​​Has next-generation Volvo XC90 ‘Embla’ been revealed in European patent images?

The new all-electric Volvo XC90 may have unofficially broken cover in a series of patent images filed by the Swedish carmaker. The designs, discovered and published by Worldscoop, appear to show the final design of Volvo’s battery-powered large SUV, which is set to launch next year.

In a separate filing with the  European Union Intellectual Property Office, Volvo has registered the design with the names Embla, suggesting that Volvo may be about to abandon its current alpha-numeric naming structure for its new electric range. Embla, for those not familiar with Norse mythology, means the first woman, made by the gods from a tree.  

Although the patent renderings are limited in terms of detail, they show that the new model will borrow heavily from Volvo’s 2021 Concept Recharge which introduced a new design language. The headlights on the patent images appear to be almost identical to those on the concept, and while the profile of the car suggests that the final design will be more SUV than estate, Volvo has clearly made an attempt to soften the blocky lines of the current XC90. 

Embla design will take styling cues from Volvo's striking Concept Recharge showcar, which was revealed last year

The new model will be built on a fresh set of underpinnings derived from Volvo’s SPA architecture. The new SPA2 platform has been designed to accommodate both electric and combustion engines and will eventually be used to underpin a range of new Volvo models along with other cars in the Geely Group. This includes Polestar, which is likely to use the same platform as the basis for its all-electric Polestar 3 and 4 models. 

However, unlike many mixed-fuel platforms which have a universal design (such as those made by Stellantis and BMW), Volvo’s SPA2 underpinnings will be supplied in two forms, with the electric version featuring a flat floor, shorter overhangs and a larger cabin. This suggests that the fully-electric Embla model will spearhead the new range with the existing ICE-powered model receiving little more than a facelift. 

The final design is expected to be revealed later this year with sales expected to start in 2023.

New model will be built on a new, all-electric platform that will be shared with sister brand, Polestar