When the next-gen Volvo XC90 goes on sale, the old generation will continue to be available, Volvo Cars CEO Håkan Samuelsson said in an interview to Automotive News. Furthermore, it will undergo a facelift.
The new XC90 will change both its name and concept, debuting first and foremost as an electric SUV. The name remains to be revealed, but we heard rumors that it may be called ‘Embla’, forgoing the company’s tradition to use alphanumeric indexes for its cars.
While the current XC90 generation is produced in Sweden, the newcomer will be made in South Carolina, USA. Samuelsson added that the current model would get a slight update to stay relevant, but any technical changes seem unlikely. In its current form, the SUV mainly sells as a hybrid.
Offering two XC90 generations side-by-side will mark a transition period of sorts for the Swedish automaker. By early 2030s, the company plans to discontinue gas-powered cars for good. The transition won’t last too long, either: in around three years, the company will start upgrading the factory where the old XC90 is assembled for EV production.
All we know about the XC90 successor is that it is being co-designed with Polestar and may debut later this year. All technical parameters remains to be announced.