Volvo XC90 Black Edition: The Luxury SUV That Looks Even Better in the Dark
Volvo has unveiled a new and striking version of its flagship SUV — the XC90 Black Edition. Designed exclusively for the European and UK markets, this special edition brings a darker, sportier, and more luxurious aesthetic to one of Volvo’s most recognizable models. But here’s the twist — despite the name, the XC90 Black Edition doesn’t have to be black.
A Bold Look Beyond Black
The XC90 Black Edition stands out with its elegant darkened exterior accents. Every shiny trim piece that once gleamed in chrome — from the radiator grille and window surrounds to the badges and 21-inch alloy wheels — is now finished in deep gloss black.
However, customers aren’t limited to a single color palette. The Black Edition treatment can be applied to body colors such as Onyx Black, Crystal White, Denim Blue, and Thunder Grey — giving buyers the freedom to mix luxury and personality while retaining the model’s signature Scandinavian sophistication.
Inside, Volvo maintains the same darkened theme. The cabin comes in two interior color schemes, both dominated by deep black and anthracite tones, highlighted by fine stitching and natural wood or aluminum trims. The headliner, dashboard, and door panels are all finished in matching dark shades, creating a cocoon-like atmosphere of calm refinement.
Hybrid Power with Scandinavian Restraint
The XC90 Black Edition is available with both mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid (T8 Recharge) powertrains. The mild-hybrid combines a 2.0-liter turbocharged petrol engine with a 48-volt integrated starter-generator for smoother acceleration and lower emissions. The plug-in hybrid version, meanwhile, delivers up to 455 horsepower and an impressive electric range of over 70 kilometers (WLTP) on a single charge.
Both setups come paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, ensuring the large SUV remains confident and stable on any surface — from Dubai’s boulevards to Alpine roads.
A Stylish Addition to Volvo’s Growing “Black Edition” Line
The XC90 is the fifth Volvo model to receive the Black Edition treatment, following the XC60, S60, V60, and C40. The success of these editions has encouraged the brand to expand the design across its lineup. Volvo has already confirmed that the upcoming EX30 — the brand’s compact electric SUV — will soon get its own Black Edition version, merging minimalism with an edgier urban flair.
Sales Context: A Bright Spot Amid Mixed Results
Volvo’s announcement of the XC90 Black Edition came alongside its latest sales report. As of the end of September, the brand’s global demand rose 1% year-on-year for the month, though year-to-date sales slipped by 8% overall. Interestingly, EV sales fell by 21% from January to September, showing that hybrids like the XC90 Recharge remain crucial for maintaining volume.
The XC90 continues to be a cornerstone of the lineup, ranking third in Volvo’s global model sales, just behind the XC60 and the smaller XC40/EX40 series.
The Future: New Tech on the Horizon
Just days earlier, Volvo also announced a technical update for its fully electric EX90, which now moves to an 800-volt architecture for faster charging and greater efficiency. The system upgrades include improved electric motors and more powerful processors for the car’s autonomous and safety features — signaling the technological direction future Volvos, including the XC90’s eventual successor, will follow.
The XC90 Black Edition, then, is not just about design — it’s a bridge between the traditional luxury SUV segment and Volvo’s electrified, tech-forward future.