We can now confirm that the Volvo XC90 will receive a heavy facelift soon, and that the updated model – still built on SPA1 platform – will be sold alongside the SPA2-based all-electric EX90. As such, Volvo will still field an ICE offering in the large SUV segment for the near future at least.
The current Volvo XC90 will very soon turn a full 10 years old, having been first unveiled in August 2014. The second-generation model has gone largely unchanged over the decade, with just a light facelift in 2019.
Soon enough, though, it will be given a major refresh with an entirely new front end – one that brings it closer to Volvo’s latest design language. How do we know this? Well, we spotted a test mule wearing the new face while visiting the brand HQ in Gothenburg, Sweden, though unfortunately we weren’t allowed to take photos in the area.
But while the front of the said vehicle carried some camouflage to hide the design, the rear end appeared virtually identical to the current model. Having said that, the actual model should, at the very least, sport updated light graphics.
The interior of the test mule on the other hand was covered completely, so expect the final car to have a redesigned dashboard. Hopefully, it will form a nice middle ground between the current car’s posh but ageing design and the EX90’s modern but overly simplistic cabin.
The 2025 Volvo XC90 should continue to feature a mix of mild-hybrid (MHEV) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrains, although how different they would be (if at all) from the current lineup remains to be seen. Volvo officially ended ICE R&D work back in 2021 – now handled by a new JV with Geely called Aurobay – to fully focus on electric powertrains.
The EX90 EV on the other hand, after an abnormally-long gestation period (20-month gap between initial debut in end-2022 and start of production this month), should make its way into major markets over the next few quarters. We will have to wait and see if it’s still on track to make its debut in Malaysia by the end of 2024.
So folks, what do you think of the second-gen Volvo XC90 potentially outliving the first-gen‘s 12-year lifespan? Discuss below.
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