The Volvo XC90 is a luxury SUV that rivals models such as the Audi Q7, Range Rover Sport and the Porsche Cayenne. Volvo has created a refreshing SUV by using Scandinavian design influences, and it feels like a premium product that delivers design-led looks and a raft of advanced safety kit.
It boasts a distinctive exterior and plenty of equipment, and delivers a far more upmarket package than its practical but ageing predecessor. Add the advanced fuel efficiency and safety technologies, and you have a class-leading SUV on your hands.
EXTERIOR
Volvo says there are ‘Scandinavian influences’ everywhere in the new Volvo XC90. Take the T-shaped ‘Thor’s Hammer’ daytime running lights (we kid you not, that's what Volvo calls it), for example – the narrow light bars give the XC90 an aggressive glare, helped by its deep front bumper and bluff radiator grille. Despite the square-set front end, the rounded wheelarches and raked windscreen pillars provide a sleek and aerodynamic look, but the 19-inch alloy wheels and silver roof rails mean the XC90 still has more than a hint of the rugged SUV about it.
At the rear, the XC90 is less striking, but the brand’s designers have still used the light clusters to good effect. The tail-lamps run from the top of the boot right down to the bumper and, with Volvo’s traditional shoulder kink halfway down, the XC90 is instantly recognisable in the dark. There’s also a small boot lip spoiler and a few creases in the tailgate. Combine that with the car’s dual exhausts, and it makes for a minimalist and crisp rear end.
INTERIOR
The theme is repeated inside, with expensive-feeling brushed metal inserts, lots of leather and an attractive layout. Compared to the last XC90, Volvo has decluttered the dashboard and removed most of the buttons. Instead, the entertainment and climate systems are controlled by a central touchscreen, flanked by two main air vents and attractive chrome detailing.
Along with digital dials, this central unit – known as the Sensus interface – is the highlight of the cabin. Standard equipment across all models is comprehensive, with sat-nav, LED headlights, hands-free power tailgate opening, a powered driver’s seat with front seat heating, auto-dimming mirrors, a DAB radio and two USB ports with Apple Carplay and Android Auto now standard.The entry-level Momentum spec also includes cruise control, roof rails, a 12.3-inch TFT driver information display, 19-inch alloy wheels, a 10 speaker 330W audio system and a powered passenger seat.
All XC90s get a nine-inch tablet with sat-nav that offers traffic info, while the system also gives you access to a range of apps. You can book services remotely, while Volvo’s On Call app system lets you send destinations from your phone to the car, as well as unlock the doors remotely. Everything from the climate control to the entertainment and sat-nav is controlled through the touchscreen, which means the cabin has a decluttered look.
ENGINE
Power comes from a trio of 2.0-litre four-cylinder engines; the D5 PowerPulse has been substituted by the B5 which adds a mild hybrid system, although this still has a 232bhp output. The engines provide decent if not outrageous performance, but they’re all reasonable when it comes to CO2 emissions and fuel efficiency.
Volvo’s four-cylinder-only engine policy means a slightly higher-pitched engine note than you might expect in the petrol cars, but the diesel sounds cultured rather than rattly. Generally speaking, refinement is impressive regardless of which unit you choose. You do have to push the accelerator a long way to get a decent hit of performance, and the gearbox holds on to revs before changing up. This adds to the noise levels and the XC90 is better at a steady cruise with the eight-speed automatic gearbox producing smooth shifts.
DRIVE
The XC90 has a 4x4 system, but it’s more of a luxury SUV than rugged off-roader. Its road-biased set-up means a comfortable ride in all models and plenty of grip, although those seeking a smoother drive would do well to steer clear of the flashy 21-inch or all-new 22-inch wheels.
During motorways, the Volvo Pilot Assist, which combines Adaptive Cruise Control and an advanced Lane Assist, manages to drive the car almost up to 135km/h, which is truly impressive! The four-cylinder 2.0L twin-turbo diesel succeeds in the task of driving a car with a remarkable amount. On the other hand, the torque is so great (470Nm) and combined with the Geartronic 8-speed gearbox, the performance is very respectable. Refinement is very good, there's a vague hint of wind noise around the mirrors (sited well back on the front doors to improve forward visibility) but it's only noticeable due to the general quiet and calm in the cabin.
The soundproofing is almost perfect, only at high rpm the engine noise can be heard. In order to increase even more the ride comfort, the car under test is also equipped with adjustable air suspensions, whose calibration is very soft even when the driving selector is in a more sporty position. For this type of car is not a defect, but becomes a great value as it can absorb any kind of roughness, allowing you to feel only big potholes. The driving modes are different, from the Eco that reduces consumption to the Dynamic that stiffens the trim and makes the engine more ready, passing the offroad that, increasing the height from the ground, allows you to make rough routes.
SAFETY
Traditionally, Volvo has been known for its dependability. Euro NCAP tested the XC90. It earned a full five-star rating and a 97 per cent score for occupant protection, plus a 100 per cent score for safety tech. This is partly thanks to two pieces of tech that made their debut in the XC90: a Run Off-Road system that senses if you veer off the tarmac preparing the car for a crash – and special energy-absorbent seats that’ll reduce the impact of a big hit. There’s also a clever autonomous braking system, which stops you turning in front of an oncoming car. This is part of Volvo’s enhanced City Safety package, which also helps protect against collisions with motorcycles, swerving bicycles or errant pedestrians.
Other safety features include a passenger compartment constructed from high-strength steel. Known as boron steel, it’s the strongest steel in use in the auto industry, and Volvo reckons the XC90 uses more of it (by percentage of body weight) than any other car on sale.
On top of this, the XC90 gets all of the usual safety kit, including seven airbags that provide protection to all three rows of seats and especially while blind spot warning and rear cross traffic alert form part of the Intellisafe Surround system.
VERDICT
It isn't hard to fall in love with the Volvo XC90. It's a car that offers luxury, comfort and a large space, the largest families in fact will appreciate the versatility of the car that can get to offer even 7 seats or a really large trunk. All the safety features have combined to make the XC90 one of the safest cars on the road, with Volvo even claiming that no fatalities occurred in any XC90 involved in an accident. What you can expect the Volvo XC90 to do is keep you and your family safe.
Volvo’s huge range of active safety systems mean it’s still one of the most practical and stylish SUVs on sale. Driving in the city or facing a long journey will always be a pleasant experience, pampered by the XC90, you always have the feeling of being in business class.
We love the Volvo XC90’s unique blend of technology, efficiency, style and safety – and we highly recommend putting it on your shortlist if you're looking to buy a large luxury SUV.
For more information, visit https://www.volvocars.com/ph
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