#24 All-New Volvo XC90 – The evolution of Scandinavian auto design

Volvo does things a little differently from other premium brands in the automotive world. For this Swedish manufacturer, safety and kid-friendliness are just as important as luxury amenities and driving performance, and in no vehicle is this more apparent than the Volvo XC90, a midsize seven-passenger SUV.

All-New Volvo XC90 

The all-new Volvo XC90 marks the SUV's first comprehensive redesign since its debut in 2003. That's ancient in today's sport-utility segment, where models visit the surgeon about every five years. Safety has always been Volvo’s pillar for decades, so one can understand the company’s reluctance to deviate from its course.

Previous generation model 

Striking design

The all-new XC90 will be the first vehicle to feature Volvo’s new more prominent iron mark, which has the iconic arrow elegantly aligned with the diagonal slash across the grille.  Together with the T-shaped “Thor’s Hammer” DRL lights, the iron mark introduces an entirely new, distinctive and confident face for Volvo’s forthcoming generation of cars.

Thor's Hammer daytime running lights 

The all-new Volvo XC90’s larger bonnet, the sharpened beltline and new rear lights are other important design signatures that are mirrored across the XC90’s range. To add more visual muscle from the sides, the all-new Volvo XC90 comes with a range of wheel sizes up to 22 inches. The all-new Volvo XC90’s design makes it one of the best looking SUVs at the moment.

Rear L-Shaped lights 

Refined power   

Volvo engineers have made it possible for a 4-cylinder engine to provide all the driving pleasure associated with a much larger engine. This thrill is provided by Volvo’s Drive-E engines. The power train, which carries a T8 badge, utilizes a 2.0-litre four cylinder engine combined with an electric motor.

Efficient power unit 

Power output from both the electric and petrol unit is pegged at 298 kW (400 hp) and 640 Nm of torque. The performance range for the all-new XC90 also includes the D5 twin turbo diesel engine with 167 kW (225 hp) and 470 Nm. The range also offers two petrol engine options. The first is a T6 turbo engine with supercharger and turbo with 238 kW (320 hp) and a maximum torque of 400 Nm. The second is a T5 with 189 kW (254 hp) and 350 Nm.

 

Marking a new chapter in Scandinavian auto design 

Comprehensive safety

The all-new Volvo XC90 offers comprehensive and sophisticated standard safety package just like its predecessor. All Volvo XC90’s are now available with a run-off road protection package and auto brake at intersection capability.

extensively tested for optimum safety 

The all-new Volvo XC90 is the first car in the world with technology that features automatic braking if the driver turns in front of an oncoming car. This is a common scenario at busy city crossings as well as on highways, where the speed limits are higher. The run-off road system tightens the seatbelts to keep occupants in the best position for the airbags to prevent major injuries.

City Safety in action 

The system remains active even if the SUV is, for example, driven off a cliff. An energy absorbing element between the seats and the seat frame further cushions occupants against vertical forces that might cause spinal injury.

Intuitive designed key  

City Safety is another system offered as standard with the all-new Volvo XC90. This prevents accidents by warning the driver and also braking in case there is a risk of collision with another vehicle, pedestrian or cyclist.

Distinct profile 

Another system called Road Sign Information reads road signs ahead of the driver and displays them on the multifunction screen, located behind the steering wheel. The Blind Spot Information System informs about vehicles in the driver’s blind spots.

Blend of wood, glass and metal 

The system also alerts the driver to vehicles that are approaching fast from behind. Queue Assist enables safe and comfortable driving by following the vehicle in front in slow-moving traffic. Acceleration, braking and steering are controlled automatically.

Room for 7 occupants 

Eye-catching cockpit

The all-new XC90’s interior is the most luxurious to have been designed for a Volvo. The most striking feature is a tablet-like touch screen control console, which forms the heart of an all-new in-car control system.

Cockpit 

This system is virtually button free and represents an entirely new way for drivers to control their car. The in-car control screen also helps create an interior that is modern, spacious and uncluttered. The system can also mirror and use Apple iOS and Android devices in the touch screen display. A combination of materials such as soft leather, wood and crystal glass delivers a top notch luxury never seen before in a Volvo.

Large central display 

Comfortable seats

The all-new XC90 offers innovatively designed seats that free up interior space for passengers both in the second and third seat rows. The front seats offer smooth power operation, including adjustable side bolsters, seat cushion extension, multi-directional lumbar support and vertical adjustment of the headrests.

Theater themed seating 

The second row features three individual seats with recline adjustment. The second seats also feature a sliding function that can be used to create more legroom for the passengers in the third row. The seats in the third row are slightly centred to offer occupants a generous theatre-seat-inspired view forward.

Comfortable seats 

Additional space for the feet under the second row seats creates additional comfort and legroom. Special attention has also been given to ensuring easy access to the third row seats. Entertainment is catered by a 19 speaker 1,400 watts Bowers & Wilkins audio system. 

Spacious and versatile boot 

Verdict

Volvo has kept its promise by delivering a visually striking, premium quality seven-seat SUV with safety features, new powertrain technologies and a superlative interior finish.

Best looking Volvo SUV 

The SUV’s outstanding combination of luxury, space, versatility, efficiency and safety will bring the SUV segment into a new dimension, just as the original XC90 achieved in 2002. There is no denying that XC90 presents a departure from the dull conservative styling visible on past Volvos. This is bound to be one of the best-selling Volvo SUVs in the coming years.