Introduced to the world at the Paris Motor Show 2014 in early October, the 2016 Volvo XC90 is a dramatic departure from the outgoing model. To give prospective customers a look at how the new XC90 can be specified, Volvo has released the car’s official online configurator.
The configurator is about as comprehensive as they come with it allow you to choose your engine, trim package, a selection of optional extras, the interior finish and of course, the paint. Some of the most eye-catching paints offered are Passion Red, Twilight Bronze Metallic and Bursting Blue Metallic.
Underpinning the 2016 Volvo XC90 is the new SPA platform. This scalable platform will be used by a selection of other Volvo models in the future and compared to the outgoing one, is lighter as well as stronger. Additionally, the SPA platform provides extra space for rear passengers.
A selection of 2.0-litre four-cylinder engines are now the only available engines. They include a twin-turbocharged diesel unit delivering 222 hp as well as a turbo and supercharged petrol powertrain delivering a total of 316 hp. At the top of the range is a plug-in hybrid model which utilises the aforementioned 2.0-litre petrol engine with an electric motor to deliver a total of 390 hp. It emits just 60 g/km of CO2 emissions. By comparison, the Porsche Cayenne S E-Hybrid emits 79 g/km.
One of the really cool features of the new Volvo XC90 is that it utilises a run-off road protection package which tightens the seatbelts while also enabling energy-absorbing technology when difficult road conditions are detected ahead. The new XC90 also makes use of auto-braking tech. By 2020, Volvo hopes that nobody will be killed or seriously injured in any of its new cars.
