Volvo teases photos of new 2014 XC90 interior

By Tim Pollard

First Official Pictures

28 May 2014 18:13

Volvo has taken the unusual step of trailing the inside of its new XC90 crossover ahead of the outside. So feast your eyes on this – the new cabin of the 2014 Volvo XC90. 

The inside-out reveal means that we’re seeing the family-friendly interior in extraordinary detail. Don’t assume this is some marketing gaffe, either: Volvo is keen to stress that its new SUV is focused on carrying up to seven passengers in understated Swedish luxury, modern connectivity and – this is a Volvo, after all – supreme safety.

The new 2014 XC90 is the first Volvo to be built on the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA), a new platform which will underpin future Volvos. New design, new engines and new technologies – this is a major launch for the Swedes, make no mistake. 

These first photos reveal a seven-seater cabin, with three rows of chairs to swallow bodies and bags. Deep glazing appears to give all occupants a proper view out and plenty of light coming in, while even middle-row passengers get digital read-outs for their climate control.

The cabin is simply designed, as has become a Volvo design staple. While the exteriors are due to make a step-change under new design management, we’ve been hoping that the cabins won’t lose their under-designed simplicity.

A tiny, stubby gearlever made from crystal glass by Swedish brand Orrefors sits on the centre console and the switchgear is kept to a minimum, as many functions are gobbled up by a central touchscreen.

A Drive Mode selector hints at the adaptive nature of the XC90’s chassis settings; this is obviously a car which can be set to tackle motorways, B-roads or even light off-roading. Expect programmable dampers, power steering and suchlike to change the emphasis from Comfort to Sport or Eco, and a range in between. Full technical details will be announced in July 2014.

Light woods and crisp alloy details abound on the XC90’s dashboard (some of that switchgear is diamond-turned, like you’ll find on a Merc). And – get this – there’s even a hint of Swedish humour. The leather seat trim on this model sports the national flag on a tag where you might expect to see an SRS airbag label.

‘The most striking feature is a tablet-like touch screen control console, which forms the heart of an all-new in-car control system,’ said Thomas Ingenlath, Volvo’s senior vice president of design. ‘This system is virtually button free and represents an entirely new way for drivers to control their car and access a range of Internet-based products and services.’

Want to see the Volvo XC90 in full? Then you’ll have to wait until August 2014, when the car will be revealed in full ahead of its motor show debut at the Paris Motor Show.

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By Tim Pollard