Volvo Concept Recharge points to new XC90
New third-generation Volvo XC90 coming in 2021
Current XC90 was first model to launch on Volvo’s SPA platform; new one will be electrified only
Expect to see the new Volvo XC90 in November 2022
► New 2023 Volvo XC90► Pure electric powertrain
► Will be built in the US
Volvo’s third-generation XC90 SUV will be shown in November 2022 before going on sale later in 2023.
The new 2023 Volvo XC90 is codenamed 536, denoting this is the third generation of the model that’s arguably reinvented modern Volvo since the original launched two decades ago.
One big unknown at this stage is what the new SUV will be called. Insiders have hinted that it might even adopt a name – and Volvo Embla is one potential moniker being touted, after Gothenburg trademarked it.
So what do we know about the new 2023 Volvo XC90?
The 2021 Volvo Recharge concept (below) is said to preview the style and body surfacing bound for the next-gen XC90. It marks a stepchange in design to reflect the radical technical progress and stepchange in autonomous features bound for the seven-seat family SUV.
Volvo has already officially confirmed that the third-generation XC90 will be built at the brand’s new South Carolina-based plant in the US. The Swedes were originally hoping to launch in 2021, but delays have been caused by the ongoing disruption in the car industry from Covid, microchip shortages and the devastating war in Ukraine.
Former president and CEO Håkan Samuelsson confirmed that there will be no internal combustion engine-only models, in keeping with Volvo’s plan to electrify its entire line-up. ‘[The new S60] is the first car without diesel, all following this will also be like that,’ he said back at the factory announcement a couple of years ago.
‘Diesels will be an alternative on cars already released – they will have diesels as long as customers continue to buy them, but we will not be developing any new generations of them – we’ll sell what we have. So new cars will be petrol with hybrid or pure electric. This car [the new XC90] will be an all-electric or hybrid one.’
It is understood that the XC90 is now planned to be pure electric only, in reaction to market conditions; instead Volvo will continue selling today’s XC90 Recharge T8 alongside project 536 to provide a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) for those who need the reassurance of some combustion power.
Third-gen Volvo XC90: price and release date
Expect to see the first official pictures of the next Volvo XC90 in November 2022 and it is likely that prices will climb from today’s range, whose cheapest PHEV, the T8 Plug-in hybrid AWD in Plus spec, costs £76,525.
However, CAR magazine understands there will be a substantial wait for right-hand drive Volvo XC90s to arrive in UK showrooms – meaning the first customer cars won’t arrive until autumn 2023.
More news as and when we hear it.
Keyword: New electric Volvo XC90 readies for launch this winter