This week, Volvo gave us a sneak peek of the soon to be launched top of the line XC90 crossover SUV, showing us not the exterior, but some rich new details of the interior. The Volvo XC90 is one of the most important new products for the brand in recent years and they’re playing this card carefully.
Taking a bold new design direction, Volvo says the XC90’s cabin will be the most luxurious one ever designed by the brand. The company says its inspiration stems from Sweden’s global reputation for a clean crafted interpretation of high technology.
The most striking detail is the new portrait oriented infotainment screen. It’s unique and a different design layout for Volvo. Gone is the flowing waterfall console packed with small buttons, replaced by a more traditional format but virtually button free.
It appears Volvo has heard the comments over the years about its difficult and distracting to use driver interfaces and lack of modern connectivity features. The new XC90 will get a new generation control center with a range of internet-based products and services.
Where the interior breaks from what appears to be a mainstream design is in the details. Soft leather and wood abound with handcrafted touches including a crystal glass gear lever and diamond-cut surfaces on various controls like the start/stop button and volume knob.
When it goes into production, the XC90 will be the first Volvo to use the company’s new Scalable Product Architecture. This is an all new platform developed separate of Ford since the company was purchased by China based Geely.
The new platform architecture affords a wider range of design options, safety features and increased interior space. The three-row XC90 will be larger inside in all directions, offering more comfort as well as ease of entry.
When it comes to seating, Volvo has been known for building some of the best chairs in the business. The XC90 will build on that notion with innovatively designed seats that free up interior space for passengers both in the second and third seat rows.
The standard seats are available with a wide range of power adjustments, ventilation and a new massage capability. A more sporting ‘Contour” seat package will offer Volvo’s trademark side bolstering support.
The second row gets three individual seats each with recline and sliding adjustments. Volvo will continue to offer an integrated child booster cushion in the center rear seat.
Third row seats will offer what Volvo calls class-leading room and comfort. There is now additional space for feet under the second row seats and attention has been given to affording easier ingress and egress. All seven passengers get three-point safety belts with pre-tensioners, and side curtain airbags.
Included are a number of storage options for the driver and all the passengers. All the seats in the second and third rows can be folded individually, which creates outstanding loading flexibility. The third row seats can also be specified with power operation.
The new Volvo XC90 will be fully revealed in August and will likely arrive in the U.S as a 2016 model While details have not yet been released, it’s expected the new top-line crossover SUV will feature the company’s new Drive-E powertrains.
For a more detailed review and photo gallery see our article at ActivityVehicle.com
