Volvo working on the next generation XC90, but it may not be called that at all, with the company having registered the name ‘EXC90’ with the European Patent Office. We’ve heard rumors in the past that the XC90 will be renamed ‘Embla’, in a move that goes against Volvo’s traditional letter and numbering nomenclature.
Volvo changed its CEO in March of this year, with Briton Jim Rowan taking over. This could be a key factor behind the brand’s reveal of the naming of its EXC90, which appears to have gone against the ‘Embla’ nameplate. As the largest SUV in Volvo’s lineup, we expect it to continue to challenge the Audi Q7, BMW X5 and Volkswagen Touareg inside large SUV segment.
Along with the new name, we can see the patent images of the new car. It looks like Volvo will keep the design safe, with the signature ‘Thor’s hammer’ headlights once again reimagined with the front end not too far away from the current model. The rear has a new bumper and a C-shaped lamp design, but the overall proportions are very similar to the current XC90. However, the grille has been covered, suggesting that this particular patent model will be an electric car.
Electrification has been on the cards for the XC90 successor for a while. The new SPA2 platform will allow the brand’s largest SUV to be electrified from the ground up. The Recharge concept uses Volvo’s new SPA2 platform, which is scalable to vehicles ranging in size from S60 to XC90. The layout is the first time Volvo has had a completely flat floor with the battery underneath.
As such, there won’t be a pure petrol or diesel version of Volvo’s next large SUV. Indeed, by 2025 Volvo wants 50% of its sales are all-electric models. However, we can still expect plug-in hybrid variants of the new EXC90.
The new EXC90 will showcase Volvo’s new generation of interiors. According to the Concept Recharge, the car will still use a central touchscreen with vertical orientation, but will be integrated into a much more minimalist environment. The 15-inch center display will run a new generation of software called VolvoCars.OS and will sit on a floating dashboard; Pure electric powertrain and underfloor battery make a center tunnel unnecessary, opening up more space in the car.
Now read ours In-depth review of the current Volvo XC90 SUV…
