Replacing a car which has been on sale since 2002, the all-new XC90 is the first Volvo to use the brand’s new Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform soon to be found under all of its large models, and debuts additional derivatives of the four-cylinder Drive-E engine family.

Of these, the likely big seller is the D5, as in the outgoing car. The Drive-E engine downsizes from five to four-cylinders and 2.4-litres to 2.0-litres, cutting CO2 emissions to 152g/km with 49mpg fuel economy, but features two turbochargers and produces 225bhp. In the XC90, it will also use the brand’s new eight-speed automatic gearbox.  

New technology includes a tablet-style display screen which takes control of most dashboard functions and includes the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, and a 60g/km plug-in hybrid, combining a petrol engine and electric motor.

The XC90 will also be available with a semi-autonomous traffic jam assistant for stop-start traffic and industry-first new safety systems. One tightens the belts and cushions occupants if the vehicle comes off the road, and the other automatically applies the brakes if the driver turns in front of oncoming cars at a junction.

Håkan Samuelsson, president and CEO of Volvo Car Group, said: ‘This is one of the most important days in our history. We are not just launching a car, but re-launching our brand. This day marks a new era for our company. The XC90 paves the way for a portfolio of exciting new cars to come in the following years.’