Volvo XC90

Step inside the Volvo XC90 and the cabin reflects the minimalist Scandinavian design approach of the brand. Instead of using too much visual drama, the focus of the interior is on high-quality materials, good ergonomics, and a calming environment for passengers.

Cabin Layout and Quality

The dashboard layout is still clean and uncluttered, but Volvo has made a number of subtle changes as part of the facelift.

• The 11.2-inch vertical touchscreen is now more prominently located at the centre of the dashboard.
• The 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster delivers clear and configurable driving information.
• Materials such as wood, leather and brushed metal give the cabin a premium finish.
• The redesigned centre console now incorporates the wireless charging pad more neatly.

Seating Comfort

First Row

The front seats are wide and supportive, providing excellent comfort on long journeys. Both seats are equipped with electric adjustment, ventilation, heating, and memory functions, so it is easy for the drivers to find an ideal sitting position. The panoramic sunroof contributes to the feeling of space in the cabin.

Second Row

The second row has generous legroom with decent headroom for adults. The seats have a 40:20:40 split configuration, which permits flexible seating and cargo configurations. Sunshades on the windows and four-zone climate control make it more comfortable for passengers in the middle row.

Third Row

The third row of the XC90 is most suitable for children or shorter trips. While access is quite easy with sliding second row seats, space is limited for taller adults. However, Volvo has taken care of practicality by having dedicated air conditioning vents for the back passengers.

Volvo positions the XC90 as its flagship luxury SUV in India and the pricing reflects this premium positioning. Unlike many rivals, which have multiple trims, Volvo keeps the lineup simple with a single fully-loaded variant. 

Volvo XC90 Ex-Showroom Price in India

Note: Prices are subject to change depending on location.
The XC90 is only available in B5 AWD configuration, which includes the mild-hybrid petrol engine, air suspension, AWD system and Volvo's full safety and technology suite as standard. This means buyers essentially get the best-spec experience without the options, which is in line with Volvo's simplified product strategy in India.

Large luxury SUVs are typically not bought keeping fuel economy in mind, but Volvo's 48-volt mild hybrid system does help the XC90 to deliver respectable mileage for its size and weight. The system helps the petrol engine when accelerating and helps to improve the overall efficiency when driving normally.
During our drive, we noticed that the SUV drives best when driven smoothly and not aggressively. The assistance from the mild-hybrid is slight but helps to maintain a reasonable fuel consumption for a vehicle of this size.

Some key observations during testing:

• The mild-hybrid system helps to maintain double-digit fuel efficiency figures when driving in a relaxed manner.
• City efficiency is highly dependent on traffic conditions because of the weight of the SUV.
• Highway cruising at constant speeds results in a noticeable improvement in fuel economy.
• Smooth throttle inputs result in better mileage than aggressive acceleration.

Observed Fuel Efficiency

Safety has always been a defining characteristic of Volvo vehicles and the XC90 continues this legacy with a long list of structural and electronic safety systems. The SUV brings a rigid body structure with a wide range of driver assistance features aimed at improving occupant protection.

Passive Safety and Structural Protection

Volvo's engineering philosophy is crash protection and structural strength oriented. The XC90 has a strong safety cell and a comprehensive airbag system that is designed to protect passengers in all three rows.
Some of the important passive safety elements are:

• Seven airbags (including driver knee airbag)
• Curtain airbags that reach the third row
• Reinforced body structure to absorb the impact forces
• Three-point seatbelts for all passengers

Previous versions of the XC90 have received five-star safety ratings in Euro NCAP, highlighting Volvo's commitment to occupant protection.

Active Safety and Driver Assistance

In addition to excellent structural protection, the XC90 is equipped with a variety of advanced driver assistance technologies to prevent accidents before they happen.
Some of the key systems include:

• Pilot Assist with adaptive cruise control
• Lane keeping assist
• Blind-spot detection system
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• 360-degree parking camera
• Hill start assist and hill descent control

These technologies work together to support the driver while they are driving on the highway or going about their daily commutes to reinforce the XC90's reputation as one of the safest SUVs in the luxury space.

The Volvo XC90's technology package is all about comfort, connectivity and ease of use rather than overwhelming the driver with unnecessary complexity. The facelift features a number of updates to the infotainment interface and audio system, as well as the brand's minimalist interior design philosophy.

Infotainment and Interface

The most noticeable update inside the cabin is the larger 11.2-inch vertically oriented touchscreen. It runs Volvo's latest infotainment interface with built-in Google services for navigation and connectivity.
Other highlights include:

• 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster
• Head-up display for essential driving information
• 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins sound system
• Wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity

The interface is simple and easy to navigate, which is in line with Volvo's strategy to reduce distractions while driving.

Cabin Convenience and Comfort Features

The XC90 also places a lot of emphasis on passenger comfort. Volvo has fitted the SUV with a number of convenience features aimed at improving long-distance travel.
Notable comfort features include:

• Panoramic sunroof
• Four-zone climate control
• Ventilated, heated, and massaging front seats
• Electric seat adjustment with memory functions
• Air purifier with pre-cleaning function via smartphone app
• Crystal gear selector that adds a distinctive premium touch

During his evaluation, Shams pointed out how the technology fits in with the cabin design:

“The changes inside the XC90 are very subtle, but they take the cabin experience a few steps forward from the previous model.”

The Volvo XC90 is intended to be a practical three-row family SUV and the luggage space is no exception. Even with all three rows in place, the boot area is still usable for everyday travel needs. Volvo says that with the third row folded, close to 700 litres of luggage capacity is available, which makes longer trips much more practical.
In practical terms, the boot can comfortably accommodate:

• Multiple cabin suitcases when all three rows are in use
• One or two extra-large suitcases after the third row is folded
• Duffel bags or backpacks (soft luggage)
• Additional travelling equipment for weekend trips

The electric tailgate with anti-pinch protection also makes loading and unloading easier. When the third row is folded flat, the XC90 becomes much more cargo-friendly, making it suitable for family road trips and airport runs.

The Volvo XC90 prioritises ride comfort and long-distance usability over sporty handling. As it is a large three-row luxury SUV, it is designed to provide a relaxed driving experience while still being able to keep the vehicle stable at highway speeds.

City Driving

Despite its size, the XC90 stays easy to handle in urban conditions. The elevated driving position allows a great view, which is useful when going through traffic or in spaces where parking is tight. Steering effort is not heavy at low speeds, and manoeuvres are easier.

The highlight here is the air suspension system, which helps to absorb potholes and broken road surfaces with impressive composure. Cabin disturbances are minimal and passengers in all three rows benefit from the SUV's plush ride quality.

Shams observed during his drive:

“Ride quality is key and the XC90 stands out here because of the air suspension.”

Highway Driving

On highways, the XC90 settles into a comfortable cruising rhythm. The adaptive air suspension automatically adjusts the ride height according to the speed and road situation, which helps to improve comfort and stability.

While some body roll is to be expected from a large SUV, the suspension handles it well and keeps the vehicle composed during lane changes. The adaptive steering also increases feedback as speeds increase, giving the driver more confidence when driving on long journeys on the highway.

Volvo has made the XC90 lineup simple in India by offering the SUV in a single fully loaded variant. This strategy allows buyers to get the full package of features without having to choose between multiple trims.

What You Don’t Get

• No diesel engine option in India
• No plug-in hybrid powertrain
• Paddle shifters are not available

Since the XC90 is available in one version, the buying decision is simplified. Buyers basically get the fully-loaded specification with Volvo's complete safety and comfort package.

Best for Luxury Family Buyers: XC90 B5 AWD

The mild-hybrid petrol engine provides refined performance, while the AWD system and air suspension provide comfort in various road conditions. For buyers who want a premium seven-seat SUV with a strong focus on safety and ride comfort, the XC90 fits the bill well.