Volvo has previously confirmed that it is busily developing a more upscale version of the brand-new second-gen XC90 (pictured), and a report coming out of England sheds light on what to expect when the model is presented next April at the Shanghai Motor Show.
The yet-unnamed crossover is being designed for a handful of key markets including the United States and China. While the standard XC90 can carry up to seven passengers, the more upscale model will offer space for four adults on individual seats that will be heated, cooled and power-adjustable.
The two rear seats will be mounted further back in the cabin, a layout chosen because it allows engineers to increase leg room without having to stretch the XC90’s wheelbase. The occupants lucky enough to ride in the back will benefit from individual infotainment screens integrated into the front seatbacks and dual-zone A/C.
At launch, the more upscale XC90 will likely be powered by the seven-seater model’s 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. Using both a turbocharger and a supercharger, the four-banger will send 316 horsepower and 295 foot-pounds of torque to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. A fuel-sipping gasoline-electric plug-in hybrid drivetrain will be available a little later in the production run.
If the rumor turns out to be true, expect to hear more about the XC90’s posh sibling in the weeks leading up to its debut in Shanghai.
