That’s right, the car you’re looking at is more than a decade old. It was first facelifted in 2019, and rather than design a whole new car, Volvo has facelifted it again for 2025. With its handsome proportions and quietly commanding presence, the 2025 update is light on theatrics but heavy on sensibility.

This isn’t a brand new car, but rather a matured one. And, much like a good bottle of aquavit, it’s only gotten better with age.

So, what’s changed?

Visually, you’ll have to squint. The lines have been tidied up, the lights sharpened ever so slightly, and the grille’s had a shave. Inside, there’s a slicker interface and some finetuning under the skin. But don’t mistake subtlety for stagnation.

Electrification is the name of the game, and Volvo’s gone all in. The B5 is now a mild-hybrid with 249bhp and 360Nm, paired to an 8-speed auto gearbox and permanent all-wheel drive.

Smooth Operator, Not a Thrill Seeker

If you’re here looking for Nürburgring lap times, you’re in the wrong part of Sweden. This isn’t a Cayenne. The XC90 is designed to soothe, not stimulate. And in that sense, it’s pitch-perfect.

Everything about the driving experience is calm, collected, and completely inoffensive. The steering is light but precise, the ride is plush and well-damped even on large 20-inch rims, and the cabin remains serene even at expressway speeds.

The B5 petrol, while not earth-shatteringly quick, is more than adequate for everyday driving. The 48V mild-hybrid system helps eliminate turbo lag and smooth out the start-stop transitions, which are nearly imperceptible now.

Volvo did something unusual with the XC90, stating it would never have a bigger engine than a 2.0-litre four-cylinder. Because of this, real-world fuel economy has taken a bit of a hit, hovering around 9.0km/litre. A little more oomph will benefit the B5, but this figure is still respectable for a car of this size.

Scandinavian Sanctuary

With the aforementioned 2-litre engine decision, Volvo was also adamant that it would be mounted crossways in the engine bay.

This might sound silly, but by tucking the powertrain in tighter, it frees up precious centimetres inside. The result is one of the most thoughtfully laid-out interiors you’ll find in any three-row SUV today.

Pale wood trims, recycled fabrics, and vertically oriented air vents all speak to a sensibility that favours wellness over wow factor.

The 11.2inch portrait touchscreen is now sharper and more responsive, and runs on a Google-based OS that integrates Maps and voice commands seamlessly.

The real joy, though, is how everything works. The seat folding mechanisms are buttery smooth and can be operated one-handed. The wireless charger has been repositioned, and you just feel like the car was designed with care in mind.

Rear visibility is excellent, and all seven seats are usable. And unlike many three-row SUVs, there’s still 301 litres of boot space with all seats up (thanks to the engine layout).

Fold down the all of the seats and you’ll get up to 1,950 litres, enough for a Singaporean’s entire IKEA wishlist.

Elegance in Evolution

More than a decade on, the Volvo XC90 is still the one to beat in its class. It’s a vehicle designed with a clear mission: to transport your family safely, comfortably, and with a quiet sense of pride.

In a sea of oversized grills, fake engine noises, and overzealous software suites, the XC90 feels like a breath of cool Scandinavian air. It’s a car that looks after your loved ones.

And isn’t that what a good family car should do?

Volvo XC90

Engine: 2-litre inline 4, Turbocharged
Drivetrain: All-Wheel Drive
Power: 249 bhp
Torque: 360 Nm
Gearbox: 8-Speed (A)
0-100km/h: 7.7 seconds (claimed)
Top Speed: 180 km/h
Fuel Tank Capacity: 71 litres 
Fuel Economy: 10.9 km/litre (claimed)
Price: S$444,000 with COE (accurate at the time of this article)

Photo Credits: Sean Loo (@auto.driven)

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Now in its latest evolution for 2025, the brand’s flagship SUV makes a compelling case not just as a premium family hauler, but as a statement of how luxury can still whisper rather than shout.

Power in Two Flavours

Buyers now have two powertrains to choose from.

The XC90 B5 Ultra Mild-Hybrid continues Volvo’s tradition of effortless performance paired with responsible engineering. Its 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine is paired with a 48V integrated starter-generator, delivering 250hp.

If you’re after something with a bit more fire in its belly, the XC90 T8 Ultra Plug-in Hybrid might just be your thing. With a combined output of 455hp and 800km+ of range, this version delivers a 0-100km/h dash in just 5.4 seconds.

And when it comes to plugging in, a full recharge takes just three hours on a 6.4kW AC charger.

The latest model gains Frequency Selective Damping and, in the T8 variant, a fully-electronic air suspension that constantly analyses the road 500 times a second. It adapts accordingly, lowering itself on highways for better aerodynamics, or rising to tackle uneven terrain when needed.

Volvo has also enhanced the cabin’s quietness. Laminated glass all around, acoustic foam stuffed into the pillars, and even extra insulation in the firewall, all designed to create a cocoon from the chaotic outside world.

A Gentle Giant That Keeps You Safer Than Ever

Volvo didn’t become synonymous with safety by accident, and the new XC90 doubles down on this legacy.

Active lane-keeping, road-edge detection, and autonomous emergency braking for vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists, and even large animals are all part of the suite.

In an era where tech often replaces tactility, it’s heartening that Volvo still makes safety systems that don’t feel overly intrusive, but rather quietly competent.

Subtle on the Outside, Striking Where It Counts

Design-wise, the XC90 hasn’t gone for a radical reinvention. Subtle touches like a reworked grille, tweaked bumpers, and new Matrix LED headlights with corner illumination make their mark.

At the back, it’s the same dignified silhouette Singaporeans have grown familiar with.

Slide inside, and you’re greeted by quintessential Scandinavian luxury. Recycled premium materials now decorate the panels, underscoring Volvo’s quiet pursuit of sustainability.

The centre touchscreen has grown to 11.2 inches and boasts crisper resolution, with built-in Google apps, OTA software updates, and even Spotify and YouTube built right in.

The redesigned centre console now includes more storage, an extra cupholder, and a relocated wireless charging pad, all based on feedback from actual owners.

Music lovers will feel especially seen here. The B5 variant gets a Harman Kardon system with 14 speakers and 660 watts, while the T8 throws in a Bowers & Wilkins masterpiece with 19 speakers and 1,460 watts.

Need to haul the family? Third-row seats are standard. Need to carry luggage? Fold those seats down for over 1,100 litres of boot space. Want to keep everyone cool? A 4-zone climate control system with PM2.5 filtration sees to that.

Massage seats, power sunshades, integrated child booster, and even rear-window sun blinds round off the list of features that make the XC90 a rolling sanctuary.

“The XC90 continues to set the benchmark for premium SUVs in Singapore”

Corinne Chua, Managing Director for Volvo at Wearnes

It may not shout the loudest, nor wear the flashiest badge, but in typical Volvo fashion, it lets the experience do the talking. In this latest guise, the Volvo XC90 speaks clearer and more confidently than ever.

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