Volvo will finally move to launch a new XC90 in 2014 about 13 years after the original model entered production. This new luxury SUV would be the first model built on the new SPA (Scaleable Platform Architecture) which will be where the next generation of its S60, V70, XC60 and S80 models would be built on. In addition, the new XC90 will make use of Volvo’s new generation of downsized, four-cylinder VEA (Volvo Environmental Architecture) engines, which would all be offered in petrol and diesel versions. Recently, Volvo released a succession of teaser renderings of the next XC90, with each one unique.
Its wide grille design, one of the XC90’s most prominent features, actually debuted on the Concept Universe saloon at the 2011 Shanghai motor show almost immediately after Geely bought Volvo. There are two proposals that are more evolutionary, aside from a wedged XC90 that’s more elegant and stylish. Volvo hasn’t said what design will be selected. However, it’s believed that the interior of the next XC90 would offer a higher level of luxury but it will be as practical as the first model.
Furthermore, the new XC90 will be available as a plug-in hybrid but will use hardware that is a product of the collaboration between Volvo and Siemens. Sources told Autocar that Volvo wants to develop a small SUV to rival the BMW X1 and Audi Q3. But since Volvo doesn’t have a small-car platform to use, it’s likely that this plan would not happen in the near future. The V40, which has recently arrived, is based on architecture from Ford, the previous owner of Volvo. That’s why we shouldn’t expect to see it on the all-new Volvo models.
