The all-new Volvo XC90 revealed in its birthplace Sweden.

The new XC90 SUV signifies the start of a new era for Volvo in architecture, engine and design, as every part of the new model has been developed by the Swedish carmaker. It’s the first all-new model of the post-Ford period, the debut of the new SPA platform, which will be the basis for all future Volvos, and a clear move upmarket for the Volvo brand.

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The base models come with plenty of optional standard equipment that is additional for most of its rivals including Audi, Lexus, BMW and Mercedes. This will include satellite-navigation, seven seats, keyless entry and a tablet-sized touch screen connecting through Apple’s Car Play or Google’s Android Auto systems.

Being a Volvo, safety is key. The City Safe system offers a full collision warning and auto breaking, curtain airbags run the full length of the car and “intelligent” seats absorb off-road severe crashes. The manufacturer’s claim that the new XC90 is the safest SUV available cannot be far from the truth, and the ambition that in 2020 no one should be killed in a new Volvo is not so far away. Park Assist Pilot, 360-degree camera and a lane-keeping aid make us expect a driver-less Volvo in the not too distant future.

XC90’s public debut will be at the Paris Motor Show in October but sales of a special edition of 1,927 cars will start on September 3. The first regular deliveries of the new XC90 can be expected in the mid- to late spring in the U.S.

For the Volvo multimedia news release and more photographs, see World-Premiére: The all-new VOLVO XC90

Check the online store: The All-New Volvo XC90 (Set to open on Sept. 3)

And a brief video at Dailymotion from the event in Sweden with brief comments by key Volvo officers: All-new XC90 World Premiere - The reveal event