Facelifted Volvo XC90 gets new mild hybrid tech

The 2019 Volvo XC90 has been unveiled, revealing the Swedish SUV has gone under the knife and received new fuel-saving mild hybrid technology.

Following a declaration that all its vehicles would come with either a hybrid or pure-electric powertrain from 2019, it's no surprise the facelifted Volvo XC90's entire range will soon feature either a full plug-in or mild hybrid tech.

The Volvo XC90's Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS) is claimed to claw back energy that would be otherwise wasted under braking and then re-deploys it under acceleration to reduce the petrol or diesel engine's load.

According to Volvo, the new mild-hybrid set-up reduces emission and fuel usage by around 15 per cent.

To reflect the mild hybrid engine, Volvo has re-branded its T5, T6 and D5 the B5, B6 and B6 diesel.

The T8 plug-in hybrid, meanwhile, keeps its name but also gains a similar KERS system. Volvo has modified its brake-by-wire charging system in a move that's claimed to have improved pure-electric range by around 15 per cent.

Outside, few will notice the subtle changes over the current XC90 other than perhaps spotting the new concave front grille. Other updates include new paint colours and alloy wheels.

Inside, there's updates for the portrait-mounted infotainment system and Volvo claims there's new higher-grade materials used in the construction of the XC90's cabin and new wool blend leather seat alternative.

Finally, as well as the four-seat Excellence version the usually seven-seat SUV XC90 can now be ordered in a new six-seat configuration.

Some of the XC90's safety aids have been updated with the flagship SUV now featuring an Oncoming Lane Mitigation system, plus a cross traffic alert that can now brake the big Volvo autonomously.

The pioneering brand claims its City Safety Autobrake autonomous emergency braking remains the only system on the market that can recognise pedestrians, cyclists and large animals.

In Europe deliveries of the facelifted Volvo XC90 begin around the third quarter of 2019. Australian sales should commence before the end of the year.

The KERS mild hybrid tech will soon be offered on the small XC60 SUV too, with Volvo planning to slowly phase out all non-electrified powertrains.

The car-maker's plug-in hybrid power is destined to be introduced on the XC40 range, with a powerful T5 Twin-Engine hybrid set to be launched later this year that will be followed by a more affordable T4 Twin-Engine.

The stylish V60 will also soon be offered with a flagship T6 Twin-Engine plug-in hybrid powertrain.