2025 Volvo XC90 Debuts: New Looks, More Tech, Better Cabin

The XC90 gets another—heavier—facelift to stay competitive in the luxury SUV scene.

Volvo isn’t just sharing the new all-electric EX90 with us this week. At a dedicated event in Gothenburg on Wednesday, the Swedish brand pulled the sheets back on the 2025 XC90. A heavy refresh of the existing model, the XC90 pulls plenty of influence from its new sibling while adding plenty of modern tech.

There’s an entirely new front-end here, with a reshaped hood, EX90-like headlights, and a redesigned front bumper. The grille is possibly the most controversial element of a modern Volvo, with one side featuring strakes in parallel with the Volvo logo, and the other perpendicular. It’s just a coincidence, but it does give off a whiff of new BMW X3. Around back, the iconic taillights have a darker finish and tweaked details.

The EX90 influence continues inside, with a redesigned dashboard that is cleaner and—of course—a larger screen. Now sitting proud of the dashboard, the 11.2-inch setup is portrait oriented, running the same new-generation operating system as in the EX90. As we found in the EX90 earlier this week, the system is smooth and quick, though it needs future updates to fully unlock its capabilities. The door panels are also redesigned, with the available Bowers & Wilkins sound system’s speakers now larger and stretching right to the dashboard. A redesigned center console includes a unique 2+1 cupholder setup, more storage, and a relocated wireless charging setup.

New materials abound inside the XC90, with many being sustainable or recyclable. This includes a handsome new navy herringbone weave, constructed from 100-percent recycled polyester. Yes, the crystal shifter remains.

At the event, Volvo confirmed that all models featuring the Google-based operating system—most products produced in the last four years—will be eligible for a free OTA update to this latest operating system.

Under the skin, Volvo has tweaked the suspension to “optimize both comfort and stability,” with mechanically adaptable dampers as standard. An optional air suspension offers a wider breadth of abilities, adjusting to road conditions to the tune of 500 times per second.

The engine lineup remains the same as before, with B5 and B6 mild hybrid powertrains, and the T8 plug-in hybrid. All use the same turbocharged 2.0-liter engine; the former two in 250- and 300-horsepower forms.

The T8 adds 10 ponies, then pairs the petrol power with an electric motor for a combined 455 hp and 523 pound-feet of torque. An 18.8-kilowatt-hour battery provides a range of “over 70 kilometers” (44 miles) of range according to the WTLP cycle; curiously, the current XC90 T8 does 73 km (45 mi). All-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic are both standard.

Production—and deliveries—of the new XC90 will begin before the end of 2024. We expect full pricing details closer to launch, and that stickers will sit just slightly above those of the existing model.

Become an AutoGuide insider. Get the latest from the automotive world first by subscribing to our newsletter here.