Volvo reveals XC90 interior

Takes styling from recent concepts

Volvo will reveal more about the XC90 over the summer. Photo by Volvo.

Volvo revealed the first interior shots of its new XC90 SUV on Tuesday. The prolonged debut will stretch over the summer with technology, chassis and powertrain information leaking out in July and exterior pictures coming in August.

Volvo says that the interior incorporates many of the styling details from the XC, Estate and Coupe concepts recently shown in Geneva and Detroit. The gear selector was pulled from the Concept Coupe and the iPad-like central dash area is from the Concept Estate.

“The most striking feature is a tablet-like touchscreen control console, which forms the heart of an all-new in-car control system,” said Thomas Ingenlath, senior vice president of design of Volvo Cars.

Volvo says the system is virtually button-free, which could either be a blessing or a curse. All we know is, it’ll be the exact opposite of the Acura MDX.

Elsewhere inside, the XC90 gets napa leather, dark flame birch wood and crystal from Swedish glassmaker Orrefors.

The XC90 uses the company’s Scalable Product Architecture, which Volvo says offers a wider range of design possibilities, improves drivability and permits the inclusion of new safety features. The company reiterated its claim that by 2020, no one will be killed or seriously injured in a Volvo.

The standard seats are more comfortable, according to Volvo, and offer electronic adjustments for the bottom, sides and lumbar support. Settings can be stored with the memory function and massage and ventilation features are optional. The second row of seats slide and recline, an integrated child seat is optional. The third row of seats is centered, offering a theater-like view, but Volvo says they’re more comfortable for occupants 5’7” and below. All of the seats in the second and third row can be folded individually for customization of the cargo area.

We’ll hear more about the XC90 as the summer progresses.