share on BufferVolvo has finally unveiled the much-awaited 2015 XC90, replacing the successful model launched in 2002 and filling a significant gap in the brand’s line-up.
The new XC90 will play an important role in the company’s strategy, as it is the first production car built on the new SPA (Scalable Product Architecture).
It also introduces the design language that will be gradually adoped on the future models – an aesthetic philosophy anticipated with the trio of concept cars presented between 2013 and 2014: the Concept Coupe, the Concept XC Coupé and the Concept Estate.
Above: the 2002 XC90
The official images, first appeared on Swedish magazine Teknikens Värld, showcase a very clean design, with uncluttered surfaces and a very refined look, both outside and inside.
Compared to the concepts, the XC90 has retained the iconic, horizontally split headlights, and the main shapes and 3D treatment of the grille, while the wave-shaped tail lamps reinterpret one of the trademark syling cues of the original XC90.
The car also features a redesigned logo, with a black background in place of the blue one and a smaller “Volvo” text, now completely surrounded by the circular frame.
In terms of dimensions, the XC90 is even larger than its predecessor, being 4.95 meters long (+14cm), 2.14 meters wide (+3 cm) and with a wheelbase of 2.98 m(+13 cm). The total height has been slightly reduced (1.77 m / -1cm).
The cars pictured in the photos appear rather imposing and the absence of the dark plastic elements running around the bumpers, wheel arches and side skirts and the less pronounced concavity in the D-pillar area do not help to lighten the look.
However it will be important to check the car from real – and it’s very likely that Volvo will offer a more rugged-looking version complete with black plastic moldings.
The interior takes strong inspiration from the Swedish heritage in interior and furniture design, and features premium materials such as soft leather and wood, combined with handcrafted, luxurious details and advanced solutions.
(Source: Volvo, Teknikens Värld)
It looks pretty good