Volvo XC90 – the nine-year-old doyenne gets updated

Volvo XC90 – the nine-year-old doyenne gets updated

Yes, that grand dame of the SUV world, the Volvo XC90, may be nine years old, but it shows no sign of stopping – in fact, the vehicle has been given yet another set of exterior and interior refinements to keep it going until, well, the second-gen one eventually arrives.

On the outside, there’s a new daytime running light configuration using LEDs in the lower bumper, and a redesigned silver metallic bumper bar as well as silver roof rails are now standard on all variants. There’s also a new lower door moulding, with all XC90 specifications now fully colour-coordinated.

At the back, there are new tail lamps, with dual light guides, LED brake lights and silver turn indicator bulbs (offering an amber light). Also on the exterior treatment list is a new six-spoke 18-inch wheel, done in a silver matt finish.

Inside, the veritable fave gets a number of refinements to give the interior an even more luxurious feel – aside from revisions to the three-spoke steering wheel, there’s aluminium décor as standard and watch dial-inspired instrument design with white lighting, among others. The tailgate now comes with a new, colour-coordinated leather grab handle, and the load cover has also been redesigned.

Meanwhile, the Volvo On Call system can now be combined with Bluetooth mobile phone connection, and the system has been upgraded to be able to do music streaming from a preferred Bluetooth-enabled portable music player. New too is a mobile app that makes sure that the driver can stay in touch with the parked car via an iPhone or Android smartphone.

Along with the new dress-up comes two exclusive version forms, the Executive and R-Design. Going the Executive route bags one a number of exclusive options, such as soft leather seats with ventilation and massage, as well as a number of details with a more exclusive finish. Opting for the R-Design version gets the buyer a more driver-focused character. On top of the special chassis, the new R-design version also features redesigned upholstery, inlays, door panels and new Ixion 19-inch wheels.