Volvo’s new XC90 is released, with an upgraded powertrain

[Global Network Comprehensive Report] According to US media reports on February 22, the new Volvo XC90 was released on the 22nd. The car’s exterior and interior have undergone minor changes, as well as power system and energy efficiency upgrades.

Russell Datz, a Volvo spokesperson, has confirmed that the new XC90 will go on sale later this year as a 2020 model year and that the new powertrain will not be available in the early US market. Other market models will be equipped with a new braking-by-wire system, which includes a kinetic energy recovery function. The mild hybrid system works with Volvo’s existing internal combustion engine to recover lost energy during braking. Volvo expects the system to improve fuel economy by 15 per cent and reduce emissions from the XC90 by 15 per cent.

Volvo will mark the new powertrains with a "B". Other market models outside the US will be available in gasoline or diesel versions of the XC90 B5, or B6 petrol models. Volvo says these powertrains will eventually become standard for the brand.

It is not clear when the new powertrain will be available on US models, but the existing T8 powertrain has increased its battery capacity from 10.4 to 11.6kwh. Worldwide, the T6 and T8 powertrains with 2.0-liter turbocharged and supercharged inline-4-cylinder engines also feature braking-by-wire technology similar to the B5 engine. Volvo says the new car’s range has also increased by 15%. The T8 powertrain can now deliver 420 horsepower, compared to 400 horsepower previously. But Datz says the only change on US models is the larger battery size, while the T6 and T8 powertrains have not yet changed.

In terms of appearance, the 2020 XC90 features a new grille design, new wheels, and new exterior color options. In terms of interior, the new car is equipped with a new luxury wool blend trim and new leather seats. The car is available in six- and seven-seat versions.

Active safety features include a blind spot monitor and automatic steering auxiliary features for the pedestrian detection system. In addition, the new car is equipped with a lane deflection reminder function to help relieve lane traffic pressure.

The 2020 XC90 will begin production at the Torslanda plant in Sweden this May.

(Internship Compiler: Li Yumin, Reviewer: Liu Yang)