The new XC90 will be based on second generation SPA platform and it is currently being developed for both hybrid and electrification
Volvo officially announced during the inauguration of new plant in US that the company will begin production of next generation XC90 in 2021 and it is going to be the second product to be manufactured in US plant. Volvo introduced second generation XC90 in 2014 based on new Scalable Product Architecture (SPA).
The current generation model is so popular around the world thanks to its design, comfort and safety features. Volvo is currently working on third generation of XC90 and the company has shared some details about new model. The upcoming XC90 won’t come with diesel engine as the Swedish maker is moving towards petrol, hybrid and electric motors.
The intensions were clear after launch of S60, as it is the first model from Volvo to ditch diesel engine completely. Volvo stopped development of new diesel engines and they will use only current 2.0 L turbocharged engine. From next year onwards, all Volvo engines will come with electric assist as the company want to reduce emissions.
The new XC90 will be based on second generation SPA platform and it is currently being developed for both hybrid and electrification like most of other companies. The Swedish maker will offer EV as a variant just like petrol and diesel. But competitors are introducing pure EV models and these types of models will be introduced only under Polestar brand.
The company also reveals that new XC90 will be the first model in its line up to get level 4 autonomous driving system. But it won’t be available as a standard option, instead customers will have to pay ‘four figures’ to include this system. Basically, level 4 autonomous is that a car can complete entire trip without any human assist.
But the car will come with steering and pedals as humans can take control and it will be available in some limited places only. The company is aiming for level 5 autonomous driving system in which the car won’t have steering or pedals to control as everything is done by the computer which is still sometime away.