The flagship Volvo XC90 has undergone performance changes and price increases for the 2023 model year, including a new Google-based infotainment system, as well as an improved plug-in hybrid system for the top-level Recharge variant.
As before, four variants are offered, now with a new naming structure. The old Momentum, Inscription, and R-Design trim levels are replaced by Plus, Ultimate Bright, and Ultimate Dark names, respectively.
Key changes include a standard air purifier and electrically folding rear headrests (previously optional) across the range, as well as the installation of Volvo’s latest Android Automotive infotainment system with app connectivity and wireless software updates (OTA).
Ultimate variants also get a heated steering wheel and heated rear seats as standard equipment, and there are new exterior colors available.
All models have been subject to price increases, amounting to $4,500 for B5 and B6 versions, and $3,000 for the T8 Recharge Plug-in Hybrid.
There are a total of three available powertrains according to the variant, including two petrol engines with mild-hybrid assistance, as well as a turbocharged plug-in hybrid. All are four-cylinder units.
The entry-level B5 features a 2.0-liter turbocharged petrol engine connected to a 48V mild-hybrid system. Outputs are rated at 183kW (5400-5700 rpm) and 350Nm (1800-4800rpm).
Moving up to the B6, the upgraded engine variant adds an electronically driven supercharger (called E-Charger), increasing outputs to 220kW (5400 rpm) and 420Nm (2100-4800rpm).
Finally, the plug-in hybrid T8 Recharge is again a 2.0-liter turbocharged petrol engine (now without the supercharger) connected to a plug-in hybrid system incorporating a rear-mounted electric motor and a lithium-ion battery.
Outputs are rated at 233kW (6000 rpm) and 400Nm (3000-45000rpm) for the petrol engine, and 107kW (15,900 rpm) and 309Nm (0-3280rpm) for the electric motor.
All versions of the Volvo XC90 are equipped with an 8-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. Unlike the broader range, the AWD system of the T8 Recharge uses the petrol engine to drive the front axle and the electric motor at the rear, for electrified all-wheel drive.
The B5 and B6 variants of the Volvo XC90 claim to use 8.2 l/100 km on the combined cycle. Emissions are rated at 187g/kilometer (CO2) for the B5 and 186g/kilometer for the B6.
Meanwhile, the T8 Recharge PHEV quotes a combined fuel use of 1.8 l/100 km, although achieving that figure requires a full charge of the 18.8kWh battery.
All models come with a 71-liter fuel tank.
Volvo XC90 Safety
The current-generation Volvo XC90 has a five-star ANCAP safety rating, but only for diesel models sold between September 2015 and January 2022, so the latest range does not have a rating.
The ANCAP safety rating was based on Euro NCAP tests from 2015, which have now expired according to Euro NCAP’s new seven-year validity policy.
It scored 97% for adult occupant protection, 87% for child occupant protection, 72% for pedestrian protection, and 73% for safety assist.
Standard safety features include:
- Adjustable speed limiter
- Adaptive cruise control
- Lane-centering
- Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
- Pedestrian, cyclist, and animal detection
- Rear cross-traffic assist
- 360-degree cameras
- Front, rear, and side parking sensors
- Hill start assist
- Hill descent control
Standard Equipment for the Volvo XC90
XC90 Plus B5 highlights: 20-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry and start, power tailgate, blond-colored headlining, walnut details, leather-trimmed seats with leather details, front seats electrically adjustable and heated, four-zone climate control, rear sunshades, LED headlights, fog lights, 12-inch digital instrument cluster, head-up display, 9.0-inch Android Automotive infotainment system, satellite navigation, DAB+ radio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless phone charging, power-folding exterior mirrors, surround-view cameras, air purifier, electrically folding rear headrests, USB-C ports.
XC90 Ultimate B6 Bright adds: 21-inch alloy wheels, heated steering wheel, rear seats with heating.
XC90 Ultimate B6 Dark adds: 22-inch alloy wheels, R-Design exterior style, black side mirrors, Nappa perforated leather upholstery, carbon-colored headlining, glass gear lever.
Lastly, the XC90 Ultimate T8 Recharge Plug-in Hybrid adds: Air suspension with Active Chassis, Bowers and Wilkins premium audio, rear privacy glass, panoramic sunroof, tire repair kit, available Tailored Wool Blend upholstery.
