Volvo is world-famous for producing some of the safest and most practical cars on the planet. This is something the Swedish automaker takes great pride in, and one of their crowning achievements has to be the Volvo XC90. The XC90 made its first international debut in January 2002 and its architecture was the P2 platform. At the time, this platform was shared by many of the XC90’s siblings as well. While many mid-size luxury SUVs in the market focused on performance and/or their rugged off-road abilities, Volvo’s principle behind the making of the XC90 was different.
The Volvo XC90’s primary role was to comfortably and safely carry up to 7 people without any fuss. Today, over 17 years later, the second-generation Volvo XC90 is executing that very job, only now, it has gotten even better at it. In the UAE, the 2019 Volvo XC90 rivals the likes of the Mercedes-Benz GLE, Audi Q7, and Range Rover Sport.
Exterior
The 2019 Volvo XC90 combines the sophistication of the modern-era car design with the brute charm of a large SUV. Some of the most recognizable design elements about the frontend of the XC90 include its large grille with the unmistakable Volvo-signature emblem and the brilliant LED headlights with their “Thor’s Hammer” inspired DRLs. The almost inconspicuous-looking bumper with its multiple air-intake vents and low-placed LED foglights finish off the flat-ish face of the XC90.
Along the sides, the main highlights come in the form of the huge yet chic 20-inch alloy wheels, extended wheel arches and flared fenders, subtle side skirts, and a convincingly-flat roofline. The rear of the XC90 looks quite contemporary and charming with its distinctive vertically-placed LED taillights, large roof spoiler and back window, a sculpted tailgate, and a lean and sport bumper with twin exhausts and a diffuser. Bring out a big enough measuring tape and the XC90 will score 4.950 meters in length, 2.140 meters in width, 1.775 meters in height, and the distance between its axles will read 2.985 meters. Even with all three rows in place, the XC90 can carry 368 liters of luggage and with the second and third row down, that expands to a massive 1,868 liters.
Interior
The classy and minimalistic interior design of the 2019 Volvo XC90 looks simply outstanding. It amalgamates multiple textures and materials which not only adds to the richness, but also creates some excitement. The build quality and levels of fit-and-finish are truly fantastic, though not exactly in the same league as the Germans. The seats, however, are absolutely second-to-none in terms of comfort and support. This cabin also offers great room in all three rows, though a bit less in the third, which is to be expected.
The new XC90 also scores very well for features and equipment as you get radar cruise control, adaptive dampers, automatic headlights, panoramic sunroof, power tailgate, heated, cooled and massaging leather seats, rear-seat entertainment system, quad-zone climate control, a head-up display, internet connectivity, a 12.3-inch infotainment display with navigation, and a 10-speaker premium sound system. Safety gizmos are abundant with 8 airbags, active headrests, electronic traction & stability program plus many, many more.
Engine and performance
Under the hood of the 2019 Volvo XC90 T6 is a supercharged and turbocharged two-liter four-banger. This combination produces 320 hp with 400 Nm of shove, and paired to an 8-speed automatic and all-wheel drive system, naught to 100 km/h in the XC90 T6 takes just 6.5 seconds, whilst top whack is 240 km/h.
Verdict
Prices for the 2019 Volvo XC90 vary between AED 182,900 to AED 241,900. Meanwhile, cost of insurance ranges from AED 4,010 to AED 6,841.
