The Volvo XC90 has been handed a couple of updates, including the latest version of the Swedish brand’s semi-autonomous driving technology.
Pilot Assist, which is fitted as standard across the South African XC90 range, is able to control acceleration, braking and steering. But the latest update means a lead vehicle is no longer required, allowing the flagship SUV to rely on lane markings at speeds up to 130 km/h.
Volvo Car SA, of course, is at pains to point out that Pilot Assist is a “support system and has not been designed for the driver to remove their attention from the task of driving”. Full autonomy, the brand promises, is on the way.
The update also includes the addition of PowerPulse technology to the XC90 D5 AWD derivative, which Volvo says eliminates the effects of turbo-lag.
The system draws air from the air filter via a compressor into a pressurised two-litre tank. When required, the compressed air is fed by a valve into the exhaust manifold to instantly spool up the turbo. The tank automatically refills after each burst, and the compressed air remains on hand at all times to provide extra boost – on both pull-away and during low-speed driving.
With this technology fitted, power increases from 165 kW to 173 kW, while peak torque is up by 10 Nm to 480 Nm. In addition, the claimed average fuel economy falls from 5,8 to 5,7 litres per 100 km, while carbon emissions drop below the 150 g/km barrier.
Model year 2017 versions are already available at local Volvo dealers.
