This review is an often unfortunate attempt to catalog its maker's idiosyncratic concept, the Volvo XC90. Just over a full decade old, the Volvo giant of SUV luxury continues in its strength. This renewed car drips with chic and brilliance since its global introduction last year.
New but Loyal
Though it has looked somewhat refurbished here, the XC90 underneath has very much remained. That this positively influences rather than undermines it should be extremely obvious.
On the exterior, it cuts a commanding figure, standing tall with a clamshell bonnet that itself has received some very thoughtful changes. There are new diagonally-ribbed struts in the front grille that are simple, yet so sophisticated-looking.
The beautiful shape of Thor's hammer DRLs remains, now more slender than muscle. 20-inch wheels boast a luxurious two-tone black and silver finish as opposed to the previous all-silver. XYZ retains its vertical taillights inconspicuously altered.
The Inside: Maintaining Scandinavian Simplicity
On the inside, you are greeted by enhanced comfort, to which upgradation is made with a very considerate touch. The single most noticeable change is the fact that the old 9.0-inch screen has been replaced with an 11.2-inch floating infotainment, operating atop the Android system and after collaboration with Google. This screen has climate control and modes across its intuitive distance.
However, still missing are wireless connections for CarPlay and Android Auto. Newly restyled central air vents are definitely more prominent in the now up-to-date kind of dashboard. The test car had everything in black, but Volvo gives a choice of Cardamom and Blond for a bright and airy atmosphere.
In reality, the seats are of par excellence not just for the amount of space but for the spread provided in individual adjustment, cushions, massage boards, further lumbar support with air lumbar reinforcement, and their locking mid-section as well, which becomes an armrest when needed. The second row was squeezed about three abreast.
By rich trimmings, the XC90 offers copious luxuries: dual-pane sunroof, four-zone climate control, heads-up display, and an advanced air purifier with real-time monitoring for air quality.
The third row, with a relatively lower seating position, is best suited for small children rather than adults; however, the provision of an independent tumble function would greatly improve access further than the somewhat clumsy slide-and-fold.
Safety features are abundant in all things Volvo, starting with ADAS systems that function with remarkable accuracy, aided by a handy 360-degree camera and tire pressure monitoring.
Behind The Wheel
For the Indian market, the XC90 carries on with the familiar mild-hybrid powertrain: the 2.0-liter petrol engine that develops 247bhp and is partnered with the 48V battery system driving an eight-speed automatic. In Volvo's terminology, this becomes the B5 configuration and is full-time all-wheel drive as standard.
This powertrain is some 100 bhp short compared to some rivals and is hardly scintillating in performance, which feels linear in dynamics, predictable in acceleration, and focused more on refinement than urgency. Gear changes of the transmission often felt smooth, holding the gear longer under heavier throttle inputs, but a little engagement from paddle shifters would not have hurt.
While the air suspension system is good for improving ingress and egress, it makes for a ride quality that feels a bit stiff. It conveys adequate feedback from undulations but, as expected, only within the confines of luxury in light of the fact that it has air suspension, and never from that aspect of comfort. When it comes to braking performance, one can always count on their mutually progressive feeling and stopping power.
Verdict: Timelessness
The XC90 is priced at ₹1.03 crore (ex-showroom), which puts it slightly above or at par with some key rivals. Yet retaining a niche appeal with its understated elegance and comfortable interiors, and cultured driving characteristics.
For customers looking for a car that has beautifully subtle lines, which will never overshadow comfort and safety in preference to outright performance or bleeding-edge technology, this XC90 is really going to close the deal. Like good whisky, this Swedish offering has taught us that balanced refinement will always carry the day over perpetual reinvention.
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