Volvo has shown off the luxurious seven-seat interior of its new XC90 three months ahead of the car’s official debut in August in the run-up to the Paris motor show
Most striking about the clean, modern-looking interior of the big SUV is the way Volvo has almost completely done away with traditional buttons on the centre console, instead placing most of the functions and displays on a large central touchscreen.
The new system is “designed to keep eyes on the road and hands on the wheel as much as possible”, according to Volvo design chief Thomas Ingenlath. Volvo claims that with the new system it has “completely reconceived the way drivers operate their cars”.
Other key information is shown on a digital instrument cluster for the driver, plus a head-up display. Most interior functions can also be carried out by “state-of-the-art” voice recognition technology and thumb controls on the steering wheel.
Volvo speaks of extensive connectivity options for the XC90, with the car connected to a cloud internet storage system for access to apps which include the ability for the car to suggest a service appointment at a local Volvo dealer. Full iPhone and iPad integration is offered through Apple’s new CarPlay system.
The interior takes inspiration from all things Swedish. Volvo claims it is a “design that is clean, beautiful and crafted from the finest materials” and punctuated by “jewel details”. Materials include soft leather, quality woods and metals and diamond-cut controls for the reduced switchgear.
The rearmost five seats can all be folded and moved individually and access to the third row is best in class, according to Volvo. Passengers up to 170cm tall will be comfortable in the third row, with each passenger getting their own storage options. A four-zone climate control system is also offered.
The XC90, due on sale in the UK early next year, is the first Volvo to be based on the firm’s new modular SPA platform that will underpin every Volvo from the S60 up. Engines will be drawn from the firm’s new Drive-E engine range.
Read our first ride feature on Volvo's upcoming XC90.
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