Volvo XC90 D5: Luxury Comes from the North
VOLVO XC90 D5
LUXURY COMES FROM THE NORTH
Words: Andrea Balti
Photography: S. Lomax
The first incarnation of the XL SUV branded Volvo is dated far-away 2002 – in those seemingly distant and as a matter of facts so different years from nowadays, where the Sport Utility Vehicles landscape was far poor of contenders and the throne was addressed to very few elected competitors. The Swedish Company immediately made it clear that its intent was to offer a car capable of dealing with urban traffic, but not to fear any kind of adversity once paved roads would be left in favor of dirt roads, land or snow. Moreover, emerging and developing in a Country where rigid winter temperatures would be a developing ground and an ideal habitat, we would not have expected a car that was not up to such expectations. In 2006 it’s time for the second round with the arrival of a model half between a restyling and a new series: the interior gained a lot and also the image that Volvo was starting to take on the car panorama, culminating with the arrival of the new model presented in 2014 and recently updated. The brand new XC90 is a wonderful luxury SUV, which is not afraid to deal with the German Triptych and the inevitable Range Rover.
The impressive shape of the XC90 stands out in front of me, in the parking lot of the office. Parked next to a wall, I’m betrayed by my distant positioning and as I walk to it I realize how big it really is – I’m just astonished that under the bonnet there is a 4-cylinder, only a 2 liters, which Volvo has decided to extend to the entire current range. 1.80 centimeters in height, depending on the wheels, which in this case are 21 inches and are part of the more complete package you can choose to spec, the Inscription (with the exception of the R-Line, which prefers the brand sports side). The version is the D5 and has an 8-speed automatic transmission and two additional seats behind the back row (becoming a seven seater), but they do not completely sacrifice the still large luggage compartment left. Its line is clean, apparently simple but actually studied and elaborated to transmit to the eye of the observer two sensations: a sense of compactness and that of luxury. It manages that perfectly, playing between the chromes part of the new front grille and the gray sections that protect the underbody, both at the front and rear, where they embody the two chromed exhaust pipes. Lights become thinner than on the previous model, and each detail highlights the desire to keep the line as smooth and clean as possible, transforming the actual size of the XC90 and making it impressive and at the same time sensual. The privacy glasses pack blend with the dark color of the body, but as soon as I open the door, I am literally assaulted by that leather interior, the scent that invades my nostrils and the constant search for soft materials, exactly where competitors prefer more anonymous and standardized choices. I climb on board – literally – and resting my hands on the steering wheel, still new, still smooth as it is when a car is in the early moments of its life. With the ignition key in my pocket – also elegantly finished with the same leather of the seats – I rotate the ignition button located on the central tunnel and I am greeted by true luxury coming from the North.
The XC90 comes to life and the 2.0, albeit not as silent as I expected, is a smart choice to make a big SUV of nearly two tons (1964 kg) brilliant but not an enemy of your wallet. Indeed, choosing to put a small engine under the bonnet – especially for the size of this car – contributes to lower fuel consumption at an average of 5.7 l/100km in combined calculation, thus offering the ability to drive even long distances without steadily pointing to the fuel indicator. The driving position is perfect and I keep everything under control also thanks to the new multimedia system, which also manages the fantastic satellite navigator and the Bowers & Wilkins sound system, which is truly superlative. Impeccable connectivity, fast and accurate touch screen and the inevitable driving aids that Volvo has always kept as a key asset. The seats are comfortable and save space in favor of the rear passengers, thanks to a design that does not sacrifice comfort itself, but only inches in size that otherwise would be wasted. The Swedish flag on the side of the front passenger armchair is a touch of class, a tribute to a Country that wants to continue carrying on its work in the automotive industry and with this XC90 gets an impressive achievement.
An interesting aspect of the small but generous engine is its power, in fact despite its 235HP may seem a few, it can deliver 480Nm of torque at just 1750 revs, allowing the northern giant to free intersections without too much hesitation and accelerating from 0 to 100 kph in just 7.8 seconds. All wheel drive is obvious and through an elegant “diamond wheel” you can select the preferred driving mode – these are the details that embody a driving experience and make it the one you’d like to live every day. Same argument for driving fluency, the digital display behind the multifunctional steering wheel, integrated waterjet on windshield wipers and many other little things that are discovered little by little because the XC90 is a continuous surprise. The dashboard is free of buttons (except for some quick commands that it is good to have at hand), you manage everything else through the touch display. The weeks in its company have flown, and all the people at the office have said that the new XC90 D5 Inscription is one of the best cars ever to have come at Auto Class. From 0 to 10 it deserves a good 10, which becomes a 9 for the really demanding price tag – in fact, you need at least €71,000 for this model (which with some options at our disposal with the model tested, make the final figure even higher), while if you are looking for a cheaper XC90, prices starts at least at € 59,000, getting the 190HP D4 Momentum. Our rating is valid on top of the range, which money apart is an exceptional SUV and would be my choice if I had to pick a brand new 4X4 that drives like an S-Class.
VOLVO XC90 D5 Inscription (2017-)
Layout – front-engined, all-wheel-drive
Engine – 4 cylinder 1.969cc – turbodiesel
Transmission – 8-speed automatic gearbox
Power – 235 hp @ 4.000 rpm
480 Nm @ 1.750 rpm
Weight – 1.964 kg
Acceleration – 7,8 sec.
Top Speed – 220 kph
Price – from € 71.480