Global icon, upgraded: New features that make the XC90 even better

Volvo Cars’ seven-seat SUV has become its best-selling model of all time since the first version launched in 2002 – winning a large boot-full of awards and spawning a raft of imitators.

Top Gear knows the XC90 is “the best family SUV out there”, and Which Car? surmises the big unit “melds the company's dedication to safety with unmatched luxury and comfort.”

That was before this year’s upgrades – and the updated 2025 model is now in Australian showrooms, and it’s even better.

Here’s what the upgrades add:

The outside

The front-end has been completely redesigned. A sculpted bonnet curves into a diagonally counteracting mesh grille, bracketed by slimmer ‘Thor’s Hammer’ headlights that stretch into the grille itself. Meanwhile, refined guards are housed within a new front bumper for a more svelte, tighter look.

The headlights have been significantly upgraded with advanced LED matrix tech that optimises vision in all conditions – with integrated cornering lights to help manoeuvring in the dark.

At the rear, the taillights have been given a darker design – which makes the brake lamps more visible for increased safety, and for aesthetics gives them a floating appearance.

The inside

Inside, the luxury Scandinavian living room has been given a declutter, making the cabin feel even more spacious. The seats, already incredibly comfortable thanks to 60 years of ergonomic advancement read all about that here deliver even more adjustment options as standard. Meanwhile the simplified tailored dashboard –crafted in grained charcoal vinyl – adds to the ambience of understated luxury.

There’s also more storage between the driver and passenger – the redesigned centre tunnel comes with a 2+1 cup holder under the ‘jalousie’, the slatted blind that covers the compartment next to the crystal gear knob from Swedish glassmaker Orrefors. Further decluttering comes from moving the wireless phone charger to the front of the centre console.

Better tech

As with all good Scandi living rooms, the upgraded XC90 also comes with a bigger screen – an 11.2 inch freestanding tablet-style touchscreen with high resolution display that can show maps at the same time as media, phone or app windows. The display also has a much more intuitive user interface that makes it much easier to find the important things quickly – without distractions.

Mechanicals

The upgraded SUV comes with two options under the bonnet.

The versatile Ultra B5 Bright MHEV AWD houses a turbocharged 2.0 litre petrol mild hybrid engine that uses an integrated battery to boost efficiency, acceleration and smooth stops and starts. That means excellent driveability, while on-demand all-wheel drive helps ensure stability on all road types.

The plug-in hybrid T8 PHEV AWD gives drivers the benefits of an electric car – but with a back-up plan. The T8 can drive in all-electric mode for up to 77kms* – which means it can easily make most daily journeys without using any fuel.

If extra range is needed, it can flip to the 4-cylinder petrol engine. The upshot is that fuel costs and tailpipe CO2 emissions are substantially lower than equivalent petrol engines: The T8 PHEV’s fuel consumption per 100kms is stated as 1.8 litres, with combined cycle emissions at 40g/km*. Plus every T8 comes with air suspension, making the ride even smoother.

Luxury as standard

While there are some optional upgrades – such as air suspension and the panoramic sunroof for the B5 – both models come with a huge spec as standard.

This includes ventilated power-adjustable Nappa leather seats that are heated front and rear, plus four-zone climate control and rear door sun blinds to keep everyone comfortable whatever the weather.

For extra safety, the heads-up display, which projects key information onto the windshield so drivers can keep their eyes on the road, also comes as standard. So does a 360° degree camera, which makes navigating tight spaces and parking much easier, as does the blind spot information system. Called BLIS for short, it combines steer assist, cross-traffic alerts and rear collision warnings to help keep driver and passengers safe in dense traffic or multilane roads.

For the full luxury spec, options and on-road pricing, visit volvocars.com/au or find your nearest retailer here.

*The range and emissions figures are preliminary and derive from estimates and calculations performed by Volvo Cars for XC90 plug-in hybrid which is not carried out on every individual vehicle sold by Volvo and these outcomes are not guaranteed. The driving range and energy consumption under real conditions vary depending on factors including but not limited to driving style, road and traffic conditions, environmental influences, vehicle condition and accessories fitted, means in the real world the range you experience can differ from that advertised. Advertised figures are meant for comparison purposes. Vehicle certification pending.