Volvo XC90 R-Design revealed

Volvo has added an XC90 R-Design model to its range.

Described as 'the sportiest XC90 to date', Volvo's new seven-seat XC90 R-Design showcases a range of new design features and equipment updates. The R-Design SUV runs on 20-inch alloy wheels and comes with a 12.3-inch active TFT driver's information display, Drive Mode Settings and Adjustable Steering Force. This allows the driver to choose between different settings for the engine, transmission, steering and the optional air suspension.

The R-Design's sporty exterior includes silver-effect door mirrors, a black mesh front grille and tinted rear windows. Inside, there are leather/nubuck sports seats, and a perforated leather-trimmed steering wheel complete with gearshift paddles. A powered front passenger seat with memory function joins sports pedals, black headlining and upgraded interior lighting. A leather-clad remote key fob is also included, as part of the R-Design's package.

This is on top of the standard spec for the entry-level XC90 Momentum models, which includes items such as a nine-inch touch screen control system, Sensus Navigation, two-zone climate control with Volvo's CleanZone air quality system and LED headlights.

Nick Connor, Managing Director of Volvo Car UK, said: "The launch of the XC90 R-Design makes our premium seven-seat SUV even more distinctive and dynamic than before. Its sportier looks certainly make it stand out on the road, and its extra equipment ensures that the interior is as luxurious as it is stunning."

The R-Design versions are available with the D5 diesel and T6 petrol Drive-E engines, and in T8 Twin Engine petrol-electric hybrid form. On sale now, prices start at £49,785 OTR.

Volvo details electric car strategy

Volvo details electric car strategy

Volvo details electric car strategy

Volvo has announced a comprehensive electrification strategy in which plug-in hybrids will be introduced across its entire range.

The Swedish car maker will develop an entirely new range of electrified smaller cars and build a fully electric car for sale by 2019. Volvo says it expects electrified vehicles to account for up to 10 per cent of total car sales in the medium term.

The first phase of the new electrification strategy involves the introduction of plug-in hybrid versions of its 90 series and 60 series larger cars, based on the company's new Scalable Product Architecture (SPA). This process has already begun with the launch of the T8 Twin Engine All-Wheel Drive plug-in hybrid version of its new XC90 SUV and will continue with plug-in hybrid versions of the new S90 premium saloon and other forthcoming models.

Volvo will also broaden the range of plug-in hybrid cars it offers with the introduction of a new front-wheel drive Twin Engine variant.

The Swedish car maker will further deepen its product offering with the introduction of an entirely new range of smaller 40 series cars based on its newly-developed Compact Modular Architecture (CMA) which, like the SPA, has been designed from the outset for electrification.

Further details of the all-electric car for 2019 will be released at a later date.

Volvo hybrid XC90 qualifies for UK plug-in grant

Volvo hybrid XC90 qualifies for UK plug-in grant

Volvo hybrid XC90 qualifies for UK plug-in grant

Volvo hybrid XC90 qualifies for UK plug-in grant

Volvo's first petrol plug-in hybrid - the XC90 T8 Twin Engine - has qualified for the UK Plug-in Car Grant (PICG) scheme.

That means the new XC90 is now available with an on-road price of £54,955 including the PICG. The Plug in Car Grant has a designed criteria to encourage manufactures to decrease the level of outputted CO2 exhaust emissions. To achieve this, hybrid vehicles must emit less than 75g/km, a minimal travelling range of 10 miles and must reach a speed of at least 60mph. 

Built on Volvo's SPA - Scalable Product Architecture - the platform is designed to incorporate electrification without encroaching on interior space. With the necessary battery pack concealed in the centre console, the Drive-E powertrain, from its initial concept, was designed to include electrification, with the new XC90 utilising both a 320hp petrol engine and 87hp electric motor.

With a combined output of 407hp, this 7-seat SUV emits a low figure of 49g/km of CO2, at the same time being able to go from stand still to 60mph 5.3 seconds.

The T8 Twin engine allows the driver to choose multiple drive modes: Pure - allows drivers to use electric energy for up to 28 miles with zero exhaust emissions. Hybrid - uses a combination of the electrical and petrol motors to achieve reduced CO2 exhaust emissions and Power - utilises the full power from both the petrol and electric motors allowing the driver to use the full 407hp available.

Companies choosing the XC90 T8 Twin Engine can benefit by writing down as much as 100 per cent of the cost against their income tax liability. Driver who choose the XC90 T8 Momentum pay as little as £99.83 BIK a month (40 per cent tax payer).

The Volvo XC90 T8 is on sale now and available in three trim levels: Momentum, R-Design and Inscription.