2021 Volvo XC90: What’s new

Volvo XC90 last received a facelift in November 2019 that included very subtle design tweaks and an updated powertrain. And now for the model year 2021, the SUV benefits from a mild update that includes several revisions in the equipment list. Seems like Volvo is taking all the efforts to keep the car up-to-date and as per customers taste. And to achieve that the automaker is not only adding but dropping a few things. So, without further ado let’s get to know what’s new with the 2021 XC90.

2021 Volvo XC90 variant update

The previous-gen XC90 was offered in three trim options - T5 Momentum, T8 Inscription, and T8 plug-in hybrid. However, for the model year 2021, Volvo has made some pretty big changes. For instance, the mid-spec T8 Inscription variant has been dropped from the local lineup. As for the T8 plug-in hybrid, it has officially dropped the Twin Engine badge and picked up the Recharge moniker, the same as the recently-launched XC40 Recharge T5.

Though the 2021 XC90 price is amid approval, we know for a fact that it would include a 5-year, unlimited-mileage factory warranty and 5-year/120.000 km extended warranty. The Recharge T8 model comes with an 8-year/160,000 km battery warranty.

2021 Volvo XC90 design upgrade

For the model year 2021, Volvo has not changed much on the exterior design front. The SUV continues to feature the subtle upgrades introduced in the 2019 facelift. The Momentum trim includes LED headlights and 19-inch five-spoke two-tone alloy wheels. The XC90 Inscription model, on the other hand, gets an adaptive headlight with washers, 20-inch ten-spoke Black Diamond Cut alloys, and chrome accents on the grille, door handles, and bumpers.

2021 Volvo XC90 interior upgrades

For the model year 2021, the XC90 gets wood trim as standard, however, the Momentum and Inscription Plus trims get Iron Ore aluminium inlays and Ash trim (in black or grey) respectively. The upholstery on the Momentum is that of regular leather, while the Inscription Plus gets Nappa leather that is now perforated due to the addition of a heated front seat. Both the models now benefit from Qi wireless charger and rear Type-C charging ports.

Specific to the XC90 Inscription Plus model however is -

• Air suspension
• Orrefors crystal gearbox
• Leather-wrapped dashboard & door panels
• The power-adjustable front-seat side bolsters
• Laminated windows
• Multi-coloured ambient lighting
• Panoramic sunroof
• Power-folding second-row seat
• 360-degree camera
• Head-up display
• Navigation
• Grocery hooks in the boot

But wait that’s not all, the Inscription Plus model gets an upgraded Bowers & Wilkins sound system with a new amplifier, active noise cancellation, silver Continuum speaker cones, and a new ‘Jazz Club’ setting.

The seven-seater continues to feature the same inclusions that were added during the 2019 facelift. It gets keyless entry, four-zone automatic climate control with rear vents, power-adjustable front seat with driver’s side memory, twist-knob start, auto-dimming mirrors, 12.3-inch instrument panel, rear door sunshades, 9-inch touch display with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, 330-watt sound system, ten speakers, hands-free powered tailgate, reverse camera, and front & rear parking sensors.

2021 Volvo XC90 engine specs

Everything remains the same under the hood, both the XC90 models are powered by a 2.-litre four-cylinder turbo engine that is coupled with 8-speed automatic transmission. In the T5, the mill makes a maximum power of 254 PS at 5,500 rpm and a peak torque of 350 Nm from 1,500 to 4,800 rpm. The power is sent to all four wheels.

In the Recharge T8, the mill is supported by a supercharger which helps it make 320 PS at 5,700 rpm and 400 Nm from 2,200 to 5,400 rpm. The electric motor on the rear axle generates 87 PS and 240 Nm. The total system output stands at 407 PS and 640 Nm. The car continues to feature a 2019 added 11.6 kWh lithium-ion battery that provides an all-electric range of 50 km.

For the model year 2021, Volvo has increased the size of the supplied three-pin household charger from 5 to 7 meters.

2021 Volvo XC90 performance upgrades

As per the company's latest stance against speeding, the XC90 models' top speed is now limited to 180 kmph. The T5 covers 0 to100 kmph sprint in 7.9 seconds, while the Recharge T8 takes 5.6 seconds.

2021 Volvo XC90 safety kit

The XC90 is packed with the same safety features as before. So, it gets Pilot Assist semi-autonomous driving function that includes lane centring assist and adaptive cruise control. Furthermore, the SUV is equipped with rear cross traffic alert with braking, lane keeping assist, blind spot monitoring with steering assist, evasive steering assist, and autonomous emergency braking with cyclist, pedestrian, large animal, and oncoming vehicle detection.

Conclusion

The 2021 Volvo XC90 receives limited upgrades for the model year 2012, and mostly carries forward the 2019 facelift inclusions. Overall the seven-seater looks stylish, offers premium comfort, and is one of the safest cars around.

Also Read: 2021 Volvo S90 Recharge debuts at the Thailand Motor Expo