by: Kevin Uy
As in the past few years, 2015 proves to be another year of exciting new SUV’s that are arriving sooner than later for the Canadian markets. One of the most anticipated, and on Canadian shores already, is the return of Volvo, with its all new XC90 7-seater SUV.
The test XC90 SUV was generously provided by Volvo of Vancouver (Dilawri Group of Companies). Upon first laying eyes on it, I was treated to a smorgasbord of details. One can see that Volvo spared no expense in designing the exterior of the urban hauler, which is perfect for anyone who is considering the atypical luxury SUV that is uniquely un-German.
Placed in the XC90’s muscular square-jawed front, we can immediately see Volvo’s signature grille paired with a set of brilliantly displayed LED headlights and fog lights that ensure maximum visibility and illumination in the harshest of conditions. The size of the vehicle is comparable to most 7 seaters in this segment, but offers a different approach to the interior.
The first thing you notice about the interior is the distinct Volvo lumbar seats and the rich wood paneling that is used. The seats have a multitude of adjustments ensuring that whether your ride is a long one or short, you will be very much in comfort during the entire trip. Volvo has spent considerable resources to ensure that comfort and support is present for the occupants. The wood paneling is a great touch, giving the interior a much more elegant and refined look. Replacing the traditional engine start/stop button with a crystal knob, one simply has to turn this knob to bring the XC90’s 2.0 liter turbo and supercharged engine to life and fire up all of the available 316 horses. Acceleration is smooth, fast and I could barely notice that it was a 4-cylinder engine driving the spacious 7-seater up the highway. Inside the cabin, A/C, navigation, backup and front cameras, heated seats, satellite radio, lane assist, are all easily accessible from the very intuitive touch display that houses and controls pretty much every technological feature in this vehicle.
As mentioned earlier, acceleration is smooth, without any hiccups, and unlike Volvos of yester-years, the XC90 drives like a dream thanks to its all new suspension and air spring system. Tight around corners, comfortable around bumps and potholes, and smooth as silk on highways, the new platform of the XC90 gives us avid motorists a glimpse of what is to come from Sweden. Compared to its German competitors, there’s a smoothness to how it rides and glides, engaging the driver in any location at any time.
There are so many more fine details that can be discussed about this vehicle, but in all honesty, you have to drive it to really experience it; and yes, Volvo is back. The all-new XC90, Swedish built, Scandinavian in design, atypically un-German is sure to surprise you as it did me.
** model provided was a nicely optioned XC90 Inscription equipped with R-design wheels.
