Volvo Concept Recharge previews electric XC90 successor

Volvo has unveiled the next plank in its plan to axe all combustion engines and produce only electric vehicles by 2030.

The Volvo Concept Recharge previews an all-new pure-electric SUV flagship that will replace the Volvo XC90.

Based on a new platform and closely related to the upcoming Polestar 3 crossover-coupe, the Recharge concept also previews the brand’s new all-EV design philosophy and the way the brand will engineer and even sell its vehicles.

However, Volvo boss Hakan Samuelsson says the all-new large SUV won’t be called the XC90 but will instead wear a new nameplate to herald the fact it spearheads the Swedish brand’s new generation of EVs.

“It will be the new Volvo flagship SUV but it’s really the first of its kind and will be followed by a lot of cars based on the same architecture,” he said. “We will mark that by deviating from the normal way of giving our cars names with XC for an SUV and so on.”

The name of Volvo’s XC90 replacement won’t be revealed until closer to its launch in 2022, when it will join the Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric, which arrives as the brand’s first EV in Australia in September, and the C40 Recharge that will follow in early 2022.

While both of those models ride on Volvo’s multi-powertrain CMA platform, the Volvo Concept Recharge is unencumbered by the need to accommodate a large and complex combustion engine under the bonnet and pushes all four wheels to the corners of the vehicle to maximise interior space.

Starting with a clean-slate EV platform, Volvo’s designers had free reign to maximise the occupant experience by repositioning the seats higher and the bonnet lower to improve outward vision.

Aerodynamics of the XC90 successor, which straddles the line between classic wagon and SUV, have also been optimised and the vehicle features rear-hinged back doors.

While there are also many signature Volvo design cues in there, the grille and ‘Thor’s Hammer’ LED headlights have both received contemporary overhauls.

The rear-end of the Volvo Concept Recharge has an austere, somewhat brutal and largely flat design, but it was created to ensure maximum cargo space.

“Our Concept Recharge represents a manifesto for the all-electric future of Volvo Cars, as well as a new type of vehicle,” said Robin Page, Volvo Car’s design boss.

“It displays new and modern proportions that go hand in hand with increased versatility and shows what technology can enable in terms of design.”

No details on the battery pack, electric motor layout or performance have been announced by Volvo at this stage, however, the Swedish car-maker says it is working to double the density of its battery packs for a genuine 1000km range this decade, along with improved fast-charge capability.

The completely flat floor and longer wheelbase of the new EV platform increases interior space and the cabin layout will deliver a few surprises too, including a large, ultra-high definition 15-inch central touch-screen display, a widescreen digital instrument cluster and Volvo’s typically modern interior décor.

Four bucket-style seats are in evidence but will likely become a little less conceptual by the time the next-gen EV reaches production, although it’s possible the seats will be able to swivel 180-degrees in some scenarios.

“Inside the Concept Recharge, we create a truly Scandinavian living room feeling,” said Page.

“The interior integrates our latest user experience technology with beautiful, sustainable and natural materials. Each part of the interior is like a piece of art and could stand alone as individual furniture in a room.

“We use the latest technologies but not for their own sake. We always focus on the benefits that technologies can bring.

“With the Concept Recharge, we continue the rich roots of Volvo’s design DNA in a modern and fresh way as we move into our all-electric future.

“It represents everything we believe customers expect from a pure electric Volvo and we’re excited to take this philosophy into our next generation of cars.”

The Volvo Concept Recharge also previews deeper connectivity across the entire buying process. Volvo says customers will be able purchase its EVs online, use their phone as a key and leverage new smartphone connectivity systems co-developed with Google.

“Our teams have spent a lot of time with Google to further develop and improve our user experience for the next generation of Volvo cars,” said Henrik Green, Chief Technology Officer at Volvo Cars.

“Especially in terms of safety, serenity and simplicity, we have made great strides thanks to a deeper integration of design and technological development. We are convinced that it will allow us to create even better Volvo cars and set a new industry standard,” he said.

Apart from Tesla, Volvo will become the first fully-electrified auto brand in Australia when the XC40 EV arrives in September, at which point every model in its range will be available with either hybrid or full battery-electric powertrains.