC cycle. In comparison, the facelifted XC90 T8 plug-in hybrid offers a smaller 18.8 kWh battery, enabling 44 miles (71 km) of electric range per the WLTP standard. The forthcoming, larger battery pack is expected to significantly enhance the XC90’s efficiency and appeal, while simultaneously helping Volvo lower the overall CO2 emissions across its SUV and crossover lineup.
Design Evolution and Platform Choices
Modernizing the XC90 for the Future
Visually, the new XC90 will likely retain the premium Scandinavian design language, blending understated elegance with unmistakable road presence. Following a major refresh in 2024 and a minor facelift in 2019, the third generation should feature a more sculpted profile, updated lighting signatures, and a technologically advanced interior. Expect luxurious materials, the latest connectivity features, and an array of advanced safety technologies that have defined Volvo’s brand ethos.
Platform Speculation: SPA, SMA, or Something Entirely New?
While Volvo has yet to announce which underpinnings will support the new XC90, speculation centers around a fresh modular platform. The outgoing model leverages the SPA (Scalable Product Architecture) chassis, but the industry anticipates Volvo might adopt Geely’s SMA (Scalable Modular Architecture) or an evolution of its own SPA platform—potentially SPA 2 or SPA 3, as recently seen with the all-electric EX90 and upcoming EX60. The final decision will have major implications for driving dynamics, efficiency, and future-proofing both hybrid and electrified variants.
Market Positioning and Strategic Outlook
XC90’s Role Among Volvo SUVs
With its spacious seven-seat configuration, robust safety credentials, and refined performance, the Volvo XC90 has carved a desirable niche in the premium SUV category. Its forthcoming plug-in hybrid technology puts it squarely between fully electric models like the EX90 and traditional combustion-engine SUVs, offering buyers flexibility and long-distance capability without range anxiety.
Adapting to a Shifting Global Marketplace
Volvo’s initial roadmap saw the brand going entirely electric by 2030. However, slower EV adoption rates and shifting regulatory landscapes in North America and Europe have prompted a strategic pivot. The company is now extending the lifecycle of its advanced internal combustion engine models while optimizing global manufacturing. From 2027, the XC60 SUV will be produced in Charleston, South Carolina, reducing reliance on imports in the U.S. Meanwhile, European production of the EX30 will move from China to Belgium, and the new EX60 will roll out of Sweden starting in 2026.
How the Next XC90 Compares in Today’s Market
In a fast-evolving segment, the upcoming Volvo XC90 promises to compete head-to-head with luxury plug-in hybrid SUVs from BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi. Its larger battery capacity, extended zero-emission range, superior safety, and sustainability credentials are set to make it a compelling proposition for environmentally conscious families and professionals alike.
Conclusion: A Luxury SUV Reinvented for the Modern Driver
The next-generation Volvo XC90 underscores the brand’s adaptability and commitment to serving diverse global markets. By combining proven reliability, groundbreaking plug-in hybrid technology, and signature Scandinavian styling, Volvo is ensuring that its flagship SUV not only survives but thrives well into the era of electrified mobility.
Source: carscoops
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