2019 Volvo XC90 Review: Luxury and Performance Combined

Introduction

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, based on the P2 platform, which was shared with many of its siblings. While many mid-size luxury SUVs in the market focus on performance and rugged off-road abilities, Volvo's principle behind the making of the XC90 was different.

Performance and Comfort

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 Design

The 2019 Volvo XC90 combines the sophistication of modern car design with the brute charm of a large SUV. Some of the most recognizable design elements about the frontend of the XC90 include:

• Large grille with the unmistakable Volvo-signature emblem
• Brilliant LED headlights with "Thor’s Hammer" inspired DRLs
• Subtle bumper with multiple air-intake vents and low-placed LED foglights

Along the sides, the main highlights are:

• Huge yet chic 20-inch alloy wheels
• Extended wheel arches and flared fenders
• Subtle side skirts
• Convincingly-flat roofline

The rear of the XC90 looks contemporary and charming with:

• Distinctive vertically-placed LED taillights
• Large roof spoiler and back window
• Sculpted tailgate
• Lean and sport bumper with twin exhausts and a diffuser

Dimensions of the XC90:

• Length: 4.950 meters
• Width: 2.140 meters
• Height: 1.775 meters
• Wheelbase: 2.985 meters

Even with all three rows in place, the XC90 can carry 368 liters of luggage, and with the second and third rows down, that expands to a massive 1,868 liters.

Interior Comfort

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 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, including:

• 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
• Head-up display
• Internet connectivity
• 12.3-inch infotainment display with navigation
• 10-speaker premium sound system

Safety features are abundant with:

• 8 airbags
• Active headrests
• Electronic traction & stability program
• And many more

Engine and Performance

Under the hood of the 2019 Volvo XC90 T6 is a supercharged and turbocharged two-liter four-cylinder engine. This combination produces 320 hp with 400 Nm of torque, and paired with an 8-speed automatic and all-wheel drive system, the XC90 T6 accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.5 seconds, with a top speed of 240 km/h.

Verdict

Prices for the 2019 Volvo XC90 vary between AED 182,900 to AED 241,900. Meanwhile, the cost of insurance ranges from AED 4,010 to AED 6,841.