Automotive
By 1992, Ford had taken control of the Swedish carmaker Volvo and pushed forward to launch a new SUV range: the Volvo XC90. Upon its market debut, the XC90 made established rivals like the BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz ML-Class seem less compelling. Its rugged design combined with a spacious seven-seat interior set new standards in its segment. Most importantly, Volvo’s legendary safety reputation made the XC90 a favorite among families, especially in the U.S., where it became a trusted vehicle for school runs and daily life. The SUV was built on a platform developed by Swedish engineers, ensuring a solid foundation.
Even as Ford prepared to sell Volvo, it aimed to leave the Swedish brand in a strong position. In 2007, Ford introduced a facelifted version of the XC90, enhancing the SUV in many areas despite the global economic crisis impacting premium vehicle markets. This update helped maintain the XC90’s appeal amid tough competition.
After a significant investment of USD 11 billion in the new SPA platform (Scalable Product Architecture), Volvo unveiled the second generation of the XC90 in 2014. This iteration was a leap forward in design, technology, and luxury, surprising the automotive world. Unlike the first generation - which was a blend of parts from Ford, Volvo, and Yamaha (notably the V8 gasoline engine) - the new XC90 was a clean-sheet design with its own efficient 2-liter turbocharged engines available in diesel, gasoline, and hybrid variants. The plug-in hybrid T8 model delivered a remarkable combined output of 400 hp while maintaining an impressive fuel consumption rating of just 2.5 liters per 100 kilometers (94 mpg) under WLTP standards.
The 2019 refreshed XC90 remained a large, seven-seat luxury SUV, perfectly suited for families who value space, comfort, and style. Its exterior design required no major changes, as it had already been carefully crafted to be visually striking and functional. Inside, Volvo’s attention to detail shone through, including the key wrapped in soft Nappa leather, a rare touch of luxury. The minimalistic interior design allowed buyers to choose from elegant trims of wood, aluminum, or carbon fiber, and all seats were covered in high-quality Nappa leather, offered in three distinct colors.
Volvo introduced a second facelift for its second-generation XC90 in fall 2024 for the 2025 model year, signaling that the model will continue to serve loyal customers for several more years before a next-generation replacement arrives. The XC90’s ongoing evolution reflects the brand’s commitment to luxury, safety, and innovation.
When the XC90 launched in 2002, it quickly became a success story for Volvo. However, after Ford sold the brand to Geely Automobile in 2010, the XC90’s development faced challenges. The new owner took time to craft the second generation, which launched in September 2014 as a completely new vehicle based on Volvo’s SPA platform. This platform, unlike the previous P2 architecture, was engineered for electrification and lightweight construction - cornerstones for Volvo’s sustainable future. It underpins both the current and the refreshed 2025 XC90, maintaining Volvo’s status as a leader in the premium SUV segment.
For XC90 owners, SherlockLock provides expert locksmith services tailored to Volvo’s advanced security and key systems. Whether you require emergency lockout assistance, key programming, or advanced anti-theft solutions, SherlockLock ensures your XC90 remains secure and accessible, matching the vehicle’s high standards of safety and innovation.
