When I first saw the 7-Seater All-New Volvo XC90 Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) at the Volvo car showroom, I couldn’t believe that I was going to be driving it over the weekend. It was like a dream come true for me and I am extremely thankful for such a rare opportunity because I have always wanted to drive a Volvo SUV.
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Having driven the Volvo XC90 (D5 Momentum Variant) for 3 days, it is about time that I reveal what I really think about the SUV and what you can expect out of it.
Exterior
With its bold massive form and stunning outward appearance, the ultra-luxurious Volvo XC90 SUV clearly differentiates itself from most of its competitors in the SUV segment. It is also the first Volvo car to carry the company’s new and more prominent iron mark, which has the iconic arrow elegantly aligned with the diagonal slash across the grille.
Together with the T-shaped “Thor’s Hammer” DRL lights, the iron mark introduces an entirely new, distinctive and confident face for Volvo’s forthcoming generation of cars.
The Volvo XC90’s larger bonnet with its new topography, beltline and sharpened shoulders that connects with its new distinct rear lights are other important design signatures that will be mirrored across the range. To add more visual muscle from the sides, the Volvo XC90 comes with a range of wheel sizes up to 22 inches.
Interior
The Volvo XC90’s interior is the most luxurious to have ever been designed for a Volvo. The most striking feature is its tablet-like touch screen control console, which forms the heart of an all-new in-car control system. This system is virtually button free, a simplicity that makes way for a more generous and cleaner surface, while allowing Volvo to create a modern and luxurious interior architecture.
Volvo is renowned for producing the most comfortable seats in the industry. The Volvo XC90 further builds on this reputation by offering innovatively designed seats that also free up interior space for passengers both in the second and third seat rows, helping to make the Volvo XC90 a genuine 7-seater.
The full seat core has an ergonomic shape that resembles the human spine. A multitude of adjustment possibilities makes it possible for the individual user to create an ideal seating position.
The second row features three individual seats with recline adjustment. The sliding function can be used to create more legroom for the passengers in the third row or to increase loading space. The seats in the third row offer class-leading comfort for passengers with a height up to 170 cm.
Driving Experience
I honestly thought that a big and bulky vehicle such as the Volvo XC90 would require a 3.0-litre engine to run but I was really surprised to find out that it is equipped with a 2.0-litre diesel engine that offers 225bhp and 470Nm of torque. Despite that, the Volvo XC90 offers a very comfortable driving experience that requires no additional effort. The only thing that irks me the most was the harsh noise coming from the engine compartment (which is typical of most vehicles running on diesel engines). Whether as a passenger or a driver, the engine noise is rather audible and it is probably one of the drawbacks why people put off buying a diesel-powered car.
Overtaking other cars on the road is a breeze but I wouldn’t suggest doing that in tight spaces. As the Volvo XC90 is a big vehicle, parallel parking may prove to be a challenge but I got used to it after much practise.
In terms of safety and protection, the Volvo XC90 is one of the safest cars in the world with two world-firsts; world first auto brake when turning in front of an oncoming vehicle, and world first solution focusing on accidental road departure.
One feature that I enjoy the most about the Volvo XC90 is the adaptive cruise control with steer assist and it is especially useful during a massive traffic jam along the expressway. The car literally steered, accelerated and stopped by itself and I didn’t have to do anything at all. Who knows? This very feature could possibly pave the way for a driverless car in the near future. Check out the following video to understand what this feature is all about.
Overall, it feels good to be behind the wheels of the Volvo XC90 and if status and symbol matters a lot to you, this is one SUV that makes you look good and feel good.
At the time of writing, the Volvo XC90 cost about SGD$320,000 and it is one luxurious 7-seater SUV that appeals mainly to the luxury market. For more information about the all-new Volvo XC90, head down to the Volvo car showroom at Alexandra Road or visit Volvo Singapore’s Website.