The Volvo XC90 is the brand’s flagship SUV that offers the complete package- from a premium aesthetic, high quality materials, world-class safety features, innovative infotainment system, and powerful engineering. Its latest generation aesthetic incorporates a cleaner, more elegant styling with luxurious trims inside and out. The SUV is also the first Volvo to ride on the new Scalable Product Architecture platform. Among its slew of safety and tech upgrades are the Volvo Sensus infotainment system and the exclusive City Safety, Run-off Road Protection Package, and Park Assist Pilot features that ensure a safe and convenient drive. There are three variants available locally which are the Volvo XC90 2.0 D4 AT, Volvo XC90 T6, and the Volvo XC90 D5. 2.0L engines power the vehicles that come in two different powertrains, diesel and gasoline.
Launch
The Volvo XC90 was first introduced worldwide in 2003. Years later, it received a facelift and is currently on its second generation. The most recent model was launched to the Philippine automotive market during the 15thManila International Auto Show in April 2019.
The XC90 is the largest SUV in Volvo's model lineup
Exterior
The XC90 is Volvo's first model to carry the brand's latest design philosophy of a minimalist, elegant, and modern aesthetic. It boasts of smooth curves balanced by character lines to create a sense of sophistication. Among the modifications made on the SUV are the LED daytime running lights which are now T-shaped and the more prominent iron stamp on the grille. Headlamps and tail lamps remain to be LED’s. Adding to the athleticism of its look is a roof rack and a sunroof. It rides on 19-inch alloys as standard.
Interior
Volvo created a calm and balanced environment in the XC90’s interior through a seamless combination of premium finishes such as wood, crystal, and metal, placed thoughtfully in the ergonomically laid out cabin. Seats are wrapped in Nappa leather and comes with electric adjustability. Wood trims on the dashboard are artistically created with handcrafted details, and the controls for the stop/start button and the entertainment system’s volume come in glass and diamond-cut finishes. The overall elegant design is complemented by the modern tech features that makes the XC90 known for the comfort it offers.
Technology & Safety Features
Crowning the dashboard is an 8-inch portrait-oriented Digital Display Infotainment System equipped with Volvo’s Sensus. The intuitive interface provides easy access to the vehicle’s safety features, drive functions, navigation, wireless services, and entertainment applications from a smartphone. Audio comes out of an 8-speaker system for the base variant while the D5 and T6 variants come with a 10-speaker system.
Volvo is acclaimed for being one of the world’s safest automotive manufacturers, thus, the XC90 comes with a plethora of safety features including an Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution, Lane Departure Warning System, Front and Rear Parking sensors, Tire Pressure Monitoring, Start-stop System, and Stability Control as standard. All variants also come with a push start button and keyless entry.
More advanced features that are furnished in the latest generation XC90 are City Safety, Adaptive Cruise Control, Run-off Road Protection Package, Auto Brakes at Intersections, 360-degree cameras, and Park Assist Pilot.
Platform & Chassis
The 5-door 7-seater SUV is the first vehicle Volvo built on their new Scalable Product Architecture (SPA). It is the Swedish brand’s advanced modular platform that supports all latest-generation 90 and 60 Series vehicles in their lineup. Suspension comes in the form of Independent upper and lower arms in front and independent multi-link at the rear. Stopping power emerges from Disc brakes all around.
Engine & Drivetrain
There are two engine options for the Volvo XC90. The D4 and D5 variants are powered by a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder twin-turbo diesel engine that spews out 190 hp and 400 Nm of torque, and 225 hp and 470 Nm of torque, respectively. Meanwhile, the T6 is equipped with a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder supercharged and turbocharged gasoline engine that produces 320 hp and 400 Nm of torque. All variants are mated to an 8-speed Geartronic Automatic Transmission with an All-Wheel-Drive with Instant Traction system.