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Volvo's venerable flagship SUV has been detailed for the 2023 model-year, with new model names, more kit and a new infotainment system.

The flagship Volvo XC90 has received running changes, and price rises, for the 2023 model-year, including a new Google-based infotainment system as well as an improved plug-in hybrid system for the top-shelf Recharge variant .

As before, there are four variants on offer though now with a new naming structure. Gone are the old Momentum, Inscription and R-Design trim levels, replaced with Plus, Ultimate Bright, and Ultimate Dark names respectively.

Key changes include an Air Purifier and power-folding rear headrests (previously optional) as standard across the range, as well as the fitment of Volvo’s latest Android Automotive infotainment system with app connectivity and over-the-air (OTA) software updates.

Ultimate variants also score a heated steering wheel and heated rear seats as standard equipment, and there are new exterior colours available.

All models have been subject to price increases, amounting to $4500 for B5 and B6 versions, and $3000 for the T8 Recharge Plug-in Hybrid.

A total of three powertrains are available depending on variant, including two petrol engines with mild-hybrid assistance, as well as a turbocharged plug-in hybrid. All are four-cylinder units.

The entry-level B5 features a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine hooked up to a 48V mild-hybrid system. Outputs are rated at 183kW (5400-5700rpm) and 350Nm (1800-4800rpm), with 0-100km/h taking a claimed 7.7 seconds.

Stepping up to the B6 engine variant adds an electronically-driven supercharger (dubbed E-Charger), which bumps outputs to a healthier 220kW (5400rpm) and 420Nm (2100-4800rpm). Volvo claims 0-100 takes 6.7 seconds.

Finally, the T8 Recharge Plug-in Hybrid is again a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine (now minus the supercharger) hooked up to a plug-in hybrid system incorporating a rear-mounted electric motor and lithium-ion battery.

Outputs are rated at 233kW (6000rpm) and 400Nm (3000-45000rpm) for the petrol engine, and 107kW (15,900rpm) and 309Nm (0-3280rpm) for the e-motor. Combined, Volvo quotes 340kW and 709Nm with 0-100 taking a claimed 5.3 seconds.

All versions of the Volvo XC90 in Australia are fitted with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. Unlike the wider range the T8 Recharge’s AWD system uses the petrol engine to drive the front axle and the e-motor at the rear, for electrified all-wheel drive.

B5 and B6 versions of the Volvo XC90 claim to use 8.2L/100km on the combined cycle. Emissions are rated at 187g/km (CO2) for the B5 and 186g/km for the B6.

Meanwhile, the T8 Recharge PHEV quotes combined fuel use of 1.8L/100km, though achieving that figure requires a full charge of the 18.8kWh battery.

Volvo Australia quotes a zero-emissions driving range of up to 77 kilometres for the XC90 T8 Recharge, and an emissions rating of 77g/km of CO2.

All models are fitted with a 71-litre fuel tank.

The Volvo XC90 measures 4953mm long, 2008mm wide 1773mm tall, with a 2984mm wheelbase.

Boot space is a quoted 680 litres for B5 and B6 versions, and 610 litres for the T8 Recharge.

As for towing, XC90 B5 and B6 models are rated to to up to 2400kg (braked), with the T8 Recharge quoting 2350kg.

The XC90 is backed by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty.

Further, hybrid models are covered by an eight-year battery warranty.

Maintenance is required 12 months or 15,000km. Three years of maintenance will set you back $1750, while five years is priced at $3000.

The current-generation Volvo XC90 wears a five-star ANCAP safety rating, but only for diesel models sold between September 2015 and January 2022 – so the latest range is therefore unrated.

ANCAP’s safety rating was based on 2015 Euro NCAP testing, which is now expired under Euro NCAP’s new seven-year validity policy.

It scored 97 per cent for adult occupant protection, 87 per cent for child occupant protection, 72 per cent for pedestrian protection, and 73 per cent for safety assist.

XC90 Ultimate B6 Bright adds:

XC90 Ultimate B6 Dark adds:

XC90 Ultimate T8 Recharge Plug-in Hybrid adds:

*made from 30 per cent responsibly produced wool and 70 per cent polyester with contrasting white piping

Lifestyle Package with Harman Kardon: $3900 (XC90 B5 and B6 variants)

Lifestyle Package with Bowers and Wilkins: $6450 (XC90 B6 variants)

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James Wong is the Production Editor at CarExpert based in Melbourne, Australia. With experience on both media and manufacturer sides of the industry, James has a specialty for product knowledge which stems from a life-long obsession with cars. James is a Monash University journalism graduate, an avid tennis player, and the proud charity ambassador for Drive Against Depression – an organisation that supports mental wellness through the freedom of driving and the love of cars. He's also the proud father of Freddy, a 2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI .

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