Next year Volvo will launch the third generation of the XC90, one of its flagship models. This large SUV will debut among other things an electric Recharge version that will go on sale in 2022. Also, it will be the first Volvo based on the SPA2 modular platform. An evolution of the current SPA that we can find in the “60” and “90” families of the Swedish firm. It will also be the first Volvo to have a Luminar LiDAR built into the roof as part of the hardware needed to deliver an advanced autonomous driving system.
The XC90 will receive a derivative called the XC100 Recharge in 2023. This model will become the brand’s flagship, differentiating itself from the XC90 Recharge by a more streamlined “coupe” type design, a more luxurious interior of four seats instead of five, etc. It may also be somewhat more massive than the model it will be derived from.
Like the rest of the electric cars from Volvo and Polestar, the XC100 will have the batteries located on the underside, between the axles. As it could not be otherwise, the model will have standard all-wheel-drive thanks to the use of two electric motors. Although the power of the vehicle is unknown at the moment, the probability is it will far exceed 400 hp (the XC40 Recharge and Polestar 2 currently offer 408 hp despite being notably smaller models).
The XC100 Recharge will not only be a brother to the XC90 Recharge but also to the Polestar 3, a very similar philosophy model that will differ from the Volvo by a much more sporty approach. Thus, we could say that the XC90 Recharge will be a practical and familiar purchase, the XC100 Recharge the most luxurious and comfortable option, and the Polestar 3 the most sporty and performance model.
According to MotorTrend, the Volvo XC100 Recharge will have a starting price of $85,000. A rather attractive figure considering that we are talking about a luxurious F-segment SUV. At the moment, it is not known yet if the model will be manufactured in Europe or China.