If ever there was a Volvo that encapsulated the Swedish brand’s unwavering commitment to safety, sustainability and serenity in motion, it’s the XC90.
Now in its latest evolution for 2025, the brand’s flagship SUV makes a compelling case not just as a premium family hauler, but as a statement of how luxury can still whisper rather than shout.
Power in Two Flavours
Buyers now have two powertrains to choose from.
The XC90 B5 Ultra Mild-Hybrid continues Volvo’s tradition of effortless performance paired with responsible engineering. Its 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine is paired with a 48V integrated starter-generator, delivering 250hp.
If you’re after something with a bit more fire in its belly, the XC90 T8 Ultra Plug-in Hybrid might just be your thing. With a combined output of 455hp and 800km+ of range, this version delivers a 0-100km/h dash in just 5.4 seconds.
And when it comes to plugging in, a full recharge takes just three hours on a 6.4kW AC charger.
The latest model gains Frequency Selective Damping and, in the T8 variant, a fully-electronic air suspension that constantly analyses the road 500 times a second. It adapts accordingly, lowering itself on highways for better aerodynamics, or rising to tackle uneven terrain when needed.
Volvo has also enhanced the cabin’s quietness. Laminated glass all around, acoustic foam stuffed into the pillars, and even extra insulation in the firewall, all designed to create a cocoon from the chaotic outside world.
A Gentle Giant That Keeps You Safer Than Ever
Volvo didn’t become synonymous with safety by accident, and the new XC90 doubles down on this legacy.
Active lane-keeping, road-edge detection, and autonomous emergency braking for vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists, and even large animals are all part of the suite.
In an era where tech often replaces tactility, it’s heartening that Volvo still makes safety systems that don’t feel overly intrusive, but rather quietly competent.
Subtle on the Outside, Striking Where It Counts
Design-wise, the XC90 hasn’t gone for a radical reinvention. Subtle touches like a reworked grille, tweaked bumpers, and new Matrix LED headlights with corner illumination make their mark.
At the back, it’s the same dignified silhouette Singaporeans have grown familiar with.
Slide inside, and you’re greeted by quintessential Scandinavian luxury. Recycled premium materials now decorate the panels, underscoring Volvo’s quiet pursuit of sustainability.
The centre touchscreen has grown to 11.2 inches and boasts crisper resolution, with built-in Google apps, OTA software updates, and even Spotify and YouTube built right in.
The redesigned centre console now includes more storage, an extra cupholder, and a relocated wireless charging pad, all based on feedback from actual owners.
Music lovers will feel especially seen here. The B5 variant gets a Harman Kardon system with 14 speakers and 660 watts, while the T8 throws in a Bowers & Wilkins masterpiece with 19 speakers and 1,460 watts.
Need to haul the family? Third-row seats are standard. Need to carry luggage? Fold those seats down for over 1,100 litres of boot space. Want to keep everyone cool? A 4-zone climate control system with PM2.5 filtration sees to that.
Massage seats, power sunshades, integrated child booster, and even rear-window sun blinds round off the list of features that make the XC90 a rolling sanctuary.
“The XC90 continues to set the benchmark for premium SUVs in Singapore”
Corinne Chua, Managing Director for Volvo at Wearnes
It may not shout the loudest, nor wear the flashiest badge, but in typical Volvo fashion, it lets the experience do the talking. In this latest guise, the Volvo XC90 speaks clearer and more confidently than ever.
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