Today we are with the new XC90 that we have been following since its introduction at Sweden and which we have had a chance previously to test D5 Diesel and T8 Hybrid models at Barcelona.
It should be good for me to start by saying that the XC90 that is the first representative of the new design philosophy of the Volvo is definitely very impressive. Volvo, for this car, says that every detail has been designed to make the driving easier, more enjoyable, and less stressful.
Let’s see if it is really so?
The XC90 looks much more dynamic and grand compared to the previous generation that stayed on sale for 13 years. In the front, in the center of the big grill, the Volvo’s iconic arrow is placed. Furthermore, the daylights appear very attention grabbing. The XC90 when on the roads arouse interest and turn heads especially due to its front design.
When observed from the side the XC90 that exceedingly resembles the old generation give clues of interior spaciousness by the large glass areas. On top of the chromium bar that is positioned underneath, you are able to read the inscription exhibiting the equipment level of the car. Further, you can purchase these 21 inches wheel rims optionally, which looks impressive but affect the comfort.Let’s analyze the rear of the car also.
Even though the rear of the car is not as flamboyant as the front, it has a sober and chick design. The LED lights beside the one piece electrically operated boot lid looks quite dynamic. Although it has 7 persons seating area, behind the electrically operated boot lid very large loading capacity is offered. Even when the third seats are upright, it offers %60 more space than its predecessor and it is almost equal to the most hatchback models.
The loading capacity of 310 liters when 7 seats are upright reaches 705 liters when they are inclined and 1947 liters incredible volume when the mid seats are also inclined.Now, come let us evaluate the living areas of the third and second seats together.
Due to the rear seats sliding to and fro, I can get to the third row without much difficulty. I am 178 cm. tall and I can say that I can sit here without much difficulty but persons taller than me will have some trouble here but unless it is a long voyage I don’t think there will be much bother. There are sufficient storage compartments offered even for the passengers here.
There is one cubbyhole here, on the side a lidded compartment and here two cup-holders. At the same time, to have an air vent at the most back seats is a very big advantage.
Come on let us look at the forefront.
The driver’s seat has been adjusted to my ideal driving position and there is sufficient knee and headroom here. When you open the armrest there is again a cup-holder and wide empty spaces at its sides and storage compartments.
In our car there is an A/C at the rear and therefore there are A/C controls here. In the cars that have no A/C option here, has a small storage cubbyhole.
Now is the time for the most enjoyable part.Come on let us analyze the front section together.
Yes, now came the time for the most enjoyable place. Before starting to drive, I want to talk about this part. In this quite elegantly designed cockpit a sober Scandinavian design philosophy and very high quality of materials is present. In here two big digital screens confronts you. One of them is the one in front of me that indicates driving info and navigation. The other one is placed in the center that looks like a big tablet and is a 9 inch quite sensitive touchscreen. In this info and entertainment system called Sensus by Volvo, there are sound and music systems, telephone, and navigation and A/C controls. Even if it looks difficult at first glance, I associate this screen to iPad and iPhones. After you spent some time, you get use to all the functions and implement them easily. In this screen, you are able to control things like the ‘Blind spot warning system’, ’Environmental control systems’, ‘Lane departure avoidance system’, ‘Active curve headlamps’ and ‘Parking assistance’ from here.When talking about this place, I cannot do without mentioning Bowers and Wilkins sound system that is the most impressive optional choice of this car. Those of you that wonder about the fancy price of this option, which turns the interior to almost concert hall can learn it from the link at the video’s information section. If you ask me, those that budget to buy this car should definitely include this option too.
In the front of the XC90 quite sufficient storage places are offered. Next to the gear lever quite a wide cup-holder and a small cubbyhole, under the armrest sufficient volume cubbyhole even though there is a CD player and quite a large glove compartment. Next to the gear knob there is a start button and behind it another button to select driving modes. With this button you are able to reach the five different driving modes of the car.
The XC90 that possesses five different driving modes such as Eco, Comfort, Off-Road, Dynamic and Individual has a pneumatic suspension system. Due to this option, the ground clearance, which is 23.7 cm. as standard, increases 3 cm. to 26.7 cm. when Off-Road mode is selected. I will try to mention these modes briefly during our drive.
We have lost way too much time lets start driving.
Finally, we are on the road. Naturally, when a car has so many technologic toys and three rows of seats, to mention all take a bit of time. The second generation XC90 put up for sale, consists of 4 cylinders 2 liters D5 Diesel and T8 Hybrid engines with 8 speeds automatic gearbox and 4-Wheel Drive Systems. We are testing today the D5 diesel model.
The new generation 2 liters turbo charged 4 cylinders diesel engine we are testing now develops 225 HP and 470 Nm of torque. Due to this, it reaches 100km from naught in 7.8 seconds and its top speed is 220 km/h. Because of its high torque the engine offers quite agile, enjoyable and satisfactory performance. But I have to mention that the gearbox especially at low speeds is a bit lazy and do not respond to your impulses fast.
As I have mentioned earlier, there are 5 different driving modes one being personal to select in this car. In the Eco mode, as you would guess, the throttle reactions slow down and offer more frugal driving. I have usually have driven in the city in Comfort mode.
I have no doubt when concessions were made from the appearance of the car and smaller wheel rims have been chosen more comfortable driving will be achieved. When Dynamic mode has been selected, the car descend, steering sharpen and the more sensitive throttle start to respond faster and of course you start to have more dynamic driving.
The XC90 especially in this mode offers very satisfactory road handling even with the big and high dimensions of the car.
With the XC90, which offers insulation just as this class necessitate, it is possible to have comfortable drive in and out of the city.
Finally, let’s consider the fuel consumption. I have been driving this car for 5 days and have covered 300km the trip computer indicates 12 liters fuel consumption averages. Of course, when you think that I have spent most of my time in the traffic and almost no highway driving and drove this car with high performance, I can say that this value is not very high.
On open roads and with calm driving I have seen that it can be lowered up to 9 liters. Even though these values are way above the manufacturers data, in my opinion it is not bad for a car with this size and the peoples buying this car will accept it anyway.I think Volvo’s new generation XC90 appraise its second chance very well in the segment with very strong rivals such as the Range Rover Sport, Porsche Cayenne and BMW X5.
Naturally its job is not easy with so powerful rivals but with large options, successful Scandinavian design and offering comfortable and very luxuries living area to 7 persons will strengthen its hand against its rivals a bit more. If you want to purchase luxuries 7 persons SUV, I recommend that you should consider this option.
Do not forget to leave your comments under the post about the cars you want to be tested and your views.
See you…
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