A Flagship SUV Worthy of a New Generation

Unveiled at last year's Frankfurt Motor Show, the "Volvo Concept Coupé" and, at this year's January Detroit Motor Show, the "Volvo Concept XC Coupé", and the "Volvo Concept Estate" announced at the March Geneva Motor Show. These three design concepts, hinting at a new generation of Volvo, have finally been realized in production models.

Volvo, under the urgent need to establish a new design direction led by Senior Vice President of Design Thomas Ingenlath, plans to expand the new design cues used in the second-generation "XC90" to future models, forming a new family of vehicles.

Conversely, one could say that Volvo meticulously previewed the XC90 for over a year by developing three design concept cars. It would not be an exaggeration to introduce the new model, which embodies these new design cues, as one where failure is absolutely not an option. This is because the XC90 signifies Volvo's serious commitment and represents the future of the brand. It's impossible not to pay attention.

Volvo has newly developed a platform for the XC90, featuring world-leading safety, new powertrains, and a premium quality 7-seater cabin. Developed as the centerpiece of a total investment program of approximately $11 billion, this model generously incorporates the most advanced technologies currently available from Volvo.

"The launch of the new XC90 is one of the most important days in our history. With the XC90, Volvo is redefining the brand, and at the same time, this car will become the symbol of a new Volvo. This XC90 will pave the way for an exciting new era connected to the future," said Håkan Samuelsson, President and CEO of Volvo Car Group, expressing his high expectations for the XC90.

The Face of a New Volvo

The emblem on the front grille, featuring vertical bars that signify Volvo's new face, is based on a design rooted in the SKF bearing trademark used for many years, now refined with a modern touch. While the basic composition of the circle, arrow, and the "VOLVO" text remains, it has evolved into a more integrated and sophisticated design.

Combined with T-shaped Thor's Hammer-inspired DRLs (Daytime Running Lights) – easily visualized as Thor's hammer from "The Avengers" – a muscular, athletic body shape with pronounced shoulder lines, and tail lights that complement the body's contours, it creates an icon that makes Volvo look more like Volvo, and more new. Although it retains the orthodox 2-box shape of a 3-row seat SUV, its details are filled with the keyword "new generation."

The 3-row seat cabin, the only one in the lineup, retains Volvo's characteristic Scandinavian aesthetic while exuding a more luxurious atmosphere.

The combination of wood and leather, designed with layered depth, expresses the warmth derived from the abundant use of natural materials, creating a truly Scandinavian ambiance. Compared to the current XC90, the design quality and texture have significantly improved.

As previously reported,the optional crystal glass shift lever from the renowned Swedish glass manufacturer Orrefors, along with the engine start button and drive control buttons, feature distinctive diamond-cut detailing, demonstrating a commitment to quality and meticulous design.

The 7-seater layout consists of two seats in the front, three in the second row, and two in the third row. Each seat features a sculpted design that firmly supports the occupants. The third row is designed to comfortably accommodate two adults of approximately 170 cm in height.

Scalable Product Architecture (SPA)

Beyond the tangible aspects that can be seen and touched, the "XC90" makes history as an innovative Volvo. It is the first Volvo to adopt the newly developed "Scalable Product Architecture (SPA)" platform, a key technological keyword that will significantly influence Volvo's future performance and production efficiency.

The "Scalable Product Architecture (SPA)" is a chassis structure that can be applied and adapted to other models, and most future Volvo vehicles are expected to adopt this new chassis. The system is modular and can be shared across various models, while also being expandable to suit the character of each vehicle. This also offers significant benefits to the manufacturer through efficient production in more flexible factories.

Concurrently with the "Scalable Product Architecture (SPA)," Volvo has developed and adopted a completely new design for its fuel-efficient four-cylinder engines, called the "Volvo Engine Architecture (VEA)" for its production models.

For us, rather than "Volvo Engine Architecture (VEA)," it might be more familiar to refer to the new generation powertrain as "Drive-E", known by the model code "B420" for the 2-liter inline 4-cylinder direct-injection turbo unit combined with an 8-speed automatic transmission.

In any case, Volvo has fully embarked on its transition to the next generation with both the chassis and the drivetrain – the fundamental performance pillars of a car.

Five Engine Variations, Including the T8 Twin Engine

However, the powertrain highlights do not end there. To achieve the power and improved fuel efficiency demanded of an SUV, the top-of-the-line "T8 Twin Engine" model, developed based on the "Drive-E" series, is a significant topic. While the name might suggest two engines, as previously reported, it is Volvo's first plug-in hybrid powertrain, combining an engine and an electric motor. It's best understood as "Twin Engine" meaning "having two power sources."

The engine component is based on the 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder gasoline "Drive-E" engine, supercharged and turbocharged for enhanced performance. It drives the front wheels, utilizing the full extent of modern technology.

The electric motor produces a maximum output of 80 hp (60 kW) and is located at the rear of the vehicle, driving the rear wheels. This setup achieves the 4WD capability required for an SUV using both the gasoline engine and the electric motor. The "T8 Twin Engine" system boasts a total output of 400 hp and 640 Nm of torque, with CO2 emissions as low as 60 g/km. In EV mode, powered solely by the electric motor and battery, it offers approximately 40 km of zero-emission driving on a full charge.

The flexibility of the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) also accommodates the installation of batteries and motors required for such hybrid powertrains without compromising cabin or cargo space, a significant advantage that Volvo highlights.

While conventional vehicles often face spatial constraints when integrating plug-in hybrid systems, Volvo explains that SPA resolves these design limitations.

Meanwhile, the "D5" twin-turbo diesel engine, expected to be a主力 engine in the European market, delivers 225 hp and 470 Nm of torque. The "D4" single-turbo diesel engine offers 190 hp and 400 Nm. In terms of gasoline engines, the "T6" boasts 320 hp and 400 Nm, while the "T5" offers 254 hp and 350 Nm. A total of five powertrain options are available.

Volvo's Cutting-Edge Safety Devices

Finally, the keyword "safety," which immediately comes to mind when thinking of "Volvo," is embodied in the adoption of safety devices aligned with "Vision 2020," Volvo's safety goal to achieve zero fatalities or serious injuries in Volvo car accidents by 2020.

Passive safety features include a "safety cage" constructed from high-strength hot-formed boron steel to protect occupants in the event of a collision, and "Run-off Road Protection", which automatically tightens the seatbelts for the driver and front passenger until the vehicle stops if it detects it's leaving the road, securing occupants in an optimal position. It also features "energy-absorbing" capabilities to reduce vertical impact forces by up to one-third upon landing after leaving the road. Active safety features include "Lane Keeping Aid," which provides corrective steering input to help the vehicle stay within its lane, and "Driver Alert Control," which warns the driver of fatigue or inattention.

Furthermore, Volvo's renowned automatic braking system, known for City Safety and Human Safety, now includes a world-first safety function that detects and reacts to oncoming traffic when turning at intersections, in addition to its existing functions of collision avoidance and mitigation. It also features automatic braking at higher speeds.

Additionally, two styling packages are offered to enhance the XC90's prestige. The "Urban Luxury Package" combines front decorative frames, stainless steel front and rear skid plates, side scuff plates, a color-coordinated body kit, and 21-inch polished wheels. The "Rugged Luxury Kit" features high-tech matte black exterior trim, stainless steel skid plates, illumination, integrated exhaust pipes, running boards, and 22-inch wheels.

The new flagship SUV from Volvo, the "XC90," is truly a long-awaited arrival and is scheduled for its global public debut at the upcomingParis Motor Show. We eagerly anticipate its arrival in Japan in 2015.