Road Test: Volvo’s XC90 breaks the mould

Volvo’s XC90 loosens lower jaws. In an era of identikit model ranges, where every German model differs from the rest in terms of scale, the Volvo causes quite a stir. As a weathered motoring hack I’ve attended dozens of car launches, witnessed the cinematic scene-setter and the promise of revolution. Then the inevitable ennui as the latest all-new model is unwrapped to reveal a car even the chief executive would struggle to differentiate from its siblings or often its predecessors.

Once in a while you’re confronted with a car that causes you to sit up. That’s the new XC90. This isn’t a revamped version of the family-friendly Swedish seven-seater: it’s the beast that ate it. Part of this perception is driven by more than a decade’s association with the XC90 as being far less bling or bulky than its rivals such as the Audi Q7, BMW X5 or the likes of Range Rover.

This is the end result of a revolution at the Swedish brand, funded by its new Chinese owners to the tune of an €11 billion investment in new product that will see it retain its Nordic ethos and strong safety focus, but push it firmly into the premium end of the market with a complete overhaul of its model line-up.

The scale of the new car and its rather boxy looks makes a statement of intent, measuring nearly five metres in length, but it’s on the inside that the XC90 really makes its premium pitch. From its nine-inch touchscreen central console that mimics a tablet computer through to its easy-access third row of seats and impressive leg room in all rows, the XC90 is a proper premium SUV. The outgoing model was comfortable and functional but this is positively plush.

New tech

There’s a wealth of new tech on board, although to expand into anything other than the usual media mix of audio playing from your smartphone will cost you. For all the hype that surrounding Apple’s Carplay and Android’s Auto system, the end result is a limited array of apps available via in-car screens, most of which could be accessed by the usual Bluetooth system.

Hopefully things will improve as more apps get clearance for in-car use, but for now the offering is unlikely to wow any tech-savvy teenager. What does seem to impress, however, is the design and layout of the controls, along with a vast array of safety tech.

Practically speaking the XC90 delivers all the space that any well-heeled family will need from a seven-seater, while delivering a much higher standard of fit and finish than we’ve seen from Volvo to date.

Yet while its exterior styling and interior chic is what catches the eye, the real novelty about the new XC90 is under the metal.

In the belly of the beast is a rather impressive 2-litre diesel putting out 225bhp that’s smoothly delivered through its eight-speed automatic transmission. That’s more power than most of its rivals and with an impressive 0-100km/h acceleration of 7.8 seconds, the four-cylinder diesel is both more refined and far more frugal than the old five-cylinder engines that Volvo used in past XC90s. And I speak from experience here, for we previously owned an ageing XC90 that financed at least one Middle-East oil state, not to mention covering a sizeable portion of our national debt courtesy of the motor tax bill.

This engine matches its class-leading power output with emissions of just 149g/km and a fuel economy figure of 5.7 l/100km (49.5 mpg). It’s worth remembering this car still weighs in at two tonnes. Volvo promises a plug-in hybrid XC90 in the near future as well, further upsetting the oil barons.

Extra bulk This is also the first Volvo built on the firm’s new modular platform that lets the car boast the extra bulk while, at the same time, being lighter, safer and better balanced than ever before.

The XC90 is officially a four-wheel drive but it’s really never been a mud-plugger and most of the work is done through the front wheels, even if there is the capability to transfer 100 per cent power to the rear wheels.

The ride quality is firm, arguably less refined than the air suspension systems on some rivals, but it’s a much sharper drive than before. It’s pointless to focus too much on the cars back-road agility, but suffice to say it’s not a challenger to the likes of the Range Rover Sport.

It handles like a large estate car and behind the wheel it feels much closer to the ground than it actually is. Buyers can be reassured that despite its size, the new XC90 is an easy and relaxing car to drive and even the turning circle is similar to an estate car.

Prices have gone up compared to the previous version and our test car started at €77,000 but it also boasted €10,000 worth of extras.

So to the €80,000-€100,000 question: is this the best of the premium SUVs out there at present? The price has certainly gone up compared to the older version and it may be too rich for many current XC90 owners. But if you have access to this sort of cash and are looking for seven seats, then the answer is yes. It’s modern, efficient, relatively stylish, and plush inside. We might be persuaded to opt for the upcoming plug-in hybrid BMW X5 in terms of value, but it’s only a five-seater and, besides, Volvo promises its own plug-in hybrid XC90 is on the way.

I suspect its size may scare a few of the current crop of XC90 owners, but they can be reassured it’s not as cumbersome as it looks. If you need an off-roader this is not the answer – my vote still goes to the Toyota Land Cruiser for that – but, in a motoring world dominated by identikit German models, it’s great to see Volvo deliver an alluring and worthy alternative.

The lowdown: Volvo XC90
Engine: 1,969cc four-cylinder 225bhp and 470Nm of torque with eight-speed automatic
0-100km/h: 7.8 secs
L/100km (mpg): 5.7 (49.5)
Emissions (motor tax): €390
Price: €76,950 (test car was €86,780 with options)