Among the technologies being showcased on the new model are the company’s system for pedestrian detection, which is being updated to work at night-time too and automatically brake the car if other vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists are sensed.

Also available will be road edge and barrier detection with steer assist. This can detect if the car is about to drive off the road and use steering torque to bring the vehicle back on track. Importantly, the technology now also works on roads without side markings.

The XC90 will also feature Adaptive Cruise Control, now with steer assist. A technology that helps the driver stay in the lane and follow the rhythm of the traffic. The new system automatically follows the vehicle ahead.

The new technology forms part of the carmaker’s continuous aim towards its Vision 2020 to ensure that no-one should be killed or seriously injured in a new Volvo car.

‘When the first XC90 was introduced in 2002, it featured a number of groundbreaking safety features, including a world-first solution that helps prevent rollovers. By revealing a number of systems for the next generation XC90 we once again confirm our leadership in automotive safety,’ said Thomas Broberg, senior safety advisor Volvo Car Group.

Following its launch, the XC90 will also gain a new world-first Animal Detection system, which detects and automatically brakes for animals both in daylight and in the dark.

In addition, Car 2 Car communication will enable vehicles to communicate with each other and with the traffic environment including road signs and traffic lights.

And the car will also offer Autonomous Parking, which allows a car to find and park in a vacant space by itself, allowing the driver to leave the vehicle at the entrance to the car park.

 ‘Our approach is based on autonomously driven cars being able to move safely in environments with non-autonomous vehicles and unprotected road users,’ added Mr Broberg.