Volvo XC90

In 2009, Ford sold Volvo to Geely Automotive, and the transaction was completed in 2010.

During this period, Volvo had started the initial development phases of a new shared vehicle platform: the "Scalable Product Architecture" (SPA). Designed for mid-sized and large cars, this new platform (also referred to as "P5") was set to be paired with the new "Volvo Engine Architecture" (VEA) four-cylinder engines, allowing all new Volvos to be built with the same building blocks.

With issues like climate change and resource scarcity coming to the forefront, SPA and VEA were designed from the ground up to support easy electrification.

The vehicle's chassis can accommodate a high-capacity battery pack and supports the integrated starter/generator with the engine's stop-start system, hybrid and fully electric driving, and high-voltage plug-in charging.

In response to consumer trends favoring SUVs and crossovers, Volvo chose to launch this new platform with the next generation of its XC90 SUV rather than with its large sedans.

The XC90, Volvo's new flagship, also introduced many advanced technologies: the Sensus touch infotainment and navigation system, "Thor's Hammer" headlights, automatic braking, lane keeping, adaptive cruise control features for autonomous driving, BLIS blind spot monitoring, and plug-in hybrid functionality in the T8 models.

All XC90 MK2 vehicles are paired with VEA (sometimes referred to as "DRIV-E") 2.0L four-cylinder engines combined with the Aisin-Warner TG-81 8-speed automatic transmission. Turbocharged T5 and twin-charged (turbo and supercharged) T6 trim logos are available.

In 2023, a new feature was added to the XC90 (and its platform siblings S90 and V90) with the introduction of a high-voltage mild hybrid system in B5 and B6 trims. This system enables the use of a more powerful 48-volt electrical system in place of the standard 12V system, allowing for an integrated starter-generator that captures energy during deceleration/braking and boosts electric support from a standstill. With this change, every model of the XC90, from the base B5 to the top T8 Recharge, now features at least partial electrification.

In the "top" T8 version, the twin-charged four-cylinder engine is combined with hybrid electric drive to produce a total power output exceeding 400 hp. In addition to rapid performance, this hybrid drive utilizes XC90's AWD system; the electric motor engages the rear wheels when front wheel slip is detected or during strong acceleration, using the Haldex-sourced AWD drive shaft and AOC.

Although the small 2-liter VEA engine is a "high-pressure" unit (producing up to 360 hp in some versions), the complete powertrain package of SPA vehicles, like the XC90, is quite reliable as long as periodic maintenance items (such as timing belts) are performed at the right intervals with the proper tools.

The first generation of SPA vehicles experienced some electrical and software issues with accessories and advanced autonomous driving technologies, but newer vehicles and those serviced have matured significantly.

The second generation XC90, a mid-large size crossover SUV, is based on the Volvo P5 (SPA) platform. The XC90 MK2 has been on sale since the 2016 model year.

It is offered with 2.0L four-cylinder "VEA" (also known as "modular" or "DRIV-E") engines.

T5 models (turbocharged): 2016-2022: B4204T23 B5 models (turbocharged, 48-volt mild hybrid with Integrated Starter-Generator): 2023-present: B420T2 T6 models (twin-charged, turbo and supercharged): 2016-2022: B4204T27 B6 models (twin-charged, with 48-volt mild hybrid and ISG): 2022-present: B420T2 T8 models (twin-charged plug-in hybrids): 2016-2022: B4204T28 2023-present: B4204T57

All models feature the Aisin-Warner TG-81 8-speed automatic transmission. T5 and T6 models utilize TG-81SC T8 models use TG-81SD B5 models have AWF8G45 B6 models use AWF8G55

All models are available with AWD, with standard AWD on T6 and T8. T5/T6 and B5/B6 models have Haldex-sourced AWD T8 models feature "road hybrid" AWD, where the gasoline engine manages the front wheels while the electric motor drives the rear wheels.

R-Design, Inscription, and Momentum trim and appearance packages are available. T8 models (marked as T8 Recharge from 2021) are plug-in hybrids and can be charged via a charging socket, allowing them to travel approximately 20-40 miles on electric power alone.