By the early 2000’s, a lot of luxury manufacturers were already manufacturing a full-size family SUV, such as the BMW X5, the Mercedes ML and the Lexus RX. Although these SUVs were luxurious, they had their drawbacks. Therefore, the XC90 was developed, they looked at creating a next generation SUV that solved problems like the lack of flat rear area behind the front seats, driving dynamics that were closer to a regular car, and fuel economy that made it completive with more conventional cars.
First Generation
The first generation was introduced in 2002 and it came with a number of safety innovations, that helped the XC90 to very quickly become a family favourite. Not only this, but these innovations meant that the XC90 very quickly became one of the safest vehicles on the road. Thatcham research have found that since it’s introduction, the XC90 hasn’t been involved in a single fatal accident, a testament to these innovations.
The First generation was not only safe, but it was spacious, luxurious and incredibly handsome, which not only helped its popularity, with 636,143 being produced by the time it moved into its second generation in 2014. This also helped the XC90 develop a successful career in Hollywood, starring in many different movies, from Big Momma’s House to Gone Girl, you can see the XC90 being driven as a family car, or even transporting the Mafia!
Second Generation
The first generation was wildly successful, so successful it stayed in production for the next 12 years, which meant that anything that followed would have big shoes to fill! Luckily the second generation has done this with ease, taking all the things that made the original so successful and enhancing them further. The second generation’s design is less utilitarian than the original, exuding elegance and luxury in equal measures. The interior, is akin to a private jet with the impressive material quality, Sensus infotainment system and increased interior space, there really is nowhere better to be on a long journey!
The second generation also integrates a plug-in hybrid powertrain, that gives you the ability to drive in pure electric 25 miles, have excellent fuel economy when you’re driving in hybrid mode, whilst also propelling you to 60mph in less than 6 seconds!
The Future of the XC90
In 2021, Volvo debuted their concept recharge, their manifesto for the future of pure electric Volvo’s. Working on their mantra of ‘less but more’ by removing the internal combustion powertrain, they have been able to design the car around the user, making the interior space bigger, whilst equally improving aerodynamic efficiency, to get more range.
Volvo have also confirmed that they will start giving their vehicles names that aren’t alphanumeric, as the current names relate to engine specification, but as they move to electric, they want to name their vehicles ‘as you would name a new born child’. That being said we aren’t sure the next Volvo XC90 will be the Volvo Johnathan, but we are certain it will be an all-electric SUV, with a handsome exterior, incredible performance and a 6-star interior!
Discover the Volvo XC90
