Venerable Volvo XC90 gets new infotainment and EV-inspired looks

As facelifts go, the XC90’s is a classic touch-up job. Up front, slim headlights emphasise the large grille with revised graphics and the bonnet and front bumper have also been restyled for a cleaner, less fussy look. Mulberry Red has also been added to the Volvo’s range of colours. 

Inside, you’ll find an all-new freestanding infotainment screen that’s shared with the EX90 with high-resolution graphics and fast keys that give you direct access to the car’s most-used functions. Over-the-air technology means the new XC90’s infotainment can be upgraded remotely as new technology becomes available. Volvo has also added Cardamom upholstery and Charcoal headlining to the range of interior colour options. 

The XC90 is available with two engine options, the mild-hybrid B5 petrol or the plug-in hybrid T8 petrol-electric. The former boasts 250PS (184kW) and gets from 0-62mph in 7.7 seconds, the latter combines a 310PS (228kW) petrol engine with a 145PS (107kW) electric motor to get from 0-62mph in 5.4 seconds, combined with a 40-mile pure electric range. 

Core models are the most basic in the range but, this being a range-topping SUV, they’re still well equipped with four-zone climate control, heating for all bar the middle seats, LED headlights, 20-inch alloys wheels, a reversing camera and suite of safety gear that makes the Volvo safer than a central-London-located mansion in the middle of a house-price boom. Swapping petrol power for the petrol-electric T8 plug-in hybrid will set you back just under £73,000.

The Plus is the mid-range specification, costing about £69,000 for a B5 petrol or £77,700 for T8 in the same spec. Plus models add adaptive dampers and air suspension to the spec list, as well as a 360-degree parking camera, an opening glass roof and a 600W Harman Kardon stereo with 13 speakers.

Ultra models sit at the top of the range and are most easily spotted by their steamroller-esque 21-inch wheels. They get the entire options list chucked at them, so you get refinement-boosting laminated glass windows with integrated sun shades, soft Nappa leather seats that have a massage function in the front and the best stereo available – a 1400W Bowers & Wilkins system with 18 speakers.

Ultra models are finished in one of two packs called Dark or Bright. Dark gets you an exterior sprinkled in glossy black plastics, Bright swaps the black plastic for chrome. Ultra models start from £75,000 for the petrol or £84,000 for the plug-in hybrid. 

The new XC90 is on sale now.