The second generation Volvo XC90 emerges as an exceptionally well-designed luxury SUV that comes with a potent powertrain and an extremely appealing cabin.
Having made its global debut in August last year, Volvo has finally unveiled the second generation XC90 luxury SUV in India which will go on sale later this year to rival the likes of Mercedes GL-Class as well as the next-generation Audi Q7 in the segment. The all-new XC90 replaces the first generation model after a good twelve long years and has witnessed some rather major improvements over the predecessor being based on the Swedish carmaker’s new Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) modular platform while taking the design cues from the XC Coupe concept.
Retaining the silhouette from the outgoing model, the 2015 Volvo XC90 comes with a striking bold front fascia that looks urban and muscular featuring a big and wide grille and the new “Thor’s Hammer” T-Shaped LED daytime running lights that look classy. While it may not be an Asgardian as such, the XC90 does excel in every sense but sticks a tad bit too close to the design language seen on the older version. Nonetheless, measuring at 4950 mm in length, 1923 mm in width and 1776 mm in height with a wheelbase of 2984 mm, the luxury SUV has grown in dimensions offering more space on the inside. The SUV rides on 20-inch diamond cut alloy wheels, 19-inchers on the lower Momentum variant.
The interiors are where the XC90 shows its true changes and appears as luxurious as ever finished in wood trims with the seats upholstered in Nappa leather. The majority of controls on the centre console have been replaced by a new tablet size 12.3-inch touchscreen display unit while other controls can be accessed using the multi-function unit that is next to the gearshift knob. Volvo is offering the XC90 in two variants in India – Momentum and Inscription with the former missing out on graphical head up display, heated front and rear seats and Nappa leather seats. Safety features are standard on both models.
The range-topping Inscription variant comes loaded with all the bells and whistles including panoramic sunroof, keyless entry, electrically adjustable driver’s seat, driver-selectable terrain options, LED headlamps and a 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system. Known for its multitude of electronic aids and safety tech, the XC90 comes equipped with the Tyre Pressure Monitoring System, Park Assist, Hill Start Assist and hill descent control, rain sensor ABS, 2 step front airbags with side and curtain airbags, automatic height adjusted front seatbelts among other features. In fact, the company wants to make such safe cars by 2020 that one cannot die in a Volvo.
In terms of powertrain, the India spec Volvo XC90 will be propelled by the 2.0-litre twin-turbo four-cylinder D5 diesel engine that belts out 225 HP and 470 Nm of torque, paired to an 8-speed automatic transmission with All-Wheel Drive as standard. Volvo India will be bringing the 2015 XC90 via the CBU route in the country and has commenced accepting orders for the flagship SUV from today. The Geely-owned Swedish manufacturer is expected to commence deliveries by September this year.
We drove the Volvo XC90 earlier this year and have been extremely impressed by the changes Volvo has made. Make sure to read our review HERE.
2015 Volvo XC90 Diesel Prices (ex-showroom Mumbai, Pre-Octroi) –
* XC90 D5 Momentum – Rs. 64.9 lakhs
* XC90 D5 Inscription – Rs. 77.9 lakhs
