Next-gen Volvo XC90 to use leaf spring rear suspension

The next generation Volvo XC90 is two weeks from launch and it be the first car underpinned by the company’s all-new in-house Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) that will eventually take over from the current range of Ford-derived platforms as other models in the range undergo their full model changes.

Much like the Volkswagen Group’s MQB platform, Volvo’s SPA is designed to be highly flexible and scalable. Laid out to accommodate engines in the transverse direction, the SPA fixes only the distance separating front axle and firewall; all other dimensions are variable. Volvo took four years to develop this platform, which crucially allows future versions of models from the 60-cluster (S60, V60, XC60) upwards to built on the same production line.

“SPA gives us a fresh technological start. Around 90 per cent of the components in the all-new XC90 and upcoming models are new and unique. We are raising the bar to the very top of the premium league when it comes to quality and technology level in every vital area,” says Dr Peter Mertens, Senior Vice President, Research and Development of Volvo Car Group.

Dr Mertens also went on to claim that the SPA has enabled Volvo to create ‘the world’s first no-compromise SUV’ with the XC90, which seats seven passengers across three rows of seats. The second and third row feature slide adjustment, and it is claimed that with the right deployment, passengers up to 170cm tall can perch themselves in the third row with class-leading comfort. This 170cm-tall writer looks forward to put that argument to the test.

Images of the chassis released by Volvo revealed fascinating details of the new XC90’s suspension system. Air suspension will be available, likely as cost options or exclusive to higher models, with five selectable modes, whilst the basic suspension architecture comprises of double wishbones with coil springs up front and multi-links at the rear.

A unique feature in the XC90’s rear suspension is the usage of a leaf spring, which despite usage of the term, is not quite the same as what we typically see in a Toyota Hilux or Isuzu D-Max. In this instance, the leaf spring, which is made of a lightweight composite material, is mounted transversely and serves no load-bearing function, acting as a substitute for the coil spring. Volvo had previously used a similar design in the old 960 Wagon and S90, but the transverse leaf spring is perhaps most famously associated with three generations of the Chevrolet Corvette. We are curious to see if Volvo will adopt this suspension set up for other future SPA models.

KON

Pictures: Official Volvo release

See also:
– First interior pics of all-new Volvo XC90 released
– All-new Volvo XC90 range to include 400hp twincharged hybrid engine