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Photographs by Shreyansh Chatterjee

Sweden may be known for a lot of things — ABBA, meatballs, winter depression — but if you had to pick its most iconic exports, you’d probably think of IKEA and the God of Thunder, Thor, both of which have captured imaginations worldwide. Another understated but equally significant Swedish export is Volvo, a firm that’s made its name through decades of safety-first engineering, clean design, and a very different approach to luxury than is the norm. The XC90, Volvo’s flagship SUV, carries forward this legacy, and if you look closely, you’ll find tiny Swedish flags stitched subtly into the car — a quiet nod to its heritage (never mind the Chinese ownership) and a fun little Easter egg hunt for those who appreciate the details.

While the luxury SUV segment in India is dominated by the big German trio — Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Audi — Volvo has been carving out a quieter, more niche space for itself. The XC90, over the years, has built a loyal following, thanks to its distinctive design, focus on safety, and a very user friendly approach. The latest update might not seem revolutionary at first glance, but under the skin, Volvo insists it’s a whole new platform, with a more evolved character. And as I discovered, the XC90 has a lot going for it, especially if you prefer serenity over swagger.

From the moment you step into the driver’s seat, the XC90 projects a sense of calm authority. It’s a large, road-commanding SUV, no doubt, but never overwhelming to drive. The upright seating position gives a great view of the road ahead, and the massive glasshouse means visibility is excellent from nearly every angle. Navigating this sizeable SUV through chaotic city traffic or tight parking spots doesn’t feel like a chore, thanks to a light steering feel at low speeds, and an overall sense of spatial awareness baked into the design.

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Volvo, unlike its German rivals, doesn’t aim to offer aggressive dynamics or hair-raising performance. That’s left to its performance brand, Polestar, which unfortunately hasn’t fully made its way to India yet, after a brief fling with our market in 2017. The XC90, in contrast, is all about composed cruising and effortless driving. Under the hood lies a 2.0-litre petrol engine mated to a mild-hybrid system. It produces 247 bhp and comes with an all-wheel-drive setup, all paired to an eight-speed automatic gearbox. Volvo badges this as the B5 powertrain, and while it may not set your pulse racing, what it does deliver is an incredibly refined and smooth drive. Twist the start/stop knob — another of Volvo’s unique touches — and the engine hums to life almost silently; there’s barely a whisper inside the cabin. The power delivery is linear, the gearbox shifts seamlessly, and the overall drive experience is unhurried and comforting.

On the road, the XC90 shines with its poise. The ride quality is on the firmer side — especially compared to the floaty comfort of some German rivals — but never to the point of discomfort. The air suspension system helps soak up most of what our roads throw at it, and the long wheelbase ensures a planted feel during high-speed highway runs. During a stretch on the Mumbai Pune Expressway, the XC90 simply glided over long sweepers with composure, never once feeling springy or unsettled.

Inside, Volvo’s Scandinavian design language continues to be seen. The cabin is a textbook example of minimalism done right. A mix of natural wood trims, metal inserts, and soft-touch materials give it a sophisticated, almost spa-like ambience. It’s the kind of interior that wouldn’t look out of place in an IKEA catalogue — except, of course, you don’t have to assemble it yourself. And while the seats are on the firmer side compared to other luxury offerings, they are beautifully contoured and supportive. In fact, Volvo’s seating ergonomics have long been the best in the business.

The big update on the inside is the new 11.2-inch floating touchscreen, which replaces the older, more integrated 9-inch unit. It’s powered by an Android-based system, thanks to Volvo’s partnership with Google. While the interface feels modern and responsive, the omission of wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto does stick out like a sore thumb at this price point. The overall UI/ UX could use refinement too — it’s functional but not the most intuitive, and at times feels like a software update away from being just right. The design of the screen itself feels like an afterthought, with a slight lip that makes it look more like a bolted-on tablet, rather than something that was designed into the dashboard from the start.

Beyond the tech, though, the cabin remains a supremely comfortable place to be. Whether you’re in the first row or the third, the space on offer is generous. The XC90 continues to be one of the few three-row luxury SUVs where adults can actually sit in the last row without feeling punished. Headroom and legroom are adequate, and access is relatively easy thanks to the clever packaging and the assistance of the air suspension system which can lower the car for easier entry. With all rows up, boot space is decent, and with the third row folded, it becomes cavernous.

You can’t talk about a Volvo without mentioning safety, of course. This is an area where the brand continues to lead. The XC90 comes loaded with a comprehensive suite of safety tech, including a sharp 360-degree camera, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, and an ADAS suite that functions with quiet precision. Everything feels thoughtfully integrated rather than intrusive, making for a reassuring drive.

On the outside, the XC90’s design remains largely unchanged, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Volvo has always favoured evolution over revolution, and the face-lifted model continues to sport the elegant proportions and clean lines that have become its trademark. The signature ‘Thor’s Hammer’ LED DRLs have been tweaked to look a bit sleeker, and the grille now gets a glossier, more upmarket treatment. The new dual-tone alloy wheels add a dash of freshness to the profile, while subtle updates at the rear keep things contemporary. It’s a car that might not shout for attention, but those in the know will definitely give it a second glance. It’s sophisticated, understated, and quietly confident — much like the people who usually buy one.

That said, Volvo still has work to do in terms of brand perception, especially in smaller towns and cities across India. There’s still a segment of the population that associates the name Volvo solely with buses and commercial vehicles. During our time with the car, a curious bystander in a Tier 2 town expressed genuine surprise that Volvo even made passenger cars. That’s a branding issue Volvo will need to address through deeper market education and broader visibility, because products like the XC90 deserve to be more widely known and appreciated.

At Rs.1.03 crore (ex-showroom), the XC90 is priced at par with its German competitors, sometimes even nudging slightly above. It doesn’t make its case through spec-sheet bravado or racetrack performance. Instead, it appeals to those who value design purity, understated luxury, and one of the most calming driving experiences in the segment. If you’re someone who likes their technology discreet, their design clean, and their luxury experience to feel like a slow exhale rather than a shot of espresso, the Volvo XC90 might just be your kind of SUV. It’s not for everyone — and that’s exactly what makes it stand out.