Volvo XC90 Facelift Old Vs New: Here’s What All Has Changed And What Hasn’t

Volvo has launched the facelifted iteration of the XC90 SUV in India at Rs 1.03 crore (ex-showroom). Over the outgoing model, the facelift brings in important updates to the exterior design and necessary changes inside as well. However, not everything has changed, and there is plenty in common with the pre-facelift model. In this report, we take you through what’s new and what has been carried over from the pre-facelift iteration. 

Let’s begin: 

Price 

Here’s a look at the pricing of the outgoing and the new model: 

With a mere difference of just Rs 2 lakh (around 2 percent price increase), here’s what all you get with the updated model: 

Design 

In terms of design, the facelift gets tweaked design elements but retains the overall charm and styling of the pre-facelift model. The design bits have been made sharper and more modern now with the facelifted model. 

*Facelift model

Up front, you get a tweaked grille, which comes with a new pattern. The iconic Thor LED headlights have been made slicker and sleeker now. Another key difference is the change in the bumper design and the air dams, which get a vertical look. 

*Pre-facelift model

The silhouette has been carried forward from the previous model. However, you get a new design for the alloy wheels. The body cladding, window design, wheel arches, and the door handles all get the same design as the previous model. 

The LED taillights retain the same vertical design that has been offered with Volvo cars for a long time. The rear design looks identical to the pre-facelift, and Volvo seems to have followed the "Don't fix what’s not broken” line. 

The facelifted model gets a new Mulberry Red colour. The other color options are: Onyx Black, Crystal White, Denim Blue, Vapor Grey, and Bright Dusk. 

Interior 

The dashboard design and layout remain unchanged, but you now get a new and larger 11.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which, according to Volvo, is crisper and smoother than the smaller 9-inch unit offered with the previous model. As with most Volvo cars, the infotainment system runs on Google-based software, which allows for over-the-air updates as well. The facelift model brings minor tweaks to the steering wheel as well, which gets a gloss black finish on the lower spoke. 

The lower centre console has been tweaked a bit, and the space has been optimized smartly for greater storage space. Moreover, the AC vents have been made vertically longer now and complement the vertical layout of the infotainment screen. 

*outgoing model

Features 

The XC90 provides an enriching sound experience thanks to the 19-speaker Bowers and Wilkins sound system. Apart from the larger touchscreen, the rest of the features have been retained on the facelift model. These include a 12.3-inch driver’s display, PM 2.5 air filter, a panoramic sunroof, powered seats with ventilation and massage functions, a coloured heads-up display (HUD), a wireless phone charger, and a four-zone climate control with AC vents for 2nd and 3rd-row passengers as well. 

Volvos are known for providing top-notch safety, and the facelifted XC90 also gets plenty of safety features that have been carried forward from the pre-facelift model. The top ones include multiple airbags, a suite of ADAS features including lane keep assist and auto emergency braking, disc brakes on all wheels, electronic parking brake, a 360-degree camera, front, side and rear parking sensors, and auto park assist. 

Touchscreen infotainment units have become the main and most significant part of the cabin, and Volvo has been smart to install an even better unit in the facelifted model. 

Powertrain 

There are no changes in the powertrain department. The facelifted model gets the same petrol mild-hybrid powertrain which comes with the 2-litre turbo-petrol engine. The unit produces 250 PS and 360 Nm, and power is delivered to all four wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission. 

Rivals 

The facelifted model is a stronger threat to the likes of BMW X5, Audi Q7, and Mercedes-Benz GLE. 

Updates are always welcome, and Volvo has got them right with the facelifted XC90, which features necessary updates to the exterior and interior, making the family SUV more modern and up-to-date with its rivals. Would you consider the XC90 facelift? Let us know in the comments below.