2021 Volvo XC90 Changes, Concept, Price, and Specs. The 2021 Volvo XC90 is heading into a new generation. The mid-size SUV is the flagship model and the most popular vehicle in the family. For the next-gen model, the Swedish company is preparing advanced self-driving technologies. According to announcements, Volvo will skip Level 3 and go straight to Level 4 of autonomous drive. When it is official, then it is carved in stone. This company always fulfills its promises.
That, we will see the SUV with the new interior layout and technologies. Currently, the XC90 is one of the most advanced models in the lineup. The most luxurious as well. Now, Volvo is making another step forward.
T5, T6, and T8 Hybrid drivetrains are the current offer. Engineers will revisit all of them for the new 2021 Volvo XC90. We still don’t have any announces about new engines. Do not be surprised if the company brings a fully electric SUV in the next few years.
Engines and Specs
Under the bonnet of the 2021 Volvo XC90 will be a combination of petrol and hybrid engine. We can also consider an EV as a possibility. The base drivetrain for all setups is still a 2.0-liter four-cylinder mill. Currently, there are three possible configurations.
The T5 is the base setup that combines a 2.0 engine with a turbocharger. The output goes up to 250 hp and 260 lb-ft. Well, the XC90 is outpowered by larger V6 engines used by its rivals. On the other hand, the fuel economy is definitely an advantage. The XC90 can return 25 mpg combined. After upgrades and weight drop, the new SUV will improve these numbers.
To be more competent in the market, the T6 configuration is there. We are sure that the 2021 Volvo XC90 will also offer it. In this case, a 2.0-liter engine is turbo- and supercharged for a total output of 315 hp. Unfortunately, the system uses only an AWD and consumes more fuel. These are the outputs we expect from a mid-size SUV.
2021 Volvo XC90 T8 PHEV and EV Development
Top of the class engine is using plug-in hybrid technology. Electric motor upgrades the T6 system with 87 horsepower, for a total of 400 ponies. With T8 configuration, Volvo means business. This is one of the reasons why you should buy the 2021 Volvo XC90. Add 470 lb-ft of torque and the combined fuel economy of 25 mpg. The price is the only downside.
Chiefs didn’t confirm that new XC90 is going to use a pure electric drivetrain. But, there are other indicators that unveil such plans. The SUV is going to adopt the new version of Scalable Product Architecture– SPA2. The concept is designed for the EV models exclusively. So, the 2021 Volvo XC90 EV is an option. The only question is– does the company have enough time to develop a suitable drivetrain system?
Changes for the 2021 Volvo XC90
The new concept, the 2021 Volvo XC90 will also change its interior and exterior. We already know that more advanced technologies are on the way. The company announced the Level 4 of autonomous drive This was impacted by a recent crash where collision avoidance wasn’t working properly. Immediately, Volvo started the development of the Highway Assist package. It will debut as a highlight feature for the next XC90.
It is also part of the plan to upgrade their self-driving features to Level 4. This means the SUV is going to ride by itself, without drivers intervention. Only in rare cases, human input is needed. The only level above this one is coming without pedals and steering wheel.
The Future of the XC90
The company offers a special care to its flagship model. The reason for success is the detailed planning of everything. The 2021 Volvo XC90 will start another evolution of the SUV. After it reaches the market, the company will further develop it and update after two or three years. However, according to spokesmen, these will be minor updates, since the new XC90 is going to be very close to perfection.
The mid-size premium segment is becoming crowded. The XC90 will have to fight other models with three rows of seats. Lexus RX is currently the best-selling vehicle in the premium class, mostly thanks to its versatility. Ford refreshed its luxury lineup with the all-new Lincoln Aviator. Acura, Infiniti, and Cadillac are also very active. Of course, let’s not forget German premium division that includes BMW X5, Mercedes GLE, and Audi Q7 in the same class.
2021 Volvo XC90 Release Date
The company was not precise about the release date of the 2021 Volvo XC90. They gave us hints that new systems will have some tuning during next year. So, that means we won’t see the SUV in the first half of the season. Still, Volvo can launch the preview and then wait for some big car show to show off the skills of the new XC90. Detroit will host NAIAS in the summer. The new format will allow carmakers to present their models outside, in the real-world conditions.
