Volvo XC90 - Pure Elegance

The Swedes are at it yet again with a brand new Volvo XC90. No, this is unlike the previous XC90 you've seen before and Volvo has certainly made it look like there's no space for anybody else to make an impression. The new XC90 makes itself stand out from the rest with such design features that only Volvo could have thought of. The second generation of the XC90 has been remodelled and re engineered from the beginning till the end and has carried over almost no traits whatsoever from its predecessor. Volvo has brought the SUV to India and is available in two trims – Momentum and Inscription. Volvo aims to integrate both luxury and practicality to this vehicle.



The front of the XC90 is probably the one that needs mention more than the rest of the car. The front grill is larger and gets dollops of chrome with a large Volvo insignia sitting right in the centre. For the headlights, Volvo's designers had thrown in a bit of its own Norse fantasy by including the Thor Hammer DRL's (Day Time Running Lights) which looks gracefully placed within the headlight assembly. Lower down the front, the bumper and air dam design remains simple yet elegant with fog lamps placed quite low on either side. The engine hood looks big and yes, it does look big because it obviously has to serve its purpose of covering the massive 2.0 litre engine. The entire structure sits on large 19 inch rims with 20 inch wheels being optional and the large wheels add to the elegant but flamboyant styling of the new XC90. One look of the car and it immediately gestures at the luxury it offers, sufficient chrome running on all doors, large windows to amplify passenger comfort and the airiness of almost being at home. The back of the vehicle has been redesigned as well starting with an integrated spoiler, long but elegant tail lamp cluster and exhaust tips that are integrated into a large silver tone under plate. The SUV measures 4950m in length, 2008mm in width and 1776mm in height and quite a long wheel base of 2984mm.



Coming to the interiors, Volvo has given the entire front console a simple design but integrated it with the highest level of technology and the best combination of metal and wood of the highest quality. The upholstery is a dual-tone premium leather offering the best of comforts even for the driver. There are no freaky buttons or switches to confused about as Volvo has integrated a central display that looks more like an iPad powered by Volvo's Sensus infotainment software that takes care of all the necessary entertainment needs which can be controlled using buttons below the display. The instrument cluster has a customizable display unit and attached to it is a 3-spoke steering wheel that has all the controls to make life easier.



The seven seater SUV is designed to be impartial to all passengers by providing independent storage bins and air conditioning vents which is powered by a 4-zone climate control system. It also gets a whopping 19-speaker 1400W Bowers and Wilkins music system. Other features include a panoramic sunroof, heated and ventilated seats and a HUD unit limited to the Inscription trim.



The engine surely does pack a punch with a 2.0 litre twin turbo diesel mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission producing a mighty 225 hp @ 4250RPM and 470Nm of Torque across a varying RPM range. All of the power and torque is transferred to all four wheels using an All Wheel Drive System and Volvo hasn't broken promises regarding the practical aspect of the elegant beast. The top speed claimed by Volvo is 230km/h.



Now, Volvo as we all know has built cars that could withstand even a nuclear blast and the XC90 is no exception to that rule of safety with standard airbags, ABS+EBD, whiplash protection (WHIPS) a safety feature that protects the driver's neck in case of a rear collision, traction control and Electronic Stability Control.



Volvo has for certain made the XC90 a point of reference for many of the SUV makers out there and it exudes Volvo's tradition of making safe and practical cars with the accompaniment of adequate power. The Momentum trim of the new XC90 is priced at a reasonable Rs 65 lac and the Inscription trim at Rs 78 lac (ex-showroom Mumbai, exclusive of tax). The company also gives the option of further customizing the vehicles based on the customer's needs.