Volvo shows off flagship XC90 in Paris (pictures)

PARIS -- Volvo has redesigned its XC90 SUV for the 2016 model year. This will mark the third generation of what has become a very important car for the Swedish automaker.

Lower than the previous generation, the XC90's styling is subtle. The front end is curvier, with what one Volvo spokesperson described as "bullet-shaped."

Volvo will make an adaptive suspension available for the XC90.

The top trim XC90 comes with 22-inch wheels.

The back end retains Volvo's tall taillights, hinting at the numerous active safety features available.

With the T8 drivetrain, the engine bay does not look crowded, as it only contains a 2-liter four-cylinder under the hood.

The four-cylinder engine is complemented by a 60-kilowatt electric motor driving the rear wheels, creating a combined output of 400 horsepower and 472 pound-feet of torque.

A power-operated lift gate contributes to the XC90's premium appointments.

Soft-touch materials cover the dashboard, with leather over seats and console.

Nicely bolstered front seats contribute to comfort and driver support.

Volvo designed the seats to be space-saving, with the benefit of less weight, as well.

The third-row seats are surprisingly accessible when the second row is slid forward.

Here's an open look at the seating as part of the display here at the Paris Motor Show.

The console features a simple shifter, a big engine start button and a drive mode selector.

The instrument cluster is all LCD.

The center dash features the new Sensus Connect infotainment system, which resides on a 9-inch portrait format touchscreen and uses a tiled screen format.

The navigation system comes courtesy of Nokia Here.

The stereo control comes up merely by touching the audio tile.

This demonstration unit shows weather as the bottom tile, although you can customize this screen.

Swiping the screen to the right shows all the settings available for the XC90's various systems.

Swiping to the left shows additional apps.

The Bowers & Wilkins audio system includes a 1,400-watt amp, and 19 speakers, including this center channel.