Volvo XC90 to make its Indian debut on May 12

Volvo India has officially announced that they will unveil the XC90 for the Indian market on May 12. This is the second-generation of the SUV that was unveiled globally last year and will be brought to India finally in a couple of days.

The new XC90 is the first car to be based on the Volvo SPA platform and measures 4,950mm in length, 1,923mm in width and 1,776mm in height. The huge SUV apart from its presence, has been applauded for its style, technological features and engine line-up. We can expect the car to be launched in two variants - Momentum and Inscription.

The interior boasts of a head-up display, heated and ventilated front seats and Nappa leather interior with wooden trim. High-end Bowers & Wilkins 19-speaker system and air-suspension will be seen in the top-of-the-line trim. The features and equipment in the cabin include a panoramic sunroof, electrically adjustable driver seat with memory function, powered foldable third-row backrests, electrically operated tailgate, rain-sensing wipers, LED headlamps, Park Assist and Hill Descent Control. The latest addition is the 12.3-inch screen that replaces the instrument cluster.

The Volvo XC90 will be powered by a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine that churns out 228bhp of power and 470Nm of torque. This mill comes mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Volvo India might introduce the T8 plug-in hybrid as a petrol variant at a later stage.

The XC90 will go up against the Audi Q7, Mercedes GL, BMW X5 and Land Rover Discovery in the Indian market. This means Volvo India will face competition from more established luxury car makers like Audi, Mercedes, BMW and Land Rover in India. Nevertheless, the Swedish automaker has high hopes from the car as it has created a huge excitement in international markets since its launch in August 2014. Volvo has received in excess of 24,000 pre-orders for the vehicle globally. Let us hope it is able to replicate this success in India as well.