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August 31, 2021
Embark on a Long Drive in Volvo's Flagship SUV, the "XC-90" | VOLVO
VOLVO XC-90 B6 AWD R-Design | Volvo XC-90 B6 AWD R-Design
Embark on a Long Drive in Volvo's Flagship SUV, the "XC-90"
The Volvo XC-90, Volvo's flagship SUV, debuted in 2014 with a new generation of design and a lightweight, highly rigid platform. We test-drove the latest model, the "XC-90 B6 AWD R Design," equipped with a 48V mild hybrid system and an electric supercharger, from Tokyo to Sendai.
Text & Photographs by HARA Akira
The First of the New Generation Volvos
The XC-90 holds the flagship position in Volvo's SUV lineup. First, let's review the second-generation XC-90, which made its world premiere in 2014 as the first of the new generation Volvos...
The first production model designed by Senior Vice President Thomas Ingenlath, who transferred from Volkswagen as head of design.
The first adoption of the newly developed lightweight, high-rigidity modular platform called "Scalable Product Architecture (SPA)."
The powertrain is limited to a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine (various specifications including gasoline, diesel, turbocharger, and supercharger).
A luxurious interior space with 3-row seating and Scandinavian design.
These features were highly acclaimed, earning over 50 awards worldwide, including in Europe and North America.
Sales in Japan began slightly later, in 2016. Initially, only gasoline engine models such as the T6 and T8 Twin Engine (PHEV) were available, with the 2.0-liter 4-cylinder diesel D5 added later.
Sales in Japan began slightly later, in 2016. Initially, only gasoline engine models such as the T6 and T8 Twin Engine (PHEV) were available, with the 2.0-liter 4-cylinder diesel D5 added later.
In 2020, a minor model change was implemented in line with Volvo's policy of "electrification of all vehicles" (discontinuation of models with only internal combustion engines). The T6 and D5 were discontinued, and the lineup was reorganized into three grades: the "B5" equipped with a new 48V mild hybrid system, the "B6" with increased power from an electric supercharger, and the "Recharge Plug-in Hybrid T8," renamed from "Twin Engine" and featuring a two-motor PHEV system.