First look at Volvo's new XC90 dash?

Was it part of a cunning plan, or was Volvo hoping no one would notice an entirely new dash design in its video for the Apple Carplay infotainment system?

The video shows Apple's proprietary iOS 7 system in a Volvo dash – but it's a dash unlike any you've yet seen in a production Volvo.

At first glance both the dash and centre fascia in the video look like they've lifted largely unaltered from the Volvo Concept Estate that made its debut in Geneva earlier this year. But look more closely and there are clues the video actually shows a production-ready unit – likely from 2015's all-new XC90 SUV.

Built on the company's new Scalable Product Architecture platform – just as Volvo's last three concept cars have been – the XC90 will be powered by Volvo's new DRIVE-E engines. It will feature a new corporate look around the nose and will embrace advanced new driver assistance technology.

The dash and centre fascia shown in the video clip contrast with the pictures of the Concept Estate's interior by featuring real-world instruments. The detailing is simpler and cut-outs etc are less 'dramatic' than the concept car's. Clearly, however, the basic architecture is the same for both the concept and the production model. The size of the display in the centre fascia – and flanked by the same heating/cooling vents – is irrefutable evidence the two are identical.

It's likely too, given its use in an SPA-based concept vehicle, that the new dash will also carry across to future Volvo models beyond the XC90 – as the current 'floating fascia' design does.

The first 'official' peeks at the new XC90 are expected later this year. The vehicle is widely tipped to play a starring role at October’s Paris motor show but will not arrive Down Under until mid-2015. In its original form the XC90 first went on sale Down Under as a 2003 model.