The new Volvo XC90 brings Scandinavian luxury and safety to Indian roads

The 2025 Volvo XC90: Stylish updates, advanced technology, safety features, and Scandinavian design at a premium price point.

The 2025 Volvo XC90 retains its familiar silhouette but incorporates styling updates inspired by the all-electric Volvo EX90. The redesigned grille features diagonal slats, while the Thor’s Hammer LED headlights are now slimmer. Other changes include darker tail-lamps, updated bumpers, and new alloy wheel designs. The XC90 is also now available in a new mulberry red exterior shade, in addition to the existing five colour options.

Inside, the cabin remains largely unchanged but now features a larger 11.2-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen, replacing the previous nine-inch unit. Running Google-based software, the system supports over-the-air (OTA) updates. Other standard features include a sunroof, a 360-degree camera, wireless phone charging, an air purifier with a PM 2.5 filter, and memory seats.

Volvo’s Scandinavian design philosophy prioritises minimalism, functionality, and high-quality materials. The XC90’s cabin layout has a clean and uncluttered design with a premium yet understated feel.

Safety remains a key highlight. The XC90 comes equipped with an extensive suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking.

The facelifted XC90 retains its 2.0-litre mild-hybrid turbo-petrol engine, delivering 250hp and 360Nm of torque. It is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel-drive system, allowing the SUV to accelerate from 0 to 100kph in 7.7 seconds. Unlike some of its competitors, the XC90 does not offer a diesel variant.

The 2025 XC90 is priced ₹2 lakh, higher than the outgoing model, positioning it in direct competition with the Mercedes-Benz GLE, BMW X5, and Audi Q7. Among its rivals, the Audi Q7 remains the most affordable, while Mercedes and BMW offer both petrol and diesel powertrain options.

While the XC90 continues to offer a strong package with its emphasis on safety, technology, and Scandinavian design, its pricing does make it a tougher proposition against its German competitors, which provide a wider range of powertrain choices and, in some cases, more aggressive pricing. However, for buyers prioritising Volvo’s safety credentials and refined luxury, the XC90 remains a well-rounded offering in the premium SUV space.