Volvo XC90 EV design leaked
Patent images show smooth styling for new large luxury SUV that could be dubbed Volvo eXC90Fresh patents have surfaced online that provide the first look at the all-new pure-electric 2023 Volvo XC90 ahead of its unveiling later this year.
The new patent blueprints, leaked online by numerous outlets, surfaced at the same time the Swedish car-maker trademarked an ‘EXC90’ (or eXC90) nameplate.
The new moniker contradicts earlier reports that Volvo’s large SUV would be known as ‘Embla’, although some pundits are now speculating the company will use both names, depending on the market.
Designers have clearly been forced to introduce much smoother styling than the current model to optimise range, the images showing the 2023 Volvo eXC90 with ultra-thin headlights, a more modest blanked-out grille and a deep horizontal air dam above a small splitter.
It also has less-pronounced wheel-arches, simpler side styling, pop-out door handles and what looks to be a lower ride height.
At the rear, there’s linked C-shaped thin LED tail-lights, a large tailgate spoiler and yet more simple styling cues that hint at the Swede’s new minimalist approach to design.
When it arrives, the all-new Volvo eXC90 will be based on the brand’s next-gen EV-only Scalable Product Architecture (SPA2) that will be shared with the upcoming Polestar 3.
Both cars will be made at the car-maker’s South Carolina plant in the US.
There’s no word on what powertrains will be offered but it’s thought a dual-motor powertrain will be standard that should push out at least 300kW combined.
Thanks to its new platform, the next XC90 will introduce Volvo’s next-gen Level 3 autonomous Ride Pilot tech that will allow completely hands-off, eyes-off driving in geo-fenced locations, like on the highway.
Unusually, to help smooth the transition from combustion power to all-electric, the current XC90 will be heavily facelifted and updated with all-hybrid powertrains and continue to be sold alongside the next-gen all-electric version.
More will be revealed in the coming months in the build-up to the all-new XC90.
Related: Next Volvo XC90 to get hands-free Ride Pilot
Related: Volvo Concept Recharge previews electric XC90 successor
Related: All-new electric Volvo XC90 locked in
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