Worldscoop has posted alleged patent images of an SUV believed to be the next generation of the Volvo XC90. Earlier on, the company said the car would be renamed to a more ‘human-sounding’ name for its new iteration and be all-electric. The reveal might take place later this year.
Back in 2021, CEO Håkan Samuelsson said the name of this new XC90 would begin with a vowel. As such, our prime suspect is ‘Embla’, the name the company acquired the rights for a year ago without an explanation. Then again, of course, it might as well be some kind of ‘EXC90’: Motor1 unearthed the corresponding trademark while rummaging in the database of the EU Intellectual Property Bureau.
The hypothetical successor to the XC90 lineup looks much like the current generation from the sides, but drastically different from both ends. It also takes after the Recharge Concept from last year (see video), which the company introduced to preview its brand-new EV design philosophy.
The above notwithstanding, even assuming that the new XC90 is right around the corner, the company seems in no hurry to get rid of the current generation. Furthermore, it is actually preparing it for a mid-life refresh. As Samuelsson said at the beginning of the year, Volvo would continue producing the ICE car alongside its electric version to smoothen out the transition. In fact, you can already buy the XC90 with a mild-hybrid or a plug-in hybrid powertrain.
