Volvo XC90 2019 revealed

Volvo is promising improved fuel efficiency in its new XC90 large SUV thanks to a kinetic energy braking recovery system.

From the outside, the new XC90 can be distinguished by new-look wheels and fresh exterior colours.

Volvo Cars has revealed its lightly refreshed XC90 large SUV, now available with a mild-hybrid powertrain, ahead of an expected Australian arrival later in the year.

Though specific details on the new powertrain are still under wraps, the Swedish brand is promising an advanced kinetic energy recovery braking system that will be paired to existing internal combustion engines for up to 15 percent in fuel and emissions savings.

The new powertrain will fall under Volvo’s new ‘B’ badge and could proliferate across the rest of the brand’s range including the V90 jacked-up wagon, XC60 mid-size SUV and XC40 crossover.

However, the existing T8 twin-engine plug-in hybrid set-up remains as before, which delivers 235kW/400Nm in Inscription and Excellence grades, and 246kW/440Nm in R-Design form.

From the outside, the new XC90 can be distinguished by new-look wheels, fresh exterior colours and a reworked front grille.

Inside, much of the interior has carried over, including the portrait-style touchscreen infotainment system and soft-touch materials, but overseas XC90s will be made available in three different seating configurations – seven, six and four.

Inside is all much the same as the outgoing model.

As expected in a Volvo, safety equipment is also upgraded to now include ‘City Safety’ autonomous braking with pedestrian, cyclist and large animal detection, as well as a ‘Blind Spot Information System’.

The XC60’s ‘Oncoming Lane Mitigation’ technology also makes its way into the revised XC90, while Android Auto and Spotify integration is also now included alongside Apple CarPlay.

Though specification across the range is yet to be revealed, the new XC90 line-up is expected to largely mirror the existing nine-variant range, which kicks off at $93,900 before on-roads for the 173kW/480Nm 2.0-litre turbo-diesel D5 Momentum.

A 235kW/400Nm 2.0-litre turbo-petrol option is also available in the T6 Momentum and Inscription grades priced at $96,900 and $102,900 respectively.