When is the xc90 being replaced

Lidar, which is similar to radar but uses light waves instead of radio waves to detect objects, is considered by most automakers and tech companies to be crucial to self-driving cars.

Most prototype self-driving cars currently testing on public roads use lidar as part of a trifecta of sensors, along with radar and cameras. Information from lidar and other sensors will be managed by the new Nvidia chip. The XC90 successor will also get backups for key functions like steering and braking, making it "hardware ready for safe unsupervised autonomous driving once available," Volvo said.

The hardware will work with new software developed in-house to enable a feature called Highway Pilot, which will allow for "autonomous driving" on highways, Volvo said. However, it will only be activated "when verified safe and legally allowed for individual geographic locations and conditions. That sounds similar to Audi's Traffic Jam Pilot feature, designed to enable highway driving with minimal human involvement.

Audi began adding lidar sensors to some models a few years ago in anticipation of the rollout of Traffic Jam Pilot, but canceled the feature due to regulatory and liability concerns. Volvo believes its driver-assist tech will get smarter over time, thanks in part to over-the-air software updates.

One of the core advancements of the next XC90 will be its autonomous driving system that will use next-generation sensors, lidars and cameras. The third-generation XC90 is expected to make its debut in , and go on sale the year after. Expect an evolutionary approach to the styling; the fully electric model should feature unique design touches such as the blanked-off grille as previewed by our exclusive image. Volvo currently plans to launch one new electric vehicle every year up until An extension of Volvo's inbuilt booster cushion really.

The cabin furniture is, says Page, a series of separate beautiful components each 'like a piece of art', as opposed to common practice of trying to visually integrate everything. Oddly though, despite the usual claims of Swedish atmosphere, there's a lot in this dashboard to remind you of a Mustang Mach-E.

The centre-dash touchscreen has of course swelled to a tennis-court size. There's little surrounding structure to act as a hand-brace while you're jabbing at it. Volvo says it's a very safe design, but we always find it takes your eyes off the road for too long. There are even fewer hardware switches here than in Volvo's already-infuriating current interface.

Mind you it's possible to talk to the car via its integral Android-based operating system. If you don't feel ridiculous talking to the car while you've got passengers, well that's fine. Volvo has also unveiled a plan for all versions of the new production car to have Lidar sensors built in, and a very high-capacity data connection to the company's IT HQ, mush as Tesla does.

All the car's various onboard sensors collectively gather and transmit a high-def picture of the traffic and roads around the car. Volvo has confirmed the next generation of its long-running large luxury SUV will make the switch to electric power, just days after confirming the XC90 's smaller sibling, the XC60 , would make the jump to zero-emissions propulsion in The new model will debut a fleet of "state-of-the-art sensors", including LIDAR technology developed by firm Luminar, and an autonomous driving system powered by Nvidia's Drive Orin chipset.

Volvo says the new systems will combine to allow "the car to assist and improve the capabilities of a human driver in safety critical situations", preventing accidents and saving lives in line with Volvo's focus on safety. The technologies will enable a new Highway Pilot autonomous system developed in conjunction with Zenseact, which will be capable of driving the vehicle autonomously "when verified safe and legally allowed for individual geographic locations and conditions". It will now define the next level of car safety.

Details of the new XC90 are thin on the ground, though expect it to feature the latest iteration of Volvo's Google-developed Android Automotive infotainment technology, plus sharper styling and additional luxury features over its now-seven-year-old predecessor.

Mechanical specifications remain equally unclear, though expect a range of single- and dual-motor powertrain options, with driving range claims in excess of km in order to be competitive with its BMW iX and upcoming Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV rivals.