Within the framework of its total electrification strategy, Volvo had expected to phase out its large and deluxe XC90 SUV with an all-electric counterpart called the EX90. It now looks like the older model may linger on the market for another several years.
Speaking in an interview with autocar.co.uk, Volvo CEO Hakan Samuelsson let it slip that the EX90 fell rather short of the customers’ expectations. It arrived late due to software issues and didn’t offer much to justify the price. As a result, the company decided to keep the old XC90 around, updating it or possibly even releasing another generation.
Not only that, but the Swedish automaker is actively considering adding a new, larger flagship to its lineup that would slot in above the XC90. Samuelsson didn’t reveal any details but indicated that certain markets, like the United States and China, would be particularly interested in such a vehicle.
This is interesting, because the current XC90 is by no means a small SUV itself at 4,953 mm (193.5 inches) long, 1,931 mm (75.4 in) wide and 1,771 mm (69.2 in) tall with 2,984 mm (116.6 in) between the axles. Its plug-in hybrid powertrain sends 455 PS (449 hp / 335 kW) to the wheels, while an 18.8-kWh battery pack allows up to 72 kilometers (44.7 miles) of WLTP-rated all-electric range.
