Months of speculation ended today after Volvo Cars unveiled its all-new Volvo XC90, delivering on its promise to introduce a visually striking, seven-seat luxury SUV with world leading safety features, advanced powertrain technologies, an unrivalled combination of power and fuel efficiency and a superlative interior finish.
Three years in the making and part of an $11 billion investment program, the all-new XC90 marks the beginning of a new chapter in Volvo’s history, capturing its future design direction, incorporating its own range of new technologies and utilizing its new Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) technology.
“This is one of the most important days in our history. We are not just launching a car, but re-launching our brand. This day marks a new era for our company. The XC90 paves the way for a portfolio of exciting new cars to come in the following years,” said Håkan Samuelsson, President and CEO of Volvo Car Group.
Volvo’s new face
Symbolizing this historic day in Volvo’s 87 year history, the new XC90 will be the first of its cars to carry the company’s new more prominent iron mark logo, which has the iconic arrow elegantly aligned with the diagonal slash across the grille. Together with the T-shaped “Thor’s Hammer” LED daytime running lights, the iron mark introduces an entirely new, distinctive and confident face for Volvo’s forthcoming generation of cars.
The XC90’s larger hood with its new topography, the beltline and the sharpened shoulders connecting with the tattoo-like, new rear lights are other important design signatures that will be mirrored across the range.
To add more visual muscle from the sides, the XC90 comes with a range of wheel sizes up to 22 inches.
“The overall impression, both exterior and interior, has a strong connection to the key elements of the Swedish lifestyle: the generous space, the celebration of light and the focus on wellbeing,” said Thomas Ingenlath, Senior Vice President Design of Volvo Car Group.
First SUV without compromises
The XC90 is firm evidence of the “designed by Volvo for Volvo and its customers” strategy. Its outstanding combination of luxury, space, versatility, efficiency and safety will bring the luxury SUV segment into a new dimension, just as the original XC90 achieved in 2002.
“SPA has enabled us to create the world’s first SUV without compromises,” said Dr. Peter Mertens, Senior Vice President, Research and Development of Volvo Car Group. “You get the in-command feel, generous interior space and flexible capability combined with the agility and smooth comfort of a much smaller and lower car. The adrenaline rush that is key to true driving pleasure is delivered by powertrains that offer an unrivalled combination of power and clean operation. And since the XC90 carries the Volvo badge, world-class safety is standard.”
Unrivalled combination of power and fuel efficiency
The all-new XC90 offers 316 hp, 2 liter turbocharged and supercharged AWD engine, which provides an outstanding combination of performance and fuel-efficiency.
The top of the range XC90 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid, which combines a two-liter, four-cylinder supercharged and turbocharged petrol engine with an electric motor, offers an unrivalled combination of power and clean operation: around 400 horsepower with carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions of around 60 g/km (NEDC driving cycle). This will be the world’s first 7-seat plug-in hybrid.
Most comprehensive standard safety package
The all-new XC90 offers the most comprehensive and technologically sophisticated standard safety package available in the automotive industry. It includes two world first safety technologies: a run-off road protection package and auto brake at intersection capability.
In a run-off road scenario, the all-new Volvo XC90 detects what is happening and the front safety belts are tightened to keep the occupants in position. To help prevent spine injuries, energy-absorbing functionality between the seat and seat frame cushions the vertical forces that can arise when the car encounters a hard landing in the terrain.
The XC90 is the first car in the world with technology that features automatic braking if the Volvo driver starts to turn in front of an oncoming car that is going quicker than expected. This is a common scenario at busy city crossings as well as on highways, where the speed limits are higher.
City Safety becomes the umbrella name for all of Volvo Cars’ auto brake functions, which are standard equipment in the all-new XC90. It now covers vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians in front of the car, day and night.
“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,” said Dr Mertens. “Our starting point on safety is the same today as it was when the company was created almost 90 years ago: real-life situations. We study data. We crunch numbers. We innovate. The result is one of the safest cars ever made.”
Three focus areas will help Volvo Cars to reach Vision 2020: safety, connectivity and autonomous drive.
“With the XC90, we take the first step towards self-driving cars. A new function that automatically follows the vehicle ahead in stop-and-go traffic will provide a radically simplified, semi-autonomous driving experience,” said Lex Kerssemakers, Senior Vice President, Product Strategy and Vehicle Line Management of Volvo Car Group.
Luxurious interior
The XC90’s interior is the epitome of Scandinavian luxury. The most striking feature is a tablet-like touch screen control console, which forms the heart of an all-new in-car control system. This system is virtually button free and represents an entirely new way for drivers to control their car and access a range of Internet-based products and services. It also helps create an interior that is modern, spacious and uncluttered.
“The new interior is pure and uncluttered, while still radiating the sophisticated confidence and formality that luxury SUV customers expect. The simplicity is perfectly in tune with our Scandinavian design heritage. It opens up generous surfaces and gives us the opportunity to create a modern, luxurious interior architecture,” said Mr Ingenlath.
The new XC90 interior combines materials such as soft leather and wood with handcrafted details, including a gear lever made of crystal glass from Orrefors, the famous Swedish glassmaker, and diamond-cut controls for the start/stop button and volume control. Craftsmanship has been in sharp focus during the whole development work.
The genuine seven seater features new, innovatively designed seats that also free up interior space for passengers both in the second and third seat rows. The third row seats were designed to accommodate passengers in class-leading comfort up to 5’7” inches tall.
One of the top audio systems in the world
The XC90 features one of the top audio systems available in the automotive world after Volvo Cars audio experts joined forces with their counterparts at the renowned British audio equipment company Bowers & Wilkins.
The top-of-the-line system in the XC90 features a 1,400 Watt Class D amplifier and 19 Bowers & Wilkins speakers. It also includes one of the first air-ventilated subwoofers in a car. Integrated into the car body, it turns the whole interior space into a giant subwoofer.
The latest sound processing software has been used to manage the timing of the sound and co-ordination of the speakers. This brings the emotional experience of a world-class live performance into the car.
Two main accessory themes
The all-new XC90 is available with a range of accessories that makes it possible for the owner to create a truly personalized car. There are two major exterior styling themes:
- The Urban Luxury package combines a color coordinated body kit with polished stainless steel details, such as front deco frames, front and rear skid plates and side scuff plates. The 21-inch exclusive polished wheels complete the elegant look.
- The Rugged Luxury kit enhances the ruggedness of the XC90 SUV with tech matte black exterior trim, stainless steel skid plates, running boards with illumination and integrated exhaust pipes. This version is supplemented by unique 22-inch wheels.
VOLVO CARS REVEALS THE ALL-NEW VOLVO XC90 R-DESIGN
Volvo Cars has released the first images of the R-Design version of the all-new XC90, aimed at buyers looking for a head-turner that radiates a truly sporty and dynamic look.
“R-Design is created for people with a passion for things that add spice to life,” said Alain Visser, Senior Vice President, Marketing, Sales and Customer Service of Volvo Car Group. “It appeals to customers that love active driving and a personal, expressive design. Every single R-Design detail is designed to contribute to the individualistic and refined expression these customers desire.”
The visual promise of a dynamic ride is confirmed by the driver-centric interior featuring R-Design sports seats in a Nubuck and fine Nappa leather. A choice of Drive-E powertrains offering up to 400 hp and the completely new XC90 chassis ensure an agile driving experience.
The release of the R-Design follows Volvo’s release of 1,927 individually numbered black First Edition XC90’s which were offered for sale exclusively online and sold out in 47 hours.
Distinctive R-Design detailing
The R-Design exterior includes a number of distinguishing details, such as grille, lower front spoiler, window in silk metal, and a R-Design dual tailpipe surround, integrated bright roof rails and mirror covers in matte silver. 20-inch or optional 22-inch R-Design alloy wheels complete the stylish, dynamic look.
Inside, the sports seats and perforated leather steering wheel are accompanied by special R-Design details, such as gearshift knob, pedals, floor mats and illuminated thread plates. The driver also gets an exclusive R-Design leather key remote control.
Tablet-like touch screen
The tablet-like touch screen in the center console and a 12.3-inch fully graphical driver display are of course included in the R-Design. The driver display also features a unique R-Design theme. The heart of the all-new in-car control is virtually button free and represents an entirely new way for drivers to operate their car and access a range of Internet and cloud based products and services.
New trim level strategy
R-Design is one of three choices in Volvo Cars’ reinvented trim level strategy available in the U.S. The very competitive Momentum trim level is a well-contented vehicle designed to meet the needs of consumers. The Inscription trim level is designed for customers that have a focus on craftsmanship, increased comfort and exclusive features not found on Momentum or R-Design. R-Design’s focus is on a sporty and dynamic aura.
“In principle, we have replaced the previous top level with the Inscription and R-Design versions. Both of them feature an elevated content, carefully chosen to emphasize each of their distinctive individual personalities,” said Alain Visser.
VOLVO ANNOUNCES ADDITIONAL DETAILS, PRICING OF ALL-NEW XC90 T6 AWD
XC90 T6 AWD Momentum and Inscription deliver a true next-generation, luxury SUV experience
Rockleigh, N.J. (Oct. 2, 2014) — Volvo Cars, as part of the reveal of the all-new XC90, recently announced its new trim level structure – Momentum, Inscription and R-Design –offering a tailored experience at every level. Momentum provides a well-appointed vehicle designed to meet and exceed the needs of most customers. Inscription is crafted specifically for customers that hold an additional appreciation for craftsmanship, and desire increased comfort with exclusive features. R-Design rounds out the group and delivers a sporty and dynamic aura.
Both the XC90 T6 AWD Momentum and XC90 T6 AWD Inscription will feature an extensive list of standard elements that will revolutionize the luxury SUV segment. Standard feature highlights include:
Interior – less clutter with intuitive interactions
- Revolutionary HMI user experience with 9” Sensus touch screen center display in portrait orientation with natural speech voice control
- Best-in-class cargo capacity at 85.7 cu.ft.
- 7 passenger seating with spacious, class-leading 3rd row legroom
Exterior – Scandinavian luxury and design
- Panoramic sunroof
- 19” 10-Spoke alloy wheels (Momentum)
- LED Fog Lamp with Corner Illumination
Safety – advancements from the industry’s leader
- Collision avoidance with Volvo’s renowned latest City Safety package, including pedestrian and cyclist detection (day and night)
- Road edge detection
- Lane departure warning
- Roll Stability Control with inflatable curtain airbags
- Next-generation Whiplash Protection System (WHIPS)
- Volvo On Call, including remote lock/unlock, send to car and vehicle tracking, with smartphone app
Versatility – effortless and uncomplicated functionality
- Keyless entry and drive
- Rear park assist camera
- Hands-free, power tailgate
In addition to the above, the T6 Inscription carries a set of distinctive standard features including:
- LED headlights with active bending lights, auto high-beam and the iconic Thor’s hammer daytime running lights
- Front grille in silver matte
- Fine Nappa leather upholstery, dash top and upper door panels
- Exclusive Linear Walnut inlays
- 20” 10-spoke alloy wheels
- Ventilated and heated front seating
- 12.3” digital instrument display
A number of luxury add-ons are available for an upgraded experience, including:
- LED headlights (standard in Inscription, optional package on Momentum)
- 12.3” digital instrument display (standard in Inscription, optional package on Momentum)
- 360 degree surround view camera
- Park assist pilot
- Adaptive cruise control with pilot assist
- Bowers & Wilkins state-of-the-art sound system (1400 watts, 19 speakers including integrated subwoofer)
- 20” 5-spoke alloy wheels (Momentum)
- 21” 8-spoke alloy wheels diamond cut (Inscription)
Pricing
The T6 AWD Momentum starts at $48,900. The T6 AWD Inscription carries a MSRP of $54,500. Additional details and pricing will follow on other announced variants including the T6 R-Design and T8 twin engine plug-in hybrid.
Pre-orders open
Volvo dealers are taking pre-orders on the all-new XC90 now. Volvo’s release of 1,927 First Edition XC90s, which were offered for sale exclusively online, sold out in 47 hours, with the U.S. selling the most of any market.
ALL-NEW VOLVO XC90: 1,927 LIMITED FIRST EDITION CARS AVAILABLE ONLINE ONLY
- The initial series of 1,927 cars celebrates the year Volvo was founded 87 years ago
Volvo Cars is releasing a limited First Edition of its all-new Volvo XC90, which was launched today in Stockholm. The 1,927 individually numbered cars celebrate the year Volvo was founded.
The recommended retail price for the single specification First Edition is £68,000 and the online store opens for business on September 3rd at 15.00 hrs GMT.
“Those who want to be among the first ones to own the best SUV in the world have to act fast. The huge interest in the all-new XC90 indicates that the First Edition will sell out quickly,” said Alain Visser, Senior Vice President, Marketing, Sales and Customer Service of Volvo Car Group.
The online only First Edition is just one example of Volvo Cars’ revitalised approach to marketing activities and outstanding personal service.
“We are creating an online ecosystem that simplifies the process of shopping for, buying and owning a Volvo,” said Mr Visser. “We also see the introduction of the new XC90 as the perfect platform for introducing a new, outstanding customer experience, which we are rolling out globally.”
Fully equipped
The First Edition cars, which have uniquely numbered tread plates and a distinctive badge on the tailgate, are powered by a high-performance diesel engine from Volvo Cars’ new four-cylinder Drive-E powertrains.
The D5 twin turbo diesel engine has 225 hp with 470 Nm of torque and is teamed with a smooth 8-speed automatic transmission.
The electronically controlled air suspension has choice of five modes, including one where the driver is free to tailor the settings to his or her personal taste.
Black exterior and amber leather seats
The Onyx Black exterior and 8-spoke, 21-inch Inscription alloy wheels are combined with an interior featuring Nappa leather seats in Amber, a Charcoal leather dashboard and Linear Walnut inlays.
The power-operated front seats are equipped with ventilation. The outer seats in the second row have heating and the two third row seats are power-operated.
The tablet-like touch screen in the centre is one of the most striking features in the all-new XC90. It is the heart of the all-new in-car control system that is virtually button free and represents an entirely new way for drivers to operate their car and access a range of Internet-based products and services.
The Bowers & Wilkins audio systems features a 1,400 watts Class D amplifier, 19 speakers, including one of the first air-ventilated subwoofers integrated in a car and the latest sound processing software, which brings the emotional experience of a world-class live performance into the car.
Most comprehensive standard safety package
The car offers the most comprehensive and technologically sophisticated standard safety package available in the automotive industry. It includes two world first safety technologies: a run-off road protection package and auto brake at intersection capability.
City Safety, which becomes the umbrella name for all of the Volvo Cars’ auto brake functions, is also standard. It now covers vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians in front of the car, day and night.
ALL-NEW VOLVO XC90: TWO WORLD-FIRSTS, ONE OF THE SAFEST CARS IN THE WORLD
- World first auto brake when turning in front of an oncoming vehicle
- World first solution focusing on accidental road departure
- Most advanced standard safety package on the market
- Automatically follows vehicle in front in slow-moving queues
- Five times more Ultra High Strength Steel (boron steel) than first-generation XC90
Volvo Cars’ all-new XC90 – which will be revealed in August – will offer the most comprehensive and technologically sophisticated standard safety package available in the automotive industry. The new technologies will take the company a significant step closer to its vision that no one will be killed or seriously injured in a new Volvo car by 2020.
The standard safety package on the all-wheel drive, seven seat premium SUV will include two world first safety technologies: a run-off road protection package and auto brake at intersection capability. These innovations will form part of a suite of safety features that will make the all-new XC90 one of the safest cars ever made.
“Our starting point on safety is the same today as it was 87 years ago: real-life situations,” says Dr Peter Mertens, Senior Vice President Research and Development of Volvo Car Group. “We study data. We crunch numbers. We innovate. The result is one of the safest cars ever made.”
World first number 1: Run-off road protection
Run-off road is a common accident type with different causes, such as driver distraction, fatigue or poor weather conditions. For example, half of all traffic fatalities in the United States are road departure accidents, while in Sweden, single-vehicle accidents involve one third of all fatal and severe injury crashes with passenger cars.
Volvo is deeply troubled by these statistics. Even though there are currently no regulatory or rating tests to examine a car’s ability to handle run-off road accidents, the company has decided to develop the technology to protect occupants should these situations occur.
“Committing to safety is not about passing a test or getting a ranking,” says Prof. Lotta Jakobsson, Senior Technical Specialist Safety at Volvo Cars Safety Centre. “It is about finding out how and why accidents and injuries occur and then developing the technology to prevent them. We lead, the industry follows.”
Volvo Cars developed Safe Positioning to address these situations.
The Safe Positioning capability means that in a run-off road scenario, the all-new Volvo XC90 detects what is happening and the front safety belts are tightened to keep the occupants in position. The belts are firmly tightened as long as the car is in motion.
To help prevent spine injuries, energy-absorbing functionality between the seat and seat frame cushions the vertical forces that can arise when the car encounters a hard landing in the terrain. The solution is capable of reducing the vertical occupant forces by up to one third. This counteracts spine injuries, which are serious and relatively frequent consequences of these situations.
The XC90 also features technologies that help the driver avoid run-off road scenarios:
The Lane Keeping Aid applies extra steering torque if the car is about to leave the lane unintentionally, while Driver Alert Control, which is also standard, detects and warns tired or inattentive drivers. It even has Rest Stop Guidance, which directs the driver to the nearest rest area.
World first number 2: Auto brake at intersections
The XC90 is the first car in the world with technology that features automatic braking if the driver turns in front of an oncoming car. This is a common scenario at busy city crossings as well as on highways, where the speed limits are higher. The all-new Volvo XC90 detects a potential crash and brakes automatically in order to avoid a collision or mitigate the consequences of a crash.
“These two world firsts are further examples of how new technologies target substantial real-life traffic problems. This strategy moves us closer and closer to our ambition that by 2020 no one should be killed or seriously injured in a new Volvo,” says Prof. Lotta Jakobsson.
Broad range of Safety features for the all-new XC90
There is a wide range of other safety innovations available on the all-new XC90. They include the following:
Pre-crash protection in rear impacts
Rearward facing radars detect if a rear impact is imminent and safety belts are tightened in advance in order to keep the occupant in a good position. Lights also start flashing to warn the driver behind, and the brakes are activated to help reduce the impact on the occupants.
Together with Volvo Cars’ new seat design, which integrates the next generation of the groundbreaking Whiplash Protection System (WHIPS), this new holistic rear impact pre-crash function helps reduce whiplash injuries.
Groundbreaking rollover prevention and protection
The all-new XC90 comes with the latest generation Roll Stability Control as standard. The system uses advanced sensors to calculate the risk of rolling over. If the risk is assessed as high, engine torque is restricted and some braking force is applied to one or more wheels to counteract the rollover tendency.
If a rollover is inevitable, the Inflatable Curtains are activated. They cover all three seat rows for an extended period of time to help prevent head injuries.
All seven seats in the XC90 have pyrotechnical safety belt pre-tensioners that also activate in rollover situations.
City Safety auto braking functions
City Safety will become the umbrella name for all of Volvo Cars’ auto brake functions – which are standard equipment in the all-new XC90.
The purpose of the new collision avoidance system is to assist the driver in case there is a high risk of collision with another vehicle, pedestrian or cyclist through an intuitive warning strategy and a brake support system. If a collision is almost unavoidable, the system will provide autonomous braking when the driver fails to respond to the imminent threat.
“City Safety is one of the most advanced standard crash prevention offers you can find in a modern car. It now covers vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians in front of the car, day and night,” explains Lotta Jakobsson. “We are now able to cover the whole span from dusk to dawn by a smarter and faster high-sensitive camera combined with advanced exposure control.”
Extended Road Sign Information
The XC90 is the first car on the market with Road Sign Information technology as standard. It has been further enhanced to show an extended selection of road signs in the digital display in front of the driver, such as various types of supplementary signs.
Covers the blind spots
The Blind Spot Information System informs about vehicles in the blind spots. It also alerts the driver to vehicles that are approaching fast from behind.
Queue Assist
Queue Assist enables safe and comfortable driving by following the vehicle in front in slow-moving queues. Acceleration, braking and steering are controlled automatically.
“Distraction and inattentiveness are the most common cause of accidents in modern traffic. The Adaptive Cruise Control with Queue Assist makes driving safer and more relaxed in monotonous stop-and-go traffic by adding steering assistance to the speed adaption,” explains Prof. Lotta Jakobsson.
Stronger in every sense
To help keep the occupant space inside intact in a crash, the all-new XC90 has literally been made stronger in every sense. This is achieved by more extensive use of hot-formed boron steel, which is the strongest type of steel presently used in the car body industry.
The complete safety cage around the occupants is made from hot-formed boron steel and is designed for maximum occupant protection in all types of crash scenarios. The hot-formed steel amounts to about 40 per cent of the total body weight.
“This is approximately five times more than the first generation XC90. To our knowledge, this high usage of high-strength steel is unique compared with our competitors,” says Prof. Lotta Jakobsson.
Vision 2020
Volvo Cars’s vision is to design cars that should not crash. In the short term, the aim is that by 2020 no one should be killed or injured in a new Volvo car. The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that some 1.2 million people are killed and more than 50 million wounded in traffic accidents every year. These figures are expected to increase rapidly if no action is taken. Volvo is determined to take the lead by using its vision of a collision-free future as a guiding principle.
The Volvo Cars Traffic Accident Research Team has investigated traffic accidents since 1970. Today, its accident database contains information about 43,400 accidents.
By using knowledge from real traffic situations in the research, Volvo has learned how to design cars that offer a very high level of safety in collisions. The company regards this as a very important base of knowledge when identifying high-tech solutions that can help to avoid or mitigate accidents entirely. In order to take this a step further, the Traffic Accident Research Team not only studies crashed cars but also investigates driving scenarios, including driver behaviour, in order to learn more about what can lead to hazardous traffic situations.
INNOVATIVE INTELLISAFE SOLUTIONS MAKE TRICKY PARKING,
TIGHT MANOEUVRES EASY AND SAFE
- Automatic bay parking as well as parallel parking
- The driver gets a bird’s-eye view from above the car
Designed around modern car buyers’ expectations of smart functionality, the all-new Volvo XC90 features a set of innovative solutions that make tricky parking situations and manoeuvring in tight spaces easy.
The IntelliSafe support technologies include an extended Park Assist Pilot, which now also offers automatic reversing into a parking bay as well as entering and exiting a parallel parking spot. The XC90 can also display a digitally created bird’s-eye view of the 360° area around the car on the large centre screen.
“Several studies by research institutes reveal that up to two-thirds of interviewed motorists feel uncomfortable in tight parking situations. Options such as the extended Park Assist Pilot and bird’s-eye view function turn these potentially stressful situations into comfortable, precise and safe manoeuvring,” says Dr Peter Mertens, Senior Vice President Research and Development of Volvo Car Group.
The further-developed Park Assist Pilot facilitates both parallel and bay parking by taking over and operating the steering wheel while the driver handles the gearbox and controls the car’s speed.
Ultrasonic sensors detect the parking space
The parking manoeuvre is based on information from twelve ultrasonic sensors around the car. When the driver activates the Park Assist Pilot in a parallel parking situation, the sensors start to scan the side of the car for empty parking slots. When a parking slot measuring a minimum of 1.2 times the car’s length is detected, the driver is notified by an audible signal and a message in the instrument cluster. In a bay parking situation, the slot needs to be the width of the car plus one metre.
The display then guides the driver step by step via texts and animations in the instrument cluster until the car is parked.
A bird’s-eye view from above the car
The all-new XC90 also features a 360° Surround View that gives the driver a bird’s-eye view, an overview of the surrounding area, seen from a point above the car.
This bird’s-eye view is enabled by four concealed fish-eye cameras – one integrated into the front, one integrated in each of the door mirrors and one fitted above the rear number plate.
The 360° Surround View also gives the driver comfortable access to other views of the surrounding area such as front, rear and side views.
“The 360° Surround View is exceptionally useful in situations where the driver’s direct view is obstructed, such as leaving a tight driveway with obstacles on the sides or when reversing towards a trailer or caravan,” says Peter Mertens. “360° Surround View also provides great support during parking, for instance when you want to make sure that all parts of the car are within the lines of a parking spot.”
Cross Traffic Alert
The outstanding IntelliSafe solutions in the all-new XC90 also include Cross Traffic Alert, which covers the driver’s back when reversing out of a parking space. It warns of approaching traffic up to 30 metres on each side, alerting the driver with an audible signal and a warning on the centre screen.
ALL-NEW XC90 WILL BE THE FIRST VOLVO BUILT ON THE COMPANY’S NEW SCALABLE PRODUCT ARCHITECTURE
Volvo’s all-new XC90 – which will be launched in two weeks’ time in Stockholm – will be the first car in its range to be built on the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) modular chassis technology developed in-house.
SPA has been under in-house development at Volvo for the past four years and is the cornerstone of the company’s ongoing USD 11bn transformation plan. It will be introduced with the all-new XC90 and then rolled out across the product range in future.
The benefits of SPA are twofold. First, the flexibility of SPA liberates Volvo’s engineers and designers, allowing them to devise and introduce a wide range of new and alluring design features at the same time as improving driveability, introducing world-first safety features, offering the latest connected car technologies and creating more interior space.
“SPA and the XC90 are firm evidence of our Volvo-by-Volvo strategy. The XC90’s outstanding combination of luxury, space, versatility, efficiency and safety will bring the SUV segment into a new dimension, just as the original XC90 did in 2002,” says Dr Peter Mertens, Senior Vice President, Research and Development of Volvo Car Group.
Secondly, SPA will change the way Volvo builds cars in the future by allowing a wide range of cars, powertrains, electrical systems and technologies – all of differing complexity – to be fitted on the same architecture, generating significant economies of scale.
“SPA gives us a fresh technological start. Around 90 per cent of the components in the all-new XC90 and upcoming models are new and unique. We are raising the bar to the very top of the premium league when it comes to quality and technology level in every vital area,” says Dr Mertens.
Liberating technology
More freedom for designers
With SPA, previous design limitations in areas such as wheelbase, overhang, vehicle height and the height of the front are removed.
“This has created greater freedom for us to design cars with a confident stance, dynamic proportions and a number of distinctive design signatures. Our three recent concept cars have demonstrated this capability. Even though the all-new XC90 is an entirely different type of car, you will recognise the connection instantly when it is revealed in two weeks,” says Thomas Ingenlath, Senior Vice President Design of Volvo Car Group.
Outstanding driving pleasure and flexibility
The new SPA chassis technology reduces weight and improves weight distribution, improving driving pleasure without compromising on ride comfort.
SPA also allows for far more flexibility inside the car. The new XC90 features innovatively designed seats that free up interior space for passengers in the second and third rows, helping make the new XC90 a genuine seven-seater.
The sliding function on all seats in the second row can be used to create more legroom for passengers in the third row – or to increase loading capacity. The seats in the third row offer class-leading comfort for passengers up to 170 cm tall.
“SPA has enabled us to create the world’s first no-compromise SUV,” says Dr Mertens. “You get the agility of a much smaller and lower car, an in-command feel and generous interior space, plus an adrenaline rush delivered by powertrains that offer an unrivalled combination of power and low emissions. Of course, it carries the Volvo badge, meaning world-class safety is standard.”
Unrivalled combination of power and fuel efficiency
The new XC90 offers a range of Drive-E engine options, all of which provide an outstanding combination of performance and fuel-efficiency. This modular family of two-litre, four-cylinder diesel and petrol engines has several levels of turbocharging to cover the whole range from high power and torque variants to fuel-efficient versions.
The top-of-the-range XC90 ‘Twin Engine’ combines a two-litre, four-cylinder supercharged and turbocharged petrol engine with an electric motor and offers an unrivalled combination of power and clean operation – around 400 horsepower with carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions of around 60 g/km (NEDC driving cycle).
SPA is also able to integrate electrification at all levels without intruding on interior space or load space. Other carmakers have struggled to combine the bulk of a battery pack with a luxurious and spacious interior, something that Volvo has managed to overcome with SPA.
Improved safety without compromises
SPA helps make it possible for Volvo to bolster the company’s world-leading reputation for safety without compromising on design, size or weight. Thanks to the extensive use of high-strength boron steel, SPA cars can be made more compact and safer at the same time.
SPA also includes an innovative electrical architecture that elevates the car’s intelligence level significantly. It is designed to make it easy to integrate new technology within fast-moving areas such as microprocessor, sensor and camera technology. This facilitates the introduction of new accident-preventing safety solutions – and enables rapid introduction of new multimedia and connectivity options.
“We have created a single nerve system with full control over all the connections in the vehicle. This is unique in the industry,” says Dr Mertens.
Industrial benefits
In addition to the significant product-related advantages of the scalable architecture there are also industrial benefits.
SPA allows Volvo to develop a model range consisting of cars based on the same joint modules and interfaces, scalable systems and components and built in a flexible production system. This means all Volvo models from the 60-cluster upwards can be built on the same production line irrespective of complexity.
The new face of Volvo: ‘Thor’s Hammer’ running lights
Today, for the first time, Volvo is revealing images of the front end or ‘face’ of the new XC90 SUV, which is distinguished by its T-shaped running lights, christened ‘Thor’s Hammer’ by the design team after the shape of the hammer used by the famous Norse god of thunder Thor.
“Anyone who looks in their rear-view mirror is going to know immediately that there is a new XC90 behind them,” says Mr Ingenlath. “The XC90 is a car that has presence on the road.”
VOLVO CARS’ ALL-NEW XC90 WILL BE THE WORLD’S MOST POWERFUL AND CLEANEST SUV
- All-wheel drive, seven seats, around 400 hp and 472 lb.-ft. of torque with ultra-low emissions of around 60g/km
- Delivering guilt-free luxury SUV ownership
- New Volvo-developed Plug-in Hybrid, Twin Engine technology
Volvo Cars’ all-new XC90 will offer an unrivaled combination of power and clean operation when it is launched later this year. The all-wheel drive seven-seater will deliver guilt-free luxury SUV ownership, offering drivers around 400 horsepower but with carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions of around 60 g/km (NEDC driving cycle). There has never been an SUV offering this level of power this cleanly.
“There are no compromises when you drive an all-new XC90,” said Peter Mertens, Senior Vice President Research and Development of Volvo Car Group. “In the past you could either have power or low CO2 emissions. But with the all-new XC90 you can have both.”
The new XC90 offers a range of Drive-E engine options, all of which provide an outstanding combination of performance and fuel-efficiency. The main distinguishing feature of the Drive-E engine range is that they are all four-cylinder engines.
“With our new Drive-E powertrains, we have created a family of intelligent gasoline engines with power curves that give exciting drivability at the same time as delivering world-beating fuel economy,” added Dr. Mertens. “With seven people in the new XC90, carbon dioxide emissions per person are outstandingly low.”
The CO2 performance of the all-new XC90 will reinforce Volvo Cars’ leadership when it comes to bringing more environmentally-sound technologies to market. According to figures monitored by European car industry association ACEA, Volvo Car Group delivered an industry-leading reduction of average fleet emissions by 8.4 percent from 2012 to 2013.
Plug-in Hybrid – Twin Engine technology
Volvo has made it possible for a four-cylinder engine to provide all the driving pleasure associated with a much larger engine and do so far more efficiently and cleanly. Drive-E engines will, over time, be introduced across Volvo’s entire range and are already available on model year 2015 carlines.
For the all-new XC90, the top of the range plug-in hybrid ‘Twin Engine’ will carry the badge ‘T8’ and be a plug-in electric car, hybrid car and high-performance car rolled into one.
Normal driving is conducted in the default hybrid mode. This utilizes a two-liter; four-cylinder supercharged and turbocharged Drive-E gasoline engine that powers the front wheels and an 80 hp (60 kW) electric motor that drives the rear wheels.
It uses the supercharger to fill in the bottom end of the power range to give the engine a big, naturally-aspirated feel, while the turbocharger kicks in when the airflow builds up. The electric motor on the rear wheels provides immediate torque.
But at the push of a button the driver can switch to quiet and emission-free city driving on pure electric power where the range will be around 25 miles, and then, when needed, immediately revert back to the combined capacity of the gasoline engine and electric motor, with its combined output of around 400 hp and 472 lb.-ft. of torque.
Engine options
The Volvo XC90 range also includes a T6 gasoline engine option. The T6 turbo engine with supercharger and turbo will deliver 316 hp and a maximum torque of 295 lb.-ft. The T6 is expected to offer a best-in-class combination of power and fuel economy, even when compared to diesel models.
Not only is there no compromise in terms of performance or efficiency, but Volvo Cars’ new Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) chassis technology also allows for far more flexibility inside the car. Other carmakers have struggled to combine the bulk of a battery pack with a luxurious and spacious interior, something that Volvo has managed to overcome.
“Since our new SPA technology is designed from the start to accommodate electrification technologies, the Twin Engine installation does not compromise luggage or passenger space,” said Dr. Mertens.
The all-new XC90
The original XC90 was launched in 2002, and it revolutionized the SUV segment with its combination of space, versatility and safety. It went on to become a global sales phenomenon. The all-new XC90 will also be a transformational vehicle in its market segment.
The new XC90 is the first Volvo to use the company’s Scalable Product Architecture (SPA), which creates a far wider range of design possibilities, improves drivability and permits the inclusion of the latest safety features and connected in-car technologies, while at the same time increasing interior space.