Release from the property of Ford, it is the first Volvo built under new Masters, Geely of China, and the first to be entirely developed and built on the spot in Gothenburg, Sweden.
Specs
VOLVO XC90 T6; D5
Engine: 1,969cc 16-valve inline-4 twin charged; 1,969cc 16-valve inline-4 twin turbodiesel
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic with manual override
Power: 320bhp at 5,700rpm; 225bhp at 4,250rpm
Torque: 400Nm at 2,200-5,400rpm; 470Nm at 1,750rpm-2,500rpm
0-100kmh: 6.5; 7.8 seconds
Top speed: 230kmh; 220kmh
Fuel consumption: 7.7 litres/100km; 5.7 litres/100km
Soccer mums, rejoice. After a
13-year wait, the replacement for the Volvo XC90, the car which
pioneered the seven- seater SUV, is here.
Utilising Volvo's new modular chassis - which will underpin all
future models - the all-wheel-drive is equipped with four-cylinder
engines only. While some may scoff at the absence of additional
cylinders for such a big car, there are benefits to the compact
configuration, such as more cabin space and better fuel economy.
Unlike its predecessor, the new XC90 also does not attract penalties
under the new Carbon Emission-based Vehicle Scheme that starts in July.
The car's design is typical Scandinavian - understated, clean and
logical. Its predecessor's boxy lines have been smoothed out, lending
it a more confident and elegant silhouette flanked by headlights shaped
like Thor's hammer.
Inside is a quite ventilated and luxurious fuselage with various combinations of wood balance and a soft leather to satisfy even the most meddlesome driver. It feels the bonus definitely; if you compare it with the preceding model, it is like the intensification of the economy to the first class.
Nowhere is this transition more obvious than in the new system from information-spectacle from Sensus from Volvo. Large, as a tablet interfaces touch screen dominates the center of the indent, letting the driver type and make ravel to adjust all the climate over navigation.
While this leaves the rest of the cockpit uncluttered and free of
unnecessary switches and buttons, the system does take a bit of time to
master. The interface may be intuitive, but it requires the user to
access numerous menus just to perform seemingly simple functions.
The good news is that the test cars were pre-production units, and Volvo says the system is being fine-tuned.
The turbocharged and supercharged 320bhp T6 petrol variant is
expected to be the bestseller here, but the pick of the bunch has to be
the D5 turbodiesel. Both models offer a fabulously refined drive, mixed
with a wonderfully plush and compliant ride from the car's air
suspension (found in all variants) and delightful steering feel.
The characteristic of the diesel engine is best suited for a car of
this size. Besides being more frugal (5.7 litre/100km to the T6's 7.7
litre/100km), it is smooth and quiet as well. Its superior torque
figures at low revs (479Nm compared to 400Nm) means the car wafts along
the road with minimal effort and in near silence.
Best of all, its accessible torque means you are spared the trashy
roar of the T6's four-cylinder motor when you put your foot down.
Again, Volvo says it is working on improving the sound frequency-
cancelling system in the car to better drown out the four-cylinder
drone for production.
For those looking for bigger thrills, the flagship T8 combines the
T6's four-pot with a 82bhp electric motor (400bhp in total) to produce
what Volvo claims is the world's most powerful and cleanest premium SUV.
The plug-in hybrid has a claimed fuel economy of 2.5 litres/100km,
making it a compelling proposition for those who value power as much as
green credentials.
In terms of space, the new XC90 is clearly roomier than the previous
model. While the old XC90's third row can accommodate only children,
the new car allows adults not taller than 1.7m to be seated there
without developing cramps.
What is a Volvo without safety features? The XC90 comes with two new
ones: Run-off Road Protection and Auto Brake at intersections.
The first tightens seatbelts, engages an energy-absorbing, spine
protection beam within the seats and retracts the brake pedal in a
crash. The second applies the brakes if it senses an imminent collision
with another vehicle at a junction.
Between 2012 and last year, the outgoing model, despite being
introduced in 2002, was the second best-selling premium SUV here,
beating cars such as the BMW X5, Mercedes M-class and Audi Q7.
With the new Volvo XC90's subtle good looks, comfort on the move and
unbeatable list of features, it takes a brave man to bet against the
car going on top of the pile when it arrives in the third quarter of
the year.
