Overview:
Volvo Car Corporation, Sweden's largest car company, is now storming into the Indian Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) segment with the Volvo XC90 SUV. The XC90 is Volvo's first SUV, introduced in 2002 to worldwide acclaim for its advanced design, which smartly combines an SUV and saloon in a clever seven-seat configuration. Recently, the XC90 got a fresh lease of life with a face-lift. It is this latest version that is hitting the Indian roads.
The Volvo XC90 comes in three variants - D5, 3.2L I-6, and 4.4L V-8, two petrol engine versions and one diesel engine version. All variants are offered in an all-wheel-drive (AWD) version and a 7-seater configuration. Volvo, in the future, is planning to further its market in India by bringing in the C60 and C80 sedans. However, the introduction of these other new vehicles depends on how India receives Volvo's S80 sedan and XC90 SUV.
Powertrain and Performance:
The XC90 D5 variant is powered by a 2.5-litre Inline-five turbocharged diesel engine that delivers 183 bhp @ 4000 rpm and 400 Nm of torque @ 2000-2750 rpm. The 3.2L I-6 variant, as the name suggests, comes with a 3.2-litre Inline-six petrol engine that produces 235 bhp @ 6200 rpm and 320 Nm of torque @ 3200 rpm. The 4.4L V-8 hosts a powerful 4.4-litre V-8 petrol engine that generates 311 bhp @ 5850 rpm and 440 Nm of torque @ 3900 rpm.
All variants come with a smooth-shifting six-speed automatic transmission. The Volvo XC90 is maneuvered by a speed dependent power steering system that uses a sophisticated speed-sensitive technology that offers nimble and quick responses. The XC90 rides on an independent McPherson strut front suspension and an independent 4-arm multilink rear suspension. This modern suspension system is tuned to absorb the impact of bumps and potholes and provide a smooth ride.
Build and Styling:
The Volvo XC90 epitomizes strength, comfort, luxury, and style. It measures 4,807 mm in length and rides on a wheelbase of 2857 mm. Its front fascia is adorned by a solid body-colour bumper, a deep V-ridged bonnet, a chrome trimmed black grille, distinct headlamps, and designer fog lamps. The rear is accentuated by the well-formed rear tail-lights.
The XC90 has roomy and refined interiors with features that provide great comfort, convenience, and luxury. The XC90 can seat seven adults comfortably. The centre console displays numerous buttons that perform various functions, which might get a little complicated for those who are not tech-savvy. The seats in all rows are comfortable and offer great support.
The XC90 comes with an ambient temperature gauge, an integrated GSM phone, a power height adjustable heated driver's seat, a manual height adjustable heated front passenger seat, an electronic climate control (ECC), cruise control, and a choice of leather upholstery.
An audio system with radio, MP3 and WMA compatible CD player, 4x40 Watts high performance amplifier, and 8- high performance speakers is standard on the XC90. An audio system with a separate remote control, a 140 Watts subwoofer, a 6-CD changer, an iPod®/USB music interface, and rear headphone connectors is available as an option on the XC90.
Volvo XC90 is loaded with class-leading safety features to ensure the protection of its occupants. Safety features include an anti-lock braking system (ABS) with emergency brake assist (EBA), a side-impact protection system (SIPS), driver and front passenger dual-stage airbags and side-impact airbags, a remote-controlled central locking system, an engine immobiliser, and an anti-theft locking system.