
Volvo XC90 returns with upgraded infotainment, refined comfort
Building on the success of the S90 sedan, the XC90 became the second bestselling Volvo vehicle in the Korean market last year, with 1,616 units sold, representing 10.7 percent of the total sales volume. Although sales saw a slight dip due to the anticipation of a new model release this year, Volvo Cars Korea anticipates a rebound in sales for its flagship SUV.
The Korea Herald had the chance to check out the new XC90 during a 140-kilometer media test drive across Seoul and Incheon.
On highways, the seven-seater SUV shows impressive chassis control. It leverages its air suspension with active chassis technology to minimize vibrations on bumpy roads, ensuring a smooth and composed driving experience. Included as a standard offering in the Korean launch model, this feature can be adjusted through the driving mode control unit displayed on the center screen.
With only two driving modes — standard and off-road — the XC90 might seem to lack the dynamic drive of a sports mode. However, the gasoline-based B6 mild-hybrid powertrain, a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a 48-volt hybrid system provide smooth acceleration, particularly on high-speed sections.
Despite reported improvements to the hybrid system in the B6 engine, the car displays slight jerkiness during sudden acceleration and braking, highlighting the structural limitations of a hybrid system.
One of the most significant upgrades is the infotainment system, which features the TMap Mobility service for navigation using Korea's top-tier map data, along with the artificial intelligence driving assistance system, 'Aria.' Drivers can easily interact with the system by saying, 'Aria, show me the way to work,' or 'Aria, turn on the AC,' as the AI is also capable of managing climate control settings.
In partnership with Naver Whale browser, the vehicle offers diverse entertainment features such as YouTube, Tving, Coupang Play, Instagram, Facebook, Naver Webtoon and e-books.
These infotainment services are accessible via a free-standing 11.2-inch center display, which also alerts drivers when a car in the adjacent lane moves into their blind spot. The 360-degree camera system provides real-time visuals of the surrounding environment on the screen.
The redesigned exterior comes with new matrix LED headlights and updates to details such as the front bumper, fenders and bonnet, creating a harmonious blend with Volvo's next-generation electric vehicles while emphasizing its flagship presence. The new Iron Mark logo, with the brand's first diagonal mesh pattern on the front grille, is available in bright (chrome) or dark (black high-gloss), highlighting its robust and stylish image.
Inspired by modern Scandinavian living rooms, the car's cabin uses high-quality materials, including nappa leather seats, to deliver maximum comfort. The horizontal dashboard integrates a new vertical air vent design, paired with textiles made from 100 percent recycled polyester and wood decor. The center console has additional storage space and more convenient wireless smartphone charging.
The new Volvo XC90 boasts the lowest starting price of 99.9 million won ($72,700) in Korea compared to other global markets.

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Korea Herald
20 hours ago
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'Sodium-ion batteries offer commercial viability in cost-sensitive segments, but replacing lithium-ion cells remains a challenge,' the source added. The senior researcher agreed, noting, 'Our company views salt batteries as one of many next-generation battery technologies. We don't necessarily see them as direct replacements for LFP or NCM.' Among Korean battery makers, only LG Energy Solution is aiming for sodium-ion battery commercialization for uninterruptible power supplies and EVs by 2030. Samsung SDI and SK On are still exploring potential development paths. Meanwhile, Fortune Business Insights projects the global sodium-ion battery market will grow from $18.2 billion in 2025 to $203.2 billion by 2032, reflecting more than tenfold growth over the period. hyejin2@


Korea Herald
a day ago
- Korea Herald
CATL's 'salt battery': Breakthrough or budget hype?
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A key marketing highlight is the battery's exceptional performance in cold weather, surpassing that of existing lithium-ion technologies, including Korea's nickel cobalt manganese products and the LFP cells whose production is dominated by China. Cheaper than LFP, easier to produce CATL's sodium-ion battery launch presents an unwelcome challenge for Korean battery manufacturers, who have yet to begin mass production of LFP cells for EVs. Addressing China's sodium battery innovation, SK On CEO and President Lee Seok-hee reportedly said in a recent closed-door meeting, 'We need to closely monitor technological trends in sodium-ion cells for the budget-friendly EV market.' The nickname is misleading: Sodium batteries don't actually have salt in them. But one of their biggest advantages is their lower cost and more readily available raw materials compared to lithium-ion cells. According to data from Shanghai Metals Market, battery-grade sodium carbonate was priced at $598.18 per ton as of Tuesday, while lithium carbonate cost $9,612.58 per ton. 'Sodium-ion batteries could become significantly cheaper than LFP — possibly half the cost — once production is optimized,' said a senior researcher at a major Korean battery company. 'Unlike lithium, which shows drastic price fluctuations due to limited reserves, sodium can be easily sourced from sodium chloride or sodium hydroxide, both widely available in seawater.' The researcher added that the manufacturing process for sodium-ion and lithium-ion cells is largely 'exchangeable,' potentially lowering equipment costs for the new battery chemistry. The simplicity of the production process is another reason sodium-ion batteries are advancing more rapidly toward commercialization than other next-generation technologies, such as lithium-metal batteries, which are currently being pursued by a joint partnership between Hyundai Motor Group and SES AI. 'The electrode slurry used in salt batteries is usually softer and stickier than in lithium-metal cells. This allows for more uniform coating on current collectors such as aluminum foils,' noted the researcher. 'In contrast, lithium-metal batteries often face challenges like dendrite formation, which can lead to battery fires.' Premature hype? Despite the promising innovation, industry insiders remain skeptical about sodium-ion batteries replacing LFP or NCM cells due to their inherently lower energy density. Last month, CATL began mass production of a 24V start-stop integrated sodium-ion battery for heavy-duty trucks. However, as the name suggests, it is primarily designed to start engines or power auxiliary systems in internal combustion engine vehicles, not to drive fully electric heavy trucks, which require high-voltage packs. 'Due to its larger ionic radius and a relatively low average operating voltage of around 3.2 volts per cell, sodium-ion lags in energy density compared to lithium-ion,' said an industry source who requested anonymity. 'CATL's 150-175Wh/kg energy density is significantly lower than NCM's approximately 500Wh/kg. Not to mention its disadvantage to maintain stable performance in high-voltage conditions of over 4.2V.' Batteries with low energy density are typically used in budget EVs rather than in electric SUVs or high-performance models that require longer ranges and higher power. Although CATL claims a 500 km range and stable performance in cold weather, such batteries are likely to experience greater real-world range drops than those with higher energy density. 'Sodium-ion batteries offer commercial viability in cost-sensitive segments, but replacing lithium-ion cells remains a challenge,' the source added. The senior researcher agreed, noting, 'Our company views salt batteries as one of many next-generation battery technologies. We don't necessarily see them as direct replacements for LFP or NCM.' Among Korean battery makers, only LG Energy Solution is aiming for sodium-ion battery commercialization for uninterruptible power supplies and EVs by 2030. Samsung SDI and SK On are still exploring potential development paths. Meanwhile, Fortune Business Insights projects the global sodium-ion battery market will grow from $18.2 billion in 2025 to $203.2 billion by 2032, reflecting more than tenfold growth over the period. hyejin2@