Volvo XC90（T8 Ultra Plug-in hybrid） [ CMF Design Series Vol. 5 ]

New XC90: A Flagship SUV Balancing Innovation and Warmth

I had the opportunity to thoroughly examine two units of Volvo’s flagship SUV, the new XC90 (Ultra T8 plug-in hybrid).

This XC90, which underwent a model change this March, features updates enhancing design affinity with new-generation electric vehicle models. The exterior has sharper front and rear styling, projecting a more progressive impression. A new body color, Mulberry Red, has been added to the palette.

The interior maintains the previous model’s framework while preserving a horizontal-themed, simple yet solid presence. It has evolved into a modern, premium space through proactive use of recycled and renewable materials. Interior colors include one dark and two light options, with the new “Cardamom” shade being a warm, approachable light beige with subtle red undertones.

Design Philosophy Felt in Volvo: Universal Comfort

Volvo’s CMF reveals profound Nordic sensibilities underlying consistent design philosophy. I’m particularly drawn to interiors emphasizing the instinctive human sense that “comfort is fundamental” in any space. This aligns with Nordic cultures valuing “Lagom” and “Hygge”※1—concepts cherishing comfort and balance.

Recently, trends in three distinct interior spaces—residential, office, and automotive—have converged not merely in superficial design or materials, but in fundamental spatial philosophy. These once-separately evolving fields now mutually influence while sharing more essential values.

Yet Volvo seems to stand apart from such trends. Viewing the latest XC90, its design philosophy seemingly declares “that’s obvious.” Whether car or home, knowing the essence of comfortable living creates an unwavering axis unaffected by eras or trends.

Its posture—creating spacious, premium environments with natural, unpretentious presence—truly embodies Volvo’s unique appeal. The XC90, the top-tier plug-in hybrid SUV model, possesses refined beauty that never becomes ostentatious despite its premium quality, maintaining humble sophistication. It impresses as a vehicle with excellent intellectual balance.

Interior colors include dark “Charcoal” and bright “Blond,” plus newly introduced “Cardamom.”

Minimalist sculptural design evolved from the previous model is expressed through colors and materials highlighting both warmth and cleanliness.

“Charcoal × Blond” interior offers two CMF image directions.

One uses extensive dark charcoal areas with clear light-dark contrast, feeling simultaneously elegant and youthfully vibrant. Premium yet approachable, inviting casual boarding and driving enjoyment. Simple component divisions prevent distracting shape lines despite strong color contrasts, maintaining clean spatial unity.

The other “Charcoal × Blond” interior uses “Blond” throughout except IP upper sections, decorative panels, and floor, brightening the entire interior. Somewhat cool light gray tightened with charcoal creates progressive, modern space, while minimal wood and fabric additions provide reassuring comfort and openness.

Both vehicles featured today have Nappa leather※3 specification seats. Additionally, as part of Volvo’s sustainability initiatives, naturally-derived bio-material leather-free surface “Nordico”※4 and recycled-fiber woven surface materials※5 are introduced. The IP upper surface uses leather-free recycled materials, yet quality appearance and tactile sensation remain premium, with smooth surface finish creating refined IP panel presence. Successfully strengthening Scandinavian progressive luxury through proactive addition of such sustainable new materials.

※3 Nappa leather: Premium leather with very soft, supple texture. Still frequently used in luxury vehicle seats and interiors. 
※4 "Nordico": Volvo-developed surface material combining microfibers (ultra-fine fibers) with genuine leather-like texture.
※5 Volvo-developed surface material using 100% recycled polyester.

The crystal shift knob inherited from the previous model may be the only element describable as brilliant within the simple modern interior, yet lacking diamond-cut or other decorative treatments, it conversely emphasizes crystal’s inherent smoothness and coolness, creating dignified presence.

New Exterior Color “Mulberry Red” – Attention as Dark New Trend Color

Among exterior colors, “Mulberry Red” joins as a new addition. This color, inspired by Scandinavian autumn, is a deeply elegant dark metallic red. In shade it displays a calm, blackish expression, while under sunlight the red tones stand out, radiating gorgeous, powerful brilliance.

This Mulberry Red combines superbly with “Charcoal × Blond” interior. The deep dark red and cool, progressive “Blond” interior color combination achieves exquisite harmony between moderate warmth and refreshing coolness, creating refined space.

Amid recently sluggish movement in dark exterior color trends, this Mulberry Red feels refreshing. Considering it as a red-series extension, it distinctly differs from eye-catching flashy reds. Its calm depth combined with gorgeous dramatic tonality truly resonates with quality-seeking demographics. Such dark colors balancing substantial volume with gorgeous saturation should gradually increase, particularly in premium-line models.

Incidentally, at April’s Shanghai Motor Show, previously standard vibrant reds and golds decreased while dark reds and seemingly derivative purples increased. Such developments may indicate red-series color trend shifts ahead.

Importance of Interior Space

Moving forward, automotive design will increasingly emphasize “how to spend time inside”—how comfortably one can pass time in-vehicle. Maximizing limited space value will critically determine product competitiveness.

Within this context, Volvo’s answer regarding human-interior space relationships has already established high product value as unwavering concept. I’m impressed by how casually they express this as modern design without imposing on users.

Henceforth, interior design influencing exterior design—reversing traditional processes—may become mainstream. Volvo is a brand firmly grasping such major new vehicle design focal points.

However, stating personal preference, I’d love to see more beautiful, cooler speaker grille metal pattern designs in the next model!