2025 Volvo XC90 facelift is here; check what’s on offer

KUALA LUMPUR: Volvo has upgraded its award-winning and best-selling flagship hybrid SUV, the XC90. The “new and improved” Volvo XC90 hosts a broad suite of technology and design updates inside and out. Available only in hybrid & plug-in hybrid powertrains, it caters to customers unsure about pure electric cars.

Arrived a decade ago, the XC90 received a facelift for the second time;  the first comprehensive revision came in 2019. The SUV is still based on the Scalable Platform Architecture (SPA) platform.

Let’s know all the changes in detail, starting with the exterior.

Exterior

In terms of exterior design, the XC90 facelift benefits from subtle yet impactful updates. It boasts a new front grille with diagonal stripes instead of a horizontal or vertical pattern. The sleek and longer headlights feature the redesigned “Thor’s Hammer” LED daytime running lights. The SUV also gains a sculpted bonnet, a revised front bumper, and an expanded range of alloy wheel designs from 20 to 22 inches. The tail lights feature a new lighting pattern. 

Interior

Inside the cabin, we can see a revised dashboard layout with inserts made from premium recycled materials. It incorporates a new portrait-oriented infotainment interface measuring 11.2 inches. This new system, powered by Google's built-in OS, can also be found on the brand’s latest EVs, the EX30 and EX90. It supports over-the-air (OTA) updates and built-in apps available via Google Play Store and Google Maps navigation.

Also new for 2025 are redesigned vertical AC vents, a new ambient lighting layout, and additional storage areas in the central stack. The automaker has repositioned the wireless phone charging pad for greater convenience. The three-row SUV can also be configured in a six-seat layout with individual captain's chairs in the second row.

Engine

The Volvo XC90 facelift comes with a slightly detuned plug-in hybrid drivetrain. It comprises a 310 PS/400 Nm 2.0-litre turbocharged four-popper gasoline mill and a 145 PS/309 Nm e-motor producing a total system output of 455 PS. The power is sent to the wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox, enabling the vehicle to hit the century sprint in just 5.4 seconds. The PHEV setup also houses an 18.8 kWh battery pack, offering an all-electric range of 63 to 71 km. 

Apart from that, the SUV comes with two 48-volt mild hybrid engines. Both use a 2.0-litre powertrain, producing 250 PS and 299 PS, respectively.

Suspension

Another key update includes an improved standard suspension system with adaptive dampers that can automatically adjust to different road conditions. An optional air suspension works in tandem with an active chassis and offers the most comfortable ride possible. Volvo engineers have also added extra insulation to certain parts of the vehicle to reduce wind and road noise.

Safety

Touted as one of the safest cars on the road, the Volvo XC90 comes equipped with an advanced safety cage and a full suite of active safety features using radar and a front camera. The pack includes autonomous emergency braking, Pilot Assist Level 2 semi-autonomous driving, emergency stop assist, run-off road protection, vehicle-to-X communication, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.

Upon introducing the new XC90, Jim Rowan, CEO of Volvo Cars said, "The new XC90 exudes confidence, and why wouldn’t it? Our hybrid flagship has been one of our best-selling models for years and it’s still a favourite among many customers.”

“Whether it’s comfort, space, luxury, versatility or hybrid efficiency you look for, the XC90 delivers on all accounts. Put together, the XC90 and its fully electric EX90 sibling provide customers with the options that suit them best and equip us with a balanced portfolio as we continue our transition towards full electrification.” 

Also read: Save the date: Volvo EX30 launching in Malaysia on September 25