The timing of these changes is certainly interesting. As mentioned, Volvo now offers the EX90 fully electric, and although it is similar in size and offers seven seats (a rarity in the Electric SUV like), this car currently costs just under £100,000. The XC90 starts from £63,790 in mild hybrid in form, or from £72,650 as a plug-in hybrid. Given the price disparity, Volvo says the two cars should attract different buyers and the XC90 will continue as long as there is demand. Given that it’s still the third best-selling Volvo in the world, it could take a while.

So, what’s really changed on the new XC90? Well, let’s start with what you can see. There’s a new look up front with a new interpretation of Volvo’s now ubiquitous ‘Hammer of Thor’. LED headlightsa reshaped front bumper and a new grille insert – which could appear on other Volvos with internal combustion engines in the future. The rear only gets slight changes to the bumper and darker taillights, but overall the car remains quite recognizable.

The interior features new designs on the dashboard, doors and center console, but the biggest change is the new infotainment screen. It’s an 11.2-inch screen (instead of the EX90’s 14.5-inch screen), but it still benefits from Volvo’s latest software. Fortunately, the touchscreen is easier to navigate than before and looks better too, with a 21% increase in pixel count. Functions such as maps, media, phone and apps are better presented on the home screen with fewer presses between menus.

The XC90’s cabin remains a simply pleasant place to spend time and, in its own way, it feels different from its German rivals. We counted five different materials on the dashboard alone, which would typically make it feel bulky and messy. But Volvo’s interior design team managed to combine them seamlessly. The outgoing car’s interior has aged gracefully, so only slight changes to the air vents and center console were necessary to keep the XC90 stylish inside.