I'm close to pulling the trigger on a 2023 XC90 T8 Recharge, but am wondering what the differences are for the 2024 model year and if they're worth waiting for. Have caught some articles that seem to imply there may be some significant changes, but haven't seen anything definite. My dealer now has placeholders showing up in their inventory listings for 2024s that say "available in 16 weeks".

Anyone seen any info explaining the differences? Thx!

My understanding is upgraded onboard charger lands for MY24, production around June. Cosmetic refresh delayed until MY24.5-25-ish-whenever. From elsewhere -

“On the Swedish Volvo website the new charger is already included, "Your XC90 Recharge will charge faster with our new 6.4 kW 2-phase on-board charger. Charging from 0-100 percent takes just three hours, giving you less waiting and more electric driving time."”

 

Great, thx for that info! The other article I saw must have been talking about the more extensive refresh that sounds like it's delayed? Link to that below:

As expected, the new Volvo XC90 (Hybrid) is an extensive facelift

The new Volvo XC90, as expected, is a facelifted version of the second-gen model that debuted in 2014. It is available in MHEV & PHEV options.

topelectricsuv.com

 

I'm tracking that refresh myself, this thread has some discussion -

Canadian spec MY24 XC90 update | SwedeSpeed - Volvo Performance Forum

Word from last year's dealer conference in Miami was that the degree of change coming to XC90 was relatively significant for a "refresh". I think you can look at Lynk 09 for a sense of how much change is possible.

Perhaps/potentially similar to our G3 Sienna minivan, which was really just a "refresh" wrapped around G2 mechanicals. 2010 G2 & 2011 G3 - plenty of cosmetic change but essentially unchanged under the surface.

 

Anyone seen any info explaining the differences? Thx!

Historically I don't think I've ever seen or heard of an official Volvo document describing MY changes to the public. We are just left piecing together rumors or sparse facts sprinkled here and there, unfortunately.

 

Not true. Volvo has done this for quite some time now, and these press releases can be found on the "media" section of the website. Their formate isn't always the same, sometimes with a list of changes in "bullet point formate" or in paragraph form. Here is an example:

https://www.media.volvocars.com/us/en-us/media/pressreleases/298762/volvo-car-usa-introduces-refreshed-2023-xc40-and-xc40-recharge

 

The website 'www.topelectricsuv.com' is not a great source. I believe it may be transposed from a Chinese website ... much of the time I've found what they've written to be false. But I can tell you from the order guide that the 2024 XC90 is unchanged. In our order guide it doesn't mention anything about the updated charger, it could be that it won't be available at least in Canada right away, depending on when it gets approved by CSA. CSA is 'Canadian Standards Agency' and anything electrical has to be passed by them in order to sell here. Either they haven't stamped their approval yet or there is a reason why they won't.

Initial allocations for Canada will be released to us next week or the week after with production dates commencing W22 or W23. By that time we will get more training on 2024 models and will know if this update is coming.

We're just starting to get training courses on the EX90 now - up here, they won't let us sell without having some product knowledge at least. There is no 'handholder' reservation list for the EX90 up here.

 

The website 'www.topelectricsuv.com' is not a great source. I believe it may be transposed from a Chinese website ... much of the time I've found what they've written to be false. But I can tell you from the order guide that the 2024 XC90 is unchanged.

There's a modest update to this thread - nothing really new, fits in w/ current expectation for ~MY24.5 timing. Perhaps reveal in Sep, refresh for PHEV arrives in Jan 2024 as MY24 'EXC90', then MH a bit later as MY25? Just throwing out uninformed speculation...

"Volvo Cars could reveal the restyled XC90 later this year and launch it in the U.S. as an MY2024 model. If not this year, we’re expecting the improved version in 2024."

Next-gen Volvo XC90 (Hybrid) likely to be an extensive facelift (topelectricsuv.com)

 

“New on-board charger in 90 and 60 Series
Elsewhere in the product portfolio, the plug-in hybrid models in our 90 and 60 Series get a new two-phase on-board charger that allows these models to charge at a faster rate (market dependant). The new on-board charger almost doubles the maximum charge capability on these cars to 6.4kW.”

“MY24 info seems to be live on many European sites (for V60 at least). The only significant change is the onboard charger is now upgraded to 6.4 kW (up from 3.7 kW). Welcome news for the larger extended range batteries, though not sure why it wouldn’t be standard with the new drivetrains to begin with.”

 

Key word is 'could'. I believe that if they do it, it would be for the 2025 model year. Volvo itself is still bandering on how long they expect the XC90 to have a future, and also they want to be selling 50% electric by 2025, so they are throwing more resources into the electrics ... like it or not. They have designs, sure ... but probably not molds and such, they'll probably wait a bit before deciding one way or the other.

They won't seperate PHEV and MHEV releases. What I can tell you for certain is that our allocation of XC90s has a much higher percentage of PHEVs in that mix. Probably a well timed decision with the OPEC cutbacks.

 

Key word is 'could'. I believe that if they do it, it would be for the 2025 model year.

so they are throwing more resources into the electrics ... like it or not. They have designs, sure ... but probably not molds and such, they'll probably wait a bit before deciding one way or the other.

They won't seperate PHEV and MHEV releases.

I've been conditioned to just strike words like 'could', 'might', 'potentially', 'possibly', etc. from such articles - probably to end-around an embargo? That said, agree with your earlier comment re: topelecticsuv being off-track too often and not reliable.

I think all the functional changes are nearly done - ERAD, battery, one-pedal, plus upcoming onboard charger (and HVCH) improvements. So just the cosmetic changes remain, then I think its done forever.

Also think I agree re: timing, just tossing out ideas. That 'EXC90' trademark has me wondering...

 

I don't see the technology changing but maybe a cosmetic refresh. So far Volvo isn't committed to even that. The onboard charging thing may not be announced for North America pending certification but we haven't heard anything on this yet.

 

What on earth are you taking about!?! Volvo is 110% committed to the refresh….it could be revealed to the public any day. Dealer’s literally saw it this month….for the second time. Why do you keep insisting on spreading all these false narratives?

 

There is not a refresh for 2024 anyhow... the order guides are published and no cosmetic changes other than dropping the dark version and a wheel change. OP was inquiring if they should hold off for a MY24.. not an My25 or beyond... Sorta like saying, "I think I'm gonna skip buying a car this year since the spaceships might come out soon"....

From a marketing perspective, no refresh should be expected before the EX90 as that will be the flagship. And Volvo refreshes are laughably light handed, which honestly is a good thing for the brand, just nothing to get excited about. Personally, I can't think of a time where I like the refresh more than the original tweaking a style rarely looks as clean. (okay... 2020 XC90 grill update was nice)

Look at the excitement! (laminated windows are good at least)

 

My good friends (a high level dealer employee) has seen the refresh....twice now. It is TOTALLY upgraded inside and out, and it will launch well ahead of the EX90. This is ANYTHING but a light-handed refresh. This is a refresh designed to modernize the car for another 5+ years of sales.

 

Volvo will be equipping cars with combustion engines until 2030. It wouldn't surprise me if the XC90 will be one of those cars. It still sells well, around the globe. Profit margin is quite high. Which is why I believe the refresh won't be as light as previous refreshs have been. It would make sense if they update it to make it look more in line with the EX90. Further updates on ADAS and computing power for coming Android versions would make sense as well. Just speculating here though.

 

Volvo will be equipping cars with combustion engines until 2030. It wouldn't surprise me if the XC90 will be one of those cars. It still sells well, around the globe. Profit margin is quite high. Which is why I believe the refresh won't be as light as previous refreshs have been.

I vaguely recall that feedback from Miami had some surprise re: degree of change. So that’s had me looking at Lynk 09 for clues.

 

This is rubbish. Us dealers already know the 2024 is carry-over. Volvo has released a notification of a webinar on changes for 2024. Some of which are told to us in the order guides, but the more mechanical stuff would be stuff in the webinar. The only news I anticipate hearing is possibly the updated in-vehicle chargers, assuming they have been approved for North America.

But styling ... nothing. Volvo is throwing all of the marketing behind the electric cars, which is why all the media publications are talking about them and not the MHEV/PHEV vehicles. It is Jim Rowan who is not committed to putting the money in the refresh of the XC90 ... all the talk of a refreshed XC90 was in Hakkan Samuelshohn's days.

 

For someone that supposedly works at a Volvo dealership you seem to know nothing. No one is claiming the 2024 Molly year has changes. However we all know beyond a shadow of a doubt 100% that there is a completely heavily refreshed version coming in the very near future that will carry a different model year designation. Literally dealer principles just sought for the second time. Perhaps you should ask your boss to fill you in a little bit…. Volvo is 100% committed to selling a restyle of the current generation for a minimum of five more years. 2024 is the last hurrah for the current generation.

And some of the works at the dealership, please stop spreading such nonsense about this refresh. You’re clearly out of the loop or ignorant or simply trying to stir the pot on purpose. At this point I don’t know which it is but I do know you’re 100% wrong.

 

I am sorry that I am communicating things that some people don't want to hear.

 

What I heard from Volvo dealers is that Volvo will not renew (visually) any ICE or hybrid models anymore.
Volvo will launch new electric-only models, but the rest of the vehicles (ICE od hybrids) will remain in design, both inside and out, exactly the same as they are now, but they will be sold for as long as it makes economic sense.
So don’t expect facelift of XC90/60/40…,because It won't be any.

 

I'm guessing XC90 refresh for MY24 MY25 (~MY24.5 timing, similar to PHEV ER), then S90 for MY25, then XC60 for MY26. Intent to continue sales through end of decade.

 

From dealer in Poland I got informations:
- in 22 and 23 was much changes (Android Auto, ICE optimalization, bigger bateries in Recharges, trim levels, drivetrain optimalizations, adjustment in Mild Hybrids Models, new whells, parts changes - ECU, new colors, shift by wire, Recharge tires), they treat it like "second lifting".
Next steps are:
-in 2025MY end of Diesel Engines, they will be also ending production of benzine engines
Maybe, with very big "maybe" after MY25-26 will be some changes with Recharge (which will be only choice after ICE ending).
For now everyone is very busy with EX90 whitch is planing to be major model. And "possible changes" will be with small autos. XC90 is only 10-15% of selling on old continent, and due European Union restriction (end of gas cars afrer 2035 year) they plan to maximalize effort to made competition to BMW, Mercedes and Audi. So now most interesting thing is EX and new EX models (like EX60/XC60 with major sells), first they have to build factory and make cars driving (without bugs).

It is not so simple to change interior.
Center tunel have to be because of bateries localization. Vents are complicated things.
They want attract customers with new design of full electric cars, so what intension they have to give new things to old cars? Clients should buy new cars whitch they invested milions of dolars. So selling XC90 is around 100 000 cars, some clients will chose EX when will be on dealer stocks. So sells will drop to 60k-80k yearly. I think invest lot of money for cars which may end in any moment will be wasting money.

Maximum what can we expect will be new whells, maybe new bumpers and maybe maybe maybe new stering whell or some screen adjustment.

 

Sales of the XC90 will plummet eventually if they don't do a significant refresh. I like mine a lot, it's a superb car. But let's be honest here. It looks more or less the same as it did almost 9 years ago.

If there's one car that makes sense to build with an ICE until 2030, it's the large SUV in your lineup. The one that has a nice margin of profit. So you either accept declining sales, which aren't so easily replaced. Or you invest in a refresh that makes a 2014 look adequate for the 2024-2030 timeframe.

Originally, Volvo wanted to sell 1.2 million cars by 2025. That target is unachievable by now. But if they want to grow, refreshing the XC90 (or EXC90 PHEV by then) makes a lot of sense. Torslanda needs something to build.

And regarding infos coming from dealers. My dealer is a 4 hour drive away from Gothenburg and has some of the best sales numbers in the country. He's getting barely any infos on strategic long-term decisions. New models and refreshs maybe one year ahead. He got to see the EX90 in person for the first time 3 days after the official unveiling.

 

From what I hear Volvo isn't committed to the XC90 past MY25 yet. The major markets for the XC90 are North America and China and the EX90 will be built in both (South Carolina for North America and China for that Far East).

Volvo has a major plant under construction in Slovakia that is going to add an additional 250K units of capacity by itself. Also South Carolina has a lot of land on the campus that they have and another line can easily be built there ... if the sales numbers justify it can absolutely be done.

The battery technology seems to be advancing quickly and also Volvo has been reporting that they expect cost parity between gas and EV in 2025. I think that they may actually be able to accelerate their goal on all electric by 2030 actually.

 

True. But times are changed. Q7 Will have 2nd lifting, newleds and bumpers, little changes inside.
MB Gle after lifting looks that same in interior with changes in bumpers and grill (every tuner had a lot of bumpers aftermarket, so you can change it anytime).

Now I see a lot of new models in electric cars. Every producer want to takę as bit part of cake before others. I personaly dont like it, everyone wants take Tesla market shares so market will hurt due to overload BEV cars .

There arent any spy shots for new Xc. They already have to test in on the road due to homologation and quality check reason.

 

My dealer has been to sweden lately and they have been showed all the vehicles and whats about to come. XC90 is not up for a major refresh. All the changes have been done lately. Why the outside slightly (grill, bumper, no more exhausts etc) and infotainment (AAOS), bigger battery and so on just to give a huge refresh a year or two later? Does this make sense from an economical point of view?

REALLY curious what US Dealer have been seen that should be an all new XC90 withouth Goetheburg even knowing from. So really not sure if *********** is messing with us or if he truly believes what he is saying…

on the other hand, there are other people stating the same or similar things, the car is basically 8 years old and in our country there just has been a great offer with about 33k discount on T8 models, which I fell for. So might as well they try to sell out „old“ cars before bringing the refresh. Sure hope that is not the case though…

 

REALLY curious what US Dealer have been seen that should be an all new XC90 withouth Goetheburg even knowing from.

We know Volvo has changed a lot during this project. They canned ICE from the new platform, changed model names and made late changes when comparing EX90 to the patent drawings.
Without pictures or slides every ‘leaked’ info is only hearing from others, with no clue what model in what development phase they referring to.

 

A lot of mixed messages here. In the original simple scenario the SPA-2 XC90 replaced the SPA XC90. SPA having two different floor options so Volvo could offer mild hybrid ICE, plug in hybrid ICE and EV. At some point (officially announced on Volvo Tech Moment (June 2021) - [was it really that long ago already?!] that SPA-2 would be EV only.

There was some push back and it seems Volvo decided to keep SPA-2 as EV only but also heavily revise the SPA XC90, S90 and V90 (as the oldest SPA products?) and keep them going in parallel to the XC90 SPA2 which is now called EX90. No all markets ready for EV only, EX90 is more expensive than XC90 due to being an EV etc etc. Potentially the 60 cluster get the same treatment and 60 and 90 clusters are offered in parallel to the new EVs as PHEV only (maybe...).

Some post that dealers have seen the heavy facelifts and they are great. Now we have posts that nothing is happening. It's simply a transition from XC90 to EX90 and everything EV. No plan to life extend the SPA products to give a PHEV for markets than don't want or customers that don't want EVs.

Timing is crucial but if the SPA-2 ICE derivatives were sufficiently far developed and costs already incurred then there seems little benefit to life extend SPA instead of just keeping to the offer of SPA-2 ICE variants. You need to certify them to the latest emission standards in either case so I'm not quite seeing the cost saving. As I've said before, the risk is the SPA product lack the latest tech and toys (which I think are unnecessary but that's a whole other discussion) but for those who do care this risks the life extended SPA product offer as being seen as old and uncompetitive vs other OEMs who offer an ICE product of a later design with later electronic tech and toys.

 

A lot of mixed messages here. In the original simple scenario the SPA-2 XC90 replaced the SPA XC90. SPA having two different floor options so Volvo could offer mild hybrid ICE, plug in hybrid ICE and EV. At some point (officially announced on Volvo Tech Moment (June 2021) - [was it really that long ago already?!] that SPA-2 would be EV only.

There was some push back and it seems Volvo decided to keep SPA-2 as EV only but also heavily revise the SPA XC90, S90 and V90 (as the oldest SPA products?) and keep them going in parallel to the XC90 SPA2 which is now called EX90. No all markets ready for EV only

Some post that dealers have seen the heavy facelifts and they are great.

I wonder if the SPA2 dual-skateboard approach was proving to hoover up resources? So better to just go EV and dust up the SPA1 cars a bit? But as I've suggested before, I don't think SPA2 gets much use long term - just EX90 and P*3, maybe V546 as P*3 counterpart (Concept Recharge) unless it makes a quick exit to SEA. I think Geely is already over SPA2, it may not outlast SPA1 production.

That's the first suggestion of V90 refresh I've seen. I do think XC60 gets a 2nd refresh ~MY26. Then all of them continue through ~2030/MY30. Otherwise that's a lot of volume to forfeit as various markets adopt EV on their own timelines.

I think one can look to Lynk 09 to see the degree of change that's possible for XC90 on SPA1. I bet it gets something close to dashboard and seats. New front/rear clips w/ EX90 cues. One question is whether there's new sheetmetal to fit around those new clips (and maybe greenhouse), again look at lines on 09 for sense of what's possible on SPA1.

 

Yeah medels has already posted that SPA-2 is just two models, EX90 and Polestar 3. With OEMs working up to 4 years ahead, design up to 6 to 8 years and product planning 15 years. So quite when these decisions were taken and where the vehicle design process was up to could only be confirmed by someone deeply involved in the process at Volvo. But the decision to drop ICE on SPA-2 could have been early enough for the logic to be to then also adopt SEA instead of making SPA-2 EV in parallel. SPA-2 ICE and EV versions of e.g. XC90 make sense but once you are going EV only then go for the extra economies of scale and adopt SEA for it instead. Other models presumably so early in the process that the switch to SEA from SPA-2 (e.g. S/V90 replacement, XC/S/V60 replacement, V546 etc etc) is much easier. Hence the two models only for SPA-2. But electronically the SPA-2 architecture carries over the SEA platform for Volvo as that's hellalot of work to bin and only use for EX90 and Polestar 3 e.g. Volvo OS, core computing, Volvo hardware and software.

Lynk and Co 09 indeed shows how either SPA can deliver diverse models (already seen with the 60 and 90 cluster). Or indeed how a reskinning of a body shell can make a vastly different car. TBC if the Lynk and Co 09 is an XC90 body shell with different outer panels. Volvo could do something significant for the XC90 SPA phase 2 but adopting Lynk and Co dashboard or seats would be a mistake. Needs to be uniquely Volvo style.

 

Yeah medels has already posted that SPA-2 is just two models, EX90 and Polestar 3.

I had speculated that SPA2 could be "one and done for each brand," but also thought V546 as P*3 counterpart could land there too. But P*3 kind of reminds me of a door stop, so perhaps best to move on to SEA for V546?

Volvo could do something significant for the XC90 SPA phase 2 but adopting Lynk and Co dashboard or seats would be a mistake. Needs to be uniquely Volvo style.

I've long pined for those vertical vents to come to XC90, still surprised it didn't happen for MY20 refresh. Now figure they'll never get there, in favor of an 09-ish Plankpad.

 

Interesting that maybe data has come to light that means SPA-1 refresh/facelift and life extension isn't now needed and it's safe to go EV only for each of the replacements of the current model range. Curious how things can change so much from SPA-2 needing ICE and EV then only EV but keep and refresh SPA-1 ICE running as the ICE offering as the move to EV only is too risky to now saying that it's ok to be EV only and now can the life extension SPA cars. Not to sound too corporate but a lot of wasted time and money developing SPA-2 ICE and then can it and now SPA-1 refresh and life extension and then can it. But such is the madness we live in with this forced change from ICE to EV.

*********** also works for a Volvo dealership but says the opposite of thecanadaman with regards the existence and plans for the SPA-1 refresh and life extension of at least XC90, S90 and V90. I mention V90 as whilst the US doesn't get this model anymore it runs in parallel and successfully alongside XC90 and S90 in other markets. So I'd presume the three 90 siblings get the same refresh treatment.

 

They are talking about the models smaller than EX90 will have sleeker, more estate-like styling. So the in-between vehicle may end up being a vehicle to replace the V90 Cross Country? Or it could be in addition? But V546 to me looks like it could be a replacement for V90 Cross Country, and I thought so about Embla too when we first saw that concept.

 

Just cant get my head around it that he states that they have seen an all new XC90… I mean this has been said already like a year ago… if this is true, shouldnt we have seen something by now??

 

My dealer got a lot of ask about 2nd lifting, so he send an e-mail to headquater. He claims that response was that they do not planing to lift. So there is what is it or he lied to me. AAOS was big improvments in car electronics (it is not simple change of layout but a lot of possibilities, like 3rd Party apps may use data of a car). When there will be cash in it, developers will comes with their apps and new ideas.
Xc90 is a car with proper looks, handlibg and so on. EX will be computer on whells, with lidars and so on.
Volvo got his own way, even in ex there are no ambilight with milions of colours.

Newest inventions in MB are: more colours in ambilight (there is one thing missing for me, a disco ball on upholstery, that will be something) and new systems and of course more screens.
Of course I Will be glad to see 14" screen on dashboard, and all dash vidth air vents or vertical ones(whitch I love in xc60).

 

@*********** does not work at a Volvo store. He has in the past and still has good contacts in the industry it seems. Just as a point of clarification.

 

Please explain how dealers or whoever supposed to have seen the finished refreshed car a year ago(!) and now again according to his statements and there is still nothing and no change for MY24. So that means it comes MY25 the earliest which means they claim they saw the refresh 2 years prior… doesnt make sense, sorry. Otherwise I just cant understand how someone would benefit from just lying and messing with people and spread fake news just for pure joy…

 

Originally, the XC90 and what is now called the EX90 were not supposed to run concurrently. They saw an earlier concept version of the EX90 which was more like the Embla. So it wasn't a lie so much rather than a change in direction from the top brass in Sweden.

The SPA2 platform is going to spawn MANY variants of vehicle, but it's the EX90 and Polestar 3 that will be made in SC. Torslanda is being retooled for 2025, and Slovakia will be up and running by then too. Torslanda and Slovakia (as well as at least Chengdu in China) are going to be building vehicles on the SPA2 platform.

We know that Volvo is working on another advance in battery technology where it is aiming for 1000+km of range so it may be that when THAT particular technology is coming to market, it will come on another evolution of the chassis. But we're talking end of decade from what I can see.

We'll see the current XC90 run for probably a couple of years, possibly more depending how far they can advance the range on the EX90. The PHEV Recharge XC90 is becoming very popular because it actually works well for urban customers who have vacation homes etc ... so the best of both worlds. They'll keep the MHEV version for the same time period because they make boatloads of money on these things. That said, I think the demand for them will drop for sure, we just don't know how far and how fast yet.

 

.

 

With regards the conflicting information on this post about there being SPA-1 refreshes and facelifts to run alongside SPA-2 EX90 instead of doing SPA-2 ICE, I'd like to add a few things here given my experience working at a few different OEMs in product development.

Basically it's very common to keep dealerships in the dark about new models. Rumours start, info here and there and lots of contradictory information. In general, dealers are not told of upcoming facelift dates or new models because the OEM doesn't want to risk people holding back from buying the new model. Same reason new models aren't announced a long time before you can buy them (usually!!!). Same logic. If dealers know a replacement model is coming they might slip and let a customer know who will hold back from buying the current one. Don't want to damage current sales.

Dealerships sometimes get previews to drum up enthusiasm and motivation for the brand. "great future ahead". But it's usually very controlled.

Finally, it's also very common for even those engineers working for the OEM not to know the name (for companies that name things) of a model or exactly what it looks like. If you're testing them you can see the prototype interior under the cloths and you need to do that to set the heating etc for example. But the exterior design is usually camouflaged and kept from most people's view until it's launched. Design, body shell, pre-production and the dept that camouflages them knows what they look like. But 100s to 1000s of engine, gearbox, driveline, suspension, brakes etc engineers don't. Often you only get to see if the day before or the day of the launch and to many engineers it's "oh, so that's what it actually looks like".

So if the SPA-1 "refresh and extend" programme is happening, many dealers won't know about it, those that do are under NDA, many will be told or be telling staff "nothing is happening" too to preserve XC90 and EX90 sales as well for now.