Volvo

XC90

How is the Design?

Volvo has updated the XC90 mild-hybrid SUV for the Indian market, adding certain feature updates. The revised XC90 is priced at Rs 96.50 lakh (ex-showroom), which is around Rs 1 lakh more than the existing XC90 mild-hybrid, which debuted last year. In addition to its flagship SUV, Volvo unveiled the XC40 facelift and announced pricing for the 2020 model year S90 sedan and XC60 SUV. As previously, the 2023 XC90 mild-hybrid is only offered in one trim level: B6 Ultimate. The design is as stunning as one would expect, although there is that signature Volvo philosophy of understated elegance. This makes the car look massive in the flesh and you get to see the refinement all around, but in a non-flashy manner.

How does it perform?

The XC90 boasts permanent 'on demand' four-wheel drive, which sends most of the power to the front wheels. It may, however, transmit torque to the rear when the situation calls for it. The T8 Twin Engine hybrid model features a unique 4x4 arrangement since it uses its electric motor to power the back axle.
On the road, the XC90 finds a nice mix between comfort and quickness, with excellent body control and a softened edge to the damping of the basic steel suspension. It means you can drive the car quite aggressively and steer it down tight rural ways while maintaining a smooth ride. An optional air suspension system replaces the front coils and transverse rear springs. This provides even smoother acceleration than the normal setup, and the Active Four-C system also includes variable dampers, allowing you to tailor the suspension to your driving style.

How’s the Mileage?

The Volvo XC90 is powered by a 2.0-litre T8 twin-engine with an electric motor, producing 400PS and 640Nm of peak torque. The petrol hybrid was reported to have a fuel economy of 42kmpl. The XC90 also comes with a 2.0-litre diesel engine with a stated economy of 17.2kmpl.

How’s the Driving Experience?

With a heady mix of convenience and marketing power, the SUV has bludgeoned its way to automobile domination, extending from the heartlands of the United States to a new generation of eager customers in China and dominating even the twisting, narrow streets of Europe. Volvo builds antique premium automobiles for the selective customer. It's not only about owning a nice-looking automobile; it's about the sensation you get inside a premium vehicle. Volvo has high expectations, but that's because every Volvo is of such great quality that it's difficult to anticipate anything less.

How’s its Off-road Capability?

The Volvo XC90 boasts surprisingly strong off-roading characteristics for a premium SUV, depending on trim level, engine, and package options. The XC90, which starts at Rs.49,000, isn't the most affordable off-roader. However, given Volvo's reputation for comfort and quality, this higher price point is to be expected. However, upgrading to an R-Design or Inscription grade with the Recharge or T6 engine allows you the option of adding air suspension and wider wheels to your Volvo for improved off-roading. The Inscription trim starts at Rs.64,695, while the R-Design, which incorporates a plug-in hybrid engine, starts at Rs.70,595. If you're searching for a more economical off-roader, the Toyota RAV4 is a good alternative. Here are some elements of the Volvo XC90 that make it a good off-roader for that luxury off-roading experience.

What’s the Interior like?

The 2023 XC90 mild-hybrid has no significant visual modifications from the car that debuted last year. The flagship SUV retains its sleek and modest look both inside and out, with just the equipment changing. The most significant change is the infotainment system, which is now an Android-based one that debuted on the S90 and XC60 mild hybrids last year. It includes Google Maps, Google Assistant, and the Google Play Store. The system also supports Apple CarPlay over a wired connection.

Tech and Infotainment

Inside the Volvo XC90, luxury meets cutting-edge technology. This midsize SUV boasts a sleek design that highlights all of the high-tech capabilities found within. Here's a sneak glimpse of what Cheshire motorists may anticipate. The Volvo XC90's infotainment system starts with a 9-inch touchscreen. Navigation, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay are all included as standard features. The Bedard Bros. Volvo Cars crew appreciates the fact that wireless device charging is available on all models. There is also a stunning 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster to help you view the information you need quickly. The sound system has 10 strategically positioned speakers that allow you to immerse yourself in your music. A 14-speaker sound system is optional for the entry-level trim and standard for the Inscription and above trims. Top trims may upgrade to an even more stunning 19-speaker system.

Safety Equipment

The Volvo XC90 has more than a half-dozen safety measures, making it one of the safest SUVs on the market today. Driver and passenger front and side airbags, knee airbags, electronic brake distribution (EBD), emergency brake assist (EBA), anti-lock braking system (ABS), and other notable safety features are available with the SUV.
Volvo creates an exceedingly secure protective cage out of ultra-high strength steel. The structure is ingeniously intended to disperse impact energy in the event of a collision, keeping the occupants safe. Volvo engineers designed the XC90 with deliberately positioned softer portions that operate as front and rear crumple zones for this reason. Apart from that, the inclusion of 7 airbags, including those for third-row passengers, is one of the most important safety features on the Volvo XC90. To keep the occupants secure, the XC90 has front, side, and curtain airbags. This SUV also includes SIPS as standard equipment to improve safety. Along with this, We're talking about Volvo here. They are unrivalled pioneers in terms of safety and innovation. If you thought working with orthopedic specialists to build ergonomic chairs was clever, their spine protection element takes it a step further. To protect passengers and the driver from lumbar or spine injuries in the event of an incident, the seats in the Volvo XC90 are fitted with a spring that absorbs compression and prevents back injuries.
Aside from these, the Volvo XC90 comes standard with Hill-Start Assist, Hill Descent Assist, Radar-based Cruise Control System, Volvo City Safety, and Park Assist Pilot. All of these features not only work together to safeguard the Volvo XC90's occupants, but also make daily driving more convenient and enjoyable. If improved safety isn't enough to persuade you to buy a Volvo XC90, you should know how Volvo has reinvented elegance and comfort with its newest edition of the XC90.

Which variant to buy?

The Volvo XC90 is available in a single version, i.e. the B6 Ultimate.

Which Cars Compete in this Segment?

There are some tough competitors for Volvo XC90. Of them, the Audi Q7, BMW X5, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Land Rover Discovery, and the Porsche Cayenne deserve special mention.

Verdict (Value for Money?)

It can get going if you want it to! Volvo isn't attempting to compete with V6 or V8 SUVs, but the combined 400 bhp of power provided by the engine and the four-cylinder isn't terrible. The car is smooth, and in Pure Mode, it can travel for a little more than 40 kilometres on only electric power. Because the electric motor can offer maximum torque from a standstill, you receive torque on demand from the start. It is one of the finest cars ever built by Volvo and the impact remains for quite some time.