Volvo XC90

Overview

Volvo XC90 is a luxury crossover produced by Swedish auto makers that was first introduced at the Detroit Motor Show in 2002. Based on the Volvo P2 platform, the car is currently Volvo's largest selling vehicle in USA. Over the years the car has been bestowed with several accolades and has garnered an overwhelming public response throughout the country, much credit for which goes to its high power and performance, sleek design and advanced safety and infotainment features. The Volvo is set to launch the 2nd generation XC90 in August this year which will come with even more advanced engines and additional comfort features.

Interior & Features

With a large wheelbase and high class finish throughout the interior accentuated by advanced equipments, Volvo XC90 will leave you awe-inspired. The sophisticated upholstery fabricated with the executive soft leather makes the car look urbane. The leather wrapped steering wheel, the wooden gear level knob and the exquisite décor inlays adds to the elegance inside. The car has been equipped with several entertainment and infotainment features, the most notable of them being the advanced Dolby Pro Logic II surround system which comes equipped with 12 high power loudspeakers and offers a vibrant acoustic experience. Several of storage compartments have been ideally positioned and the boot space of the cars measures 613 litres which can further be enhanced to 1837 litres with the 40/20/40 rear seat split arrangement.

Exterior

Volvo XC90 is a perfect paradigm of a dynamic machine that blends high power with elegant appearance. The car is available in numerous dynamic exterior body color designs that gives you a fair discretion. The front bumper bar, the chrome finished exquisite tailpipe and the elegant roof rails look captivating. The aerodynamic side profile in harmonics with the sporty rear gives the car a touch of sophistication. The car comes equipped with 8 spoke alloy wheels measuring 19 inch. The dimensions of the SUV are 4807 mm x 1936 mm x 1784 mm (L x W x H) and the wheelbase of the car measures 2857 mm which makes the car quite spacious inside.

Engine & Fuel Consumption

Volvo XC90 is powered by a 5 cylinder 2.5-litre petrol engine which can churn out a maximum power of 154 kW at 5000 rpm alongwith a peak torque of 240 Nm at 1600-5000 rpm. For even more exhilaration, the car is also available with the advanced 5 cylinder T5 engine which can deliver a torque as high as 350 Nm at 1800 rpm and can attain 0-100 km/hr mark in mere 6.5 seconds. Continuously variable valve timing deployed in the engine not only provides an excellent performance but also curbs the exhaust emissions. The 2.5-litre petrol engine does not offer you the best of mileage figures offering just 8.4 kmpl but again you can not really expect the powerful petrol motor to give extraordinary figures. The 5 speed geartronic automatic transmission allows you to choose between manual transmission and automatic transmission as per the road conditions.

Braking & Safety

The car has been equipped with the advanced Haldex all wheel drive system that constantly monitors the speed of the car, engine torque, throttle and brakes. The speed dependent power steering regulates the amount of power transferred to the steering depending on the road conditions. The Swedish automakers have been quite meticulous about the safety of the passengers and have equipped the car with various safety features like dual stage airbags for driver and passengers, Anti-submarining protection, Side Impact Protection System and Whiplash Protection System which ensure maximum safety of the riders. The advanced Intelligent Driver Infotainment system has been embedded which immediately alarms the driver in case of intense steering, braking or acceleration.

Verdict:

Volvo XC90 is one of those dedicated crossovers that bestow you with the comfort of a luxury sedan accompanied by the sturdiness of an imposing SUV. However the car doesn't offer as overwhelming handling as its rival, BMW X5 does.