New Volvo Large SUV XC90 to be released in Q3..The secret of his unwavering popularity is

May 29, 2025

Photo courtesy : carguy(www.carguy.kr)



Volvo's popularity in Korea is steady. In the case of the mid-sized SUV XC60, it continues to be popular, rising and falling in the top 10 in the sales rankings of imported cars. It was completely changed to the second generation in 2017 and partially changed in 21. Although it has been released for nine years, it is still characterized by high popularity.

Volvo's flagship large SUV, the XC90, debuted earlier in 2015.Partial changes were made in 2019. From the competitor's model replacement cycle, it can be said to be a perfect spherical shape. It is rather strange that it is steadily gaining popularity even though it has been in its 10th year this year. Motor One, an overseas automobile media outlet, tested the XC90, which made the second partial change, and verified the secret of its steady popularity.

XC90 enjoyed worldwide popularity for its sophisticated design, modern interior, and various power trains when it was launched in 2015.But a decade later, it has remained almost unchanged except for a few minor updates. At the time of release, the glamour was somewhat tarnished.




The XC90 still boasts a great look. The new mild hybrid series four-cylinder engine brings the joy of driving.However, the basic chassis does not provide the same ride or handling as competing vehicles.The interior is still great for having fun, but it feels out of date.

The cheapest power trains on the 2025 Volvo XC90 are all mild hybrids combined with a 2.0-liter turbocharger series four-cylinder engine.The basic B5 trim produces 247 horsepower and 36.8 kg.m of torque. The more powerful B6 trim produces 295 horsepower and 42.9 kg.m of torque.

The top trim, the T8, is a plug-in hybrid that combines the same 2.0-liter engine with an 18.8 kWh battery and a 145-horsepower electric motor. T8 is recommended if performance is important with a total of 455 horsepower and 72.3kg.m of torque.




According to Volvo, the T8 can accelerate from rest to 60 mph (about 96 km/h) in 5.0 seconds. B6 takes 6.4 seconds at the same speed.B5 is the slowest, taking 7.3 seconds from rest to 60 mph (about 96 km/h).

The transmission is all eight-speed automatic. It transmits power to all four wheels. The suspension is based on a regular coil spring. If you pay 1,800 dollars (about 2.4 million won), you can choose the air suspension. The air suspension allows the garage to be raised up to approximately 4.6 cm or lowered by approximately 1.8 cm.

As it is a 10-year-old vehicle, Volvo has attempted a major transformation to keep the XC90's infotainment system up to date.The 2025 XC90 showed great progress by installing an 11.2-inch vertical display on the dashboard. The bright and clear display provides a modern user interface through Google Assistant with useful features such as Google Maps.




The driver's seat instrument panel is also equipped with a 12.3-inch display that displays speed, mileage, and output.By running navigation, including Apple CarPlay, the map can be mirrored on this display. You can check your destination without taking your eyes off the road.

The downside is that Apple CarPlay wireless connection is not working.I still need a wired connection to use CarPlay on XC90 in 2025.In particular, this is a serious problem considering that the pure electric vehicle EX90 is equipped with wireless car play as a basis. Fortunately, Volvo plans to address this next year.

The XC90 was the most beautiful car of its kind at the time in 2015. It has held that position ever since. The perfect proportion and handsome face add a lot of charm to the design.The body panels have looked pretty much the same over the last decade, but it looks like they debuted yesterday.

The 2025 XC90 borrowed some of the design elements of the EX90, a pure electric vehicle.Diagonal striped grills and newly designed 'Thor's Hammer' daytime running lights are typical. It is regrettable that the various control devices maintained in XC90 are still the same indoors.

The actual buttons on the steering wheel are satisfying but feel somewhat cheaper for a new 2025 model. XC90 is a master of space utilization. Regardless of the trim, you can choose a 5-seater, 6-seater, and 7-seater configuration.The third row folds flat to provide more storage space. In an emergency, it can be used as a seat for two adults.

The front seat is the best in the industry in terms of comfort and functionality.The XC90 is the perfect vehicle to have a good time with.Quiet and quiet, it boasts a calm driving sense, light steering, and pleasant handling.To be honest, it's almost flawless.

However, XC90's competitors have become more powerful. In most cases, it outperforms the XC90 in terms of quietness and ride comfort. On uneven or rough surfaces, the suspension of the XC90 transmits more impact to the interior of the vehicle than the BMW X5.

Volvo's ride comfort is not as sophisticated as the latest vehicles in this segment.This does not denigrate the XC90 itself, but is a prime example of how competitive models have developed.

If you're on a previous model, you're likely to like the new XC90. It has most of the latest technology you expect from a new car and the design is great.But don't be surprised if you test drive another vehicle and find the shortcomings of the new XC90.

If fuel efficiency is important, the XC90 offers some great options.The T8 test drive is very efficient with a combined fuel efficiency of 24.7km/l when using electric motors and built-in batteries.Even when the battery is discharged, the series four-cylinder engine has combined fuel efficiency of 11 km/l.

B6 is the least efficient of the three trims. It is 8.5 km/l when driving in the city and 11.1 km/l on a highway, which is only 9.8 km/l. The XC90 is not designed to withstand enormous loads, but it has a maximum traction of about 2237 kg. It can tow not only small trailers, but also boats and even lightweight cars.

The maximum weight is about 2,700 kilograms.It can be boarded and loaded up to about 800kg given the maximum load of the suspension. Only the loop can withstand up to 90 kg.

The 2025 Volvo XC90 B5 starts at $59,745 (about 81.9 million won), including a shipping cost of $1,295 (about 1.8 million won).It costs $64,645 (about 88.6 million won) to upgrade to a more powerful B6 model.The high-end T8 starts at 81,995 dollars.

The test vehicle is an ultra-trim with a 360-degree surround-view camera, head-up display, and ventilation seats.It is also equipped with an air suspension and a 3,200-dollar Bowness and Wilkins sound system.The factory price is $88,695 (about 121.7 million won), and the price is not burdensome compared to performance.

Advanced cars are getting more and more expensive. Average prices in the large luxury SUV segment have soared in recent years.Volvo is cheaper than models such as the Audi Q7 and Lexus GX. It is an attractive option for buyers on a tight budget.

XC90, which is still popular in Korea, will release a partial change model in the third quarter. Volvo recently unveiled several new cars in the global market, including the XC70, EX90, and S90 partial changes, raising expectations. New models are expected to appear one after another in Korea.

Editor Song Moon-cheol mc.song@carguy.kr





This article was translated by Naver AI translator.