Volvo XC90 2020 with KERS tech

ABU DHABI: The XC90 ushered in a new era for Volvo and brought the company back into the competitive landscape. Since its launch in 2014, Volvo has sold 320,000 units of the XC90 and to keep it competitive a facelift has been unlived for 2020.

On the design front not much has changed. The exterior sees new color/wheel options and slightly tweaked radiator grille. Jump inside, and the existing design is carried forward with the option of a new 6-seat configuration. The Sensus infotainment system is now compatible with Android Auto and includes Spotify music streaming in select markets.

The most significant changes are found under the hood with the T8 petrol-plug-in-hybrid now producing 420 bhp (up from 407). Addition of a new battery sees the driving range go up by 15% and it can be charged with the brake-by-wire advanced battery charging system. This new system will be fitted to all 90 and 60 series models. The smaller T6 engine will also be upgraded. Volvo will also introduce mild hybrid petrol and diesel versions of the XC90 in a few months, under the ‘B’ badge.

Volvo cars are considered as one of the safest in the world, and the XC90 has a slew of tech to help live up to that claim. City Safety and Blind Spot Information System now get steering assist with the City Safety system being the only one on the market to recognise pedestrians, cyclists, and large animal. Oncoming Lane Mitigation system from the XC60, is now available on the XC90. Auto braking has also been added to the Cross Traffic Alert system while the safety cage forms the core of passive safety technology.

Production of the XC90 facelift will commence from May at the companies Torslanda plant in Sweden. Orders are being accepted worldwide in all markets where Volvo is present.