Volvo XC90 Facelift Now Available in South Africa
Volvo has updated their flagship SUV, the second-generation Volvo XC90, which first launched in 2015 and provided the Swedish car maker with the direction of their latest design language. The facelift, available from August 2019, introduces new interior features, a new seating configuration and a new R-Design model. “The overall impression, both exterior and interior, has a strong connection to the key elements of the Swedish lifestyle: the generous space, the celebration of light and the focus on well-being,” says Greg Maruszewski, Managing Director of Volvo Car South Africa.
If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. The facelift XC90 stays true to this expression by leaving its interior largely untouched from the 2015 model. The tablet-based infotainment touchscreen still dominated the dashboard, acting as a gateway to various internet apps and features while eliminating a significant number of buttons that are synonymous to infotainment areas. “The interior is pure and uncluttered, while still radiating the sophisticated confidence and formality that luxury SUV customers expect. The simplicity is perfectly in tune with our Scandinavian design heritage. It opens up generous surfaces and gives us the opportunity to create a modern, luxurious interior architecture,” says Maruszewski.
The interior also features premium materials and surfaces such as soft touch leather, fine wood as well as meticulous hand-crafted details, such as the crystal glass gear knob and the diamond cut volume control and start button. The new Volvo XC90 is available to seat 7 occupants, but the facelift now introduces a new 6-seater configuration, bringing the luggage capacity up to 1856-litres. In either configuration, occupants can experience the new Bowers and Wilkins sound system, boasting a 1476W amplifier powering 19 speakers and a subwoofer that uses the entire volume of the cabin to produce bass. According to Maruszewski, this sound system is right up there with the best in the world. “This audio system goes beyond figures – our sound engineers have searched obsessively for audiophile perfection. Using a radically new approach, they developed a unique room transformation technology together with the Swedish audio software specialists Dirac Research. This technology makes it possible to recreate the acoustics of a specific room inside the car,” he reveals.
The Volvo XC90 of 2015 already included an array of safety and driving technology, but the facelift 2020 model takes it a step ahead. The 2020 XC90 comes with an arsenal of safety features including Adaptive Cruise Control, Distance Alert, Lane Keeping Aid, Run-Off Road Mitigation/Protection, Driver Alert Control, Road Sign Information, Electronic Stability Control, Emergency Brake Light, Brakes with Hill Start Assist and Automatic Hold, Automatic braking after a collision, Roll-Over Protection System, Roll Stability Control, reinforced passenger compartment, SIPS™ side impact protection system, collapsible steering column, side and dual-stage airbags (for the driver and front passenger), inflatable curtain, WHIPS™ whiplash injury protection system and City Safety with Autobrake (which recognises pedestrians, cyclists and large animals).
The Volvo XC90 will be available in several different configurations of the 4-cylinder, 2.0-litre engine, all fitted to an 8-speed automatic transmission. The XC90 D5 is powered by a turbocharged diesel engine producing 173kW of power and 480Nm of torque, with a combined fuel consumption of 5.7-litres/100km. The XC90 T5 is powered by a turbocharged petrol engine producing 187kW of power and 350Nm of torque with a combined fuel consumption of 7.6-litres/100km. The XC90 T6 is powered by a turbocharged and supercharged petrol engine producing 235kW of power and 400Nm of torque with an combined fuel consumption of 8.0-litres/100km, while the range topping XC90 T8 ‘twin engine’ model is powered by a turbocharged and supercharged petrol engine, mated to an electric motor producing a total of 300kW of power (235kW from the engine and 65kW from the motor) and 640Nm of torque with a combined fuel consumption figure of 2.1-litres/100km.
The Volvo XC90 R-Design also gets a refresh, becoming the sportiest and most visually dynamic model of the range. The outside of the car is distinguished by 20-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, black door mirrors and a gloss black mesh front grille. Inside, there are leather/nubuck sports seats and a perforated leather-trimmed steering wheel complete with gearshift paddles. R-Design XC90s also get a powered front passenger seat with memory function (to match the driver’s seat), sports pedals, black headlining and upgraded interior lighting. There’s even an exclusive R-Design leather-clad remote key fob.
Maruszewski says that there is already considerable customer interest in the new model. “The XC90 has already won over 120 awards globally, including the 2016 SA Car of the Year. In its latest incarnation, it’s most definitely the finest SUV that Volvo has ever created. You get the generous interior space and flexible capability combined with the agility and handling of a much smaller and lower car. The adrenaline rush that is key to true driving pleasure is delivered by powertrains that offer an unrivalled combination of power and clean operation. And since the XC90 carries the Volvo badge, world-class safety is standard. It’s an unbeatable combination,” he concludes.
Also worth a look: the 315kW of Swedish Grit: The Volvo EX30 Cross Country Revealed and the Volvo EX90: The Future of Safety Lands in SA in 2025.
FAQ
Q: What does the Volvo XC90 facelift cost in South Africa?
The 2019 Volvo XC90 facelift starts from around R1,150,000 for the base T5 model, with the T6 AWD sitting at approximately R1,350,000 and the top-spec T8 hybrid reaching R1,650,000 in South Africa.
Q: Is the Volvo XC90 facelift worth buying?
The XC90 facelift is absolutely worth considering if you want a premium seven-seater SUV with top-notch safety, luxury materials, and that gorgeous Scandinavian design, though you'll pay a premium over German rivals like the BMW X5.
Q: What's new in the Volvo XC90 facelift compared to the original?
The facelift adds a new six-seater configuration option, upgraded Bowers and Wilkins sound system with 19 speakers, a sporty R-Design variant, and refreshed interior details while keeping the same winning exterior design.
Q: How many seats does the new Volvo XC90 have?
The XC90 facelift comes in both seven-seater and six-seater configurations, with the six-seater option offering more luxurious captain's chairs in the second row and increased boot space of 1,856 litres.
Q: What engines are available in the Volvo XC90 facelift in South Africa?
The XC90 facelift lineup includes the 187kW T5 petrol, the 235kW T6 all-wheel-drive petrol, and the range-topping 300kW T8 plug-in hybrid that combines petrol and electric power for maximum performance.
Should You Buy It?
The Volvo XC90 facelift is a solid buy if you've got deep pockets and prioritise safety, luxury, and distinctive Scandinavian style over outright performance. Starting at R1,150,000, it's not cheap, but you're getting world-class safety tech, gorgeous interior materials, and seating for seven in a package that stands out from the German crowd. The six-seater option is particularly appealing for families who want that extra touch of luxury. However, if you're budget-conscious, the BMW X5 or Audi Q7 offer similar space and luxury for slightly less cash. The XC90 is the thinking person's luxury SUV, perfect for South African families who want something different from the usual German suspects.
