Volvo XC90

Volvo unveiled its second generation XC90 in August last year, renewing it almost after 10 years. The new XC90 is the first vehicle to follow their new design language and is preview of what future Volvos will look like. The company’s Indian arm has got the big SUV to the country – the one that is expected to be one of the safest places to be if you are on four wheels.

Exterior

The new XC90 has been designed along the company’s new design philosophy which was first previewed in the Volvo Coupe Concept. The front gets a prominent chrome grille which holds the company’s logo, flanked by Thor’s hammer LED headlamps on both sides. The car’s strong shoulder line moulds into the long sculpted bonnet, giving the car an aggressive stance. At the rear, Volvo is one of the few companies to continue the vertically stacked lamps design while the hatch door itself has dynamic creases running under the number plate slot.

Interior

The interior gets a clean, clutter-free design for the dashboard with the centre console being dominated by a large touch-screen armed with the latest infotainment software. This panel will control a majority of the functions in the car. It gets almost all the creature comforts for a flagship SUV with leather upholstery, power adjustable seats, adjustable steering for rake and reach, automatic headlamps and rain sensing wipers.

For the comfort of the passengers, Volvo has added a new four-zone climate system with clean zone air purification system which offers individual settings for the first and the second row. The second and third row seats are fully foldable to open up a humongous cargo space in case you need to carry your world with you. Being a Volvo, a dense net of airbags, driver aids and stability programs ensure occupant safety at all times.

Engine and gearbox

The Volvo XC90 will be offered with the four cylinder turbocharged diesel engine. The 2.0-litre mill develops 225bhp of power and 470Nm of torque with a fuel economy of 17.2kmpl and can be sold in Delhi. The only gearbox option is the eight-speed AT and an AWD system. Volvo has also hinted that it may bring the T8 hybrid petrol version if there is sufficient demand.

Price and competition

The Volvo XC90 competes with the Audi Q7, the Mercedes GL and the seven-seater version of the BMW X5 along with the top spec Land Rover Discovery Sport with the seven-seat option.