Volvo has turned the spotlight back on its flagship SUV with the 2025 XC90 facelift, unveiled globally in September 2024 and now officially on sale in South Africa. Priced from R1.55 million, the refresh solidifies Volvo’s foothold in the luxury SUV segment, offering mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid options aimed at efficiency and performance in equal measure.
Volvo Cars South Africa confirmed the new lineup rollout through its dealer network in October 2025, featuring four trims across B5 and T8 powertrains. According to CMH Volvo Cars, the model now includes extended warranty and maintenance coverage for five years or 100,000 km.
The updated XC90 features modest yet effective design revisions—a reworked front grille, sharper LED headlights, and new wheel designs—while preserving the clean Scandinavian aesthetic that defines the brand. Inside, the cabin has been modernised with sustainable Nordico materials, a larger 11.2-inch infotainment screen, and improved ergonomics. The interface runs on Google’s Android Automotive OS, integrating Maps, Assistant, and Play Store access with OTA software support.
Under the hood, Volvo continues its hybrid push. The B5 mild-hybrid delivers up to 183 kW with a 48V system that enhances efficiency, while the T8 plug-in hybrid boasts 335 kW and a combined torque output of 709 Nm. The PHEV’s 71 km electric range gives South African drivers short-distance flexibility—especially useful during load-shedding or rural travel.
The facelift also upgrades safety systems, introducing LiDAR-assisted collision detection and a refined Pilot Assist suite for semi-autonomous highway driving. This emphasis on safety aligns with Volvo’s long-standing reputation and helps it maintain top-tier IIHS safety ratings.
The South African lineup includes:
- B5 Mild Hybrid Plus Dark: Equipped with a 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine producing 183 kW and 350 Nm. It’s priced at around R1,555,500 and serves as the entry point to the refreshed XC90 range.
- B5 Mild Hybrid Ultra Dark: Uses the same 2.0-litre turbo petrol mild-hybrid setup delivering 183 kW and 350 Nm. It offers additional trim features for roughly R1,657,500.
- T8 PHEV Plus Bright: Powered by a 2.0-litre plug-in hybrid system that generates 335 kW and 709 Nm, it provides up to 71 km of electric-only range and costs about R1,834,500.
- T8 PHEV Ultra Dark: Shares the same plug-in hybrid powertrain (335 kW and 709 Nm) with a 71 km range but adds premium styling and comfort elements. Priced at approximately R1,936,500.
The facelift signals Volvo’s strategic balance between traditional luxury and gradual electrification, positioning it against the BMW X5 and Audi Q7. While the EX90 — Volvo’s all-electric sibling represents the brand’s full EV pivot, the XC90 remains the practical middle ground for consumers not yet ready to go fully electric.
Early online feedback, particularly from X (formerly Twitter), highlights the XC90’s quiet cabin, hybrid reliability during energy cuts, and refined family comfort. Critics note occasional infotainment glitches and a higher price tag compared to rivals, but praise its design consistency and real-world usability.
The 2025 XC90’s refinement underscores Volvo’s methodical evolution rather than reinvention. With the SUV landscape crowding fast toward electrification, this update offers one of the most grounded transitions yet balancing familiar comfort with forward-thinking efficiency.
How soon before South African drivers fully embrace the shift from hybrid luxury to pure electric practicality?
