BARCELONA, SPAIN – The new XC90 is an important car for Swedish manufacturer Volvo. One would think that all new models launches are noteworthy from a manufacturer’s point of view, but this SUV is the first all-new product that Volvo has developed independently since the late-90s (it was acquired by Ford (FMC) in 2000, remember?).
Driving an all-new product is also a rarity. Companies usually utilise shared platforms or drivetrains in their range introductions, but the XC90 is the first Volvo to be based on the company’s scalable product architecture (SPA).
Comfort and sophistication
Much has been written by the XC90’s exterior execution, but for me the highlight is undoubtedly the newcomer’s plush cabin. The new Sensus infotainment system, which includes one of the highest definition touch screens available, is one of the best on the market. If you are accustomed to a smartphone, the interface is intuitive to use. There are several functions and levels to learn, but I have no doubt that a new owner will quickly find their way through it.
Owing to this portrait screen that offers access to the majority of the car’s functions and features, the centre console has an elegant, minimalist design. From behind the wheel the screen is perfectly positioned and the second screen is, of course, the single-piece instrumentation panel, of which the layout changes depending on the functions you’re using.
Behind the wheel
The idea of utilising a 2,0-litre, four-cylinder engine under the bonnet of an SUV that tips the scales at over 2 tonnes might leaving some motorists scratching their heads. However, this Drive-E engine is equipped with both a turbo- and supercharger. The latter provides additional charge up to around 3 000 r/min, at which point the turbo takes over.
However, Volvo’s new philosophy of four-cylinders or less, is paying dividends. At an indicated 120 km/h, the rev needle sits at a relaxed 1 900 r/min, partly owing to the smart calibration of the 8-speed automatic transmission.
Lean on the throttle to overtake slower traffic and the engine will eagerly deploy its torque at low revs; as a result, the digital speedometer spools through the numbers with zest. You never need to pass the 4 000, or even the 3 000 r/min mark to build momentum, such is the amount of the torque available at the bottom of the rev range.
The four-cylinder engine can barely be heard, unless you want to call up the XC90’s full power output in an instant.
The active air suspension system allows you to switch between four different driving modes (comfort, eco, dynamic and off-road). After driving half the route in the comfort setting, the dynamic mode simply majes the steering slightly heavier, the throttle response more sensitive, the brake pedal feel and damping firm, but the XC90 still rides pliantly.
Through the hills away from the coast, the XC90’s sheer size made its presence felt, but thanks to the direct steering it was easy to place the car. As we headed along the highway en route to our rendezvous point, this seven-seat SUV felt solid and extremely comfortable. The cabin is indeed a serene place and well-insulated from road noise.
Space
Let’s discuss the second row of seats: I’m 1,87 metres tall and could comfortably sit behind my own driving position. I would even say that there is more legroom than a standard S-Class sedan. As expected, the third row of seats is more suited to “smaller people”, Volvo claims passengers of up to 1,70 metres in height will fit in the sixth and seventh seats.
Summary
This is the type of car that Volvo should build: it’s safe, modern and stylish. Although the firm sees the Mercedes-Benz ML, BMW X5 and Audi Q7 as the XC90’s competitors, but the newcomer offers something different. It is not as sporty as some of its German competitors, but as an everyday proposition it offers more appeal than some of its rivals.
Local introduction
The XC90 will be introduced toward the end of July, while deliveries will start in August. The fortunate 18 customer who ordered the limited (1 927 units) First Edition models will receive their cars in June.
A full driving impression of the Volvo XC90 T8 plug-in hybrid will be published in the May issue of CAR.
Specifications*
Model: Volvo XC90 T6 AWD
Engine: 2,0-litre, turbo- and supercharged
Transmission: eight-speed automatic
Power: 235 kW at 5 700 r/min
Torque: 400 N.m from 2 200 r/min
0-100 km/h: 6,5 seconds
Fuel consumption: 7,7 L/100 km
CO2: 179 g/km
Top speed: 230 km/h
Price: TBA
Maintenance plan: 5 years/100 000 km
*According to Volvo
