Volvo's second-generation XC90 has been a long time in the making, and although Volvo is not ready to reveal it to us just yet - that'll happen towards the end of next year - the Swedish carmaker has divulged a few of its secrets.
As you'd expect from Volvo, the new large SUV will usher in a range of advanced safety technologies:
Pedestrian Detection in darkness
This gadget's claim to fame will be that it's the first detection and auto-brake system that can also work effectively in the dark.
It'll automatically apply brakes when it detects pedestrians as well as cyclists and other vehicles in the way.
Road edge/barrier detection with steer assist
This feature not only detects if the vehicle is about to drive off the road, but also applies steering torque to bring it back on track.
According to Volvo, being able to monitor where the physical road ends is a world first and it also works on roads without side markings.
Adaptive Cruise Control with steer assist
More of a comfort than a safety feature, this technology helps the driver stay in the lane and follow the rhythm of traffic by automatically following the vehicle ahead.
Animal Detection
This world-first system detects and automatically brakes for animals in both daylight and darkness. The technology won't be ready by the time Volvo launches the new XC90, but Volvo is promising to introduce it during the vehicle's life cycle.
FURTHER DOWN THE LINE
Volvo is also working on some impressive new technologies that we won't necessarily see in its cars anytime soon, but which could see light of day further into the future.
Towards zero
This latest Car to Car communication technology allows vehicles to share vital information via transmitters, which also pick up information from road signs and traffic lights. The aim is to ensure that the car is so 'clever' that it never allows the driver to get into an accident. We can dream..
Autonomous parking
Perhaps less far-fetched than the latter is Volvo's autonomous parking system that allows the driver to basically leave the car at an entrance, after which the car finds itself a parking and, of course, parks itself.