There’s something about mothership SUVs that we just cannot resist. Almost all the big names in the business make one, some practical, some merely providing for the appropriate imagery. Volvo’s XC90, however, has always been one of the finest, most sensible options not just in India, but globally. Not long ago, Volvo introduced a new XC90 to the world and we promptly hopped on-board to review it. And after not much of a wait, it has been launched right here, in India!
The Volvo XC90, as Tomas Ernberg, MD, Volvo Auto India, emphasised, is as characteristically Volvo as they come. It’s a substantial assortment of practicality, technology, discretion and, of course, safety. While these are more the XC90’s values, from a sheet metal perspective, it is essentially a spacious 7-seater with a fairly decent off-roading capability, a frugal and sufficiently powered engine and what is not a very steep price tag.
As of the moment, the XC90 will only be powered by a 2-litre, four-cylinder diesel engine (D5) that produces 222 bhp and 48 kgm of torque. This motor is paired to an 8-speed automatic gearbox and, to go with its SUV credentials, gets all-wheel drive as standard. Adding to its off-roading abilities is the 238 mm of ground clearance it offers as well as the 19/20-inch wheel sizes you can spec the car in. The XC90 also features air suspension and a variety of driving modes suitable to every driving cycle you will encounter in the country.
What’s cool about the XC90 is that it’s a very thoughtful change in direction for the brand itself. This shows in a not very in-your-face way, but more in function and substance. Take, for example, the dashboard which now features all of eight buttons, while the rest of the controls are all incorporated into the large, dash-mounted TFT display. It also features LED lights with automatic corner bending, a heads-up display, and a 1400W sound package with 19 air-ventilated speakers which, Volvo says, is the best in the world. In addition to this, it also features Hill Start Assist, Hill Descent Control and a few other driving aids.
The XC90 is available in two trims – Momentum and Inscription, the latter being the top-of-the-line variant. Prices for the Volvo XC90 start at Rs 64.9 lakh for the base version going up to Rs 77.9 lakh for the Inscription. All prices are ex-showroom, Mumbai and by the looks of it, it definitely is a very value-for-money deal given what it has to offer. Hopefully, Volvo will consider bringing in its other larger engines as well, which will do well to counter its rivals’ next moves.
