2016 Volvo XC90 Luxury SUV – All You Need to Know

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The exclusive interview we conducted with Managing Director of Volvo Auto India Private Ltd, Tom von Bonsdorff, earlier this year revealed the launch plans for the Swedish automaker in 2016. With the S60 Cross Country already launched, there are few more products in the pipeline like the expected S60 Polestar, XC90 Excellence and the all-new S90 flagship sedan.

Besides these mooted launches, Volvo is believed to be bringing in the plug-in Hybrid variant of the XC90 SUV and a unit has been imported already for homologation purposes. The flagship SUV is sold in India via two variants powered by the same 2.0-litre diesel engine but with the anti-diesel notions and pressure mounting in Europe for gas-guzzlers in terms of prices, the plug-in Hybrid is expected to be a petrol–electric powertrain.

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It will look visually identical as the standard XC90 SUV except for some added badges. The Indian luxury market saw the introduction of the latest generation XC90 last year and we got our hands on it for a comprehensive test review. But before that, here’s everything you need to know about the all-new fuel-efficient XC90 SUV in its regular avatar:

2016 Volvo XC90 Price and Variants

It is now being sold at a starting price of Rs. 70.97 lakh for the Momentum Luxury variant and it goes all the way up to Rs. 80.24 lakh for the range-topping Inscription Luxury model (both prices, ex-showroom Delhi).

2016 Volvo XC90 Exterior & Dimension

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While the original model was built on P2 platform, the Gothenburg-based automaker decided to redesign the chassis and use a different architecture called SPA (Scalable Product Architecture) which underpins current generation Volvos.

Derived from the Volvo Coupe Concept, the front fascia of the XC90 receives a prominent vertically-slated chrome grille housing the Volvo badge with traditional diagonal slash and flanked by the ‘Thor’s hammer’ headlamps.

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It is adorned with long and sculpted bonnet, strong shoulder lines and at the back a vertically stacked tail lamp design with an integrated roof spoiler and silver under-plate sheltering the exhaust pair. The new design language adopted by the latest models from Volvo’s portfolio has given the XC90 a luxurious presence comparatively.

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The flagship SUV from Volvo measures about 4,950 mm in length, 2,008 mm in width (widest among its competition), 1,776 mm in height and has a wheelbase of 2,984 mm. At a kerb weight just over two tonnes, the XC90 features a ground clearance of 238 mm with 530-litre bootspace and a fuel tank capacity of 71 litres.

2016 Volvo XC90 Interior and Features

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Inside the cabin, the 2016 Volvo XC90 is as luxurious as it can get with the clever combination of dual tone premium leather upholstery with the high quality Scandinavian wood trim and aluminum accents. Meanwhile, the top-of-the-line Inscription grade adds the ultra-premium Nappa leather upholstery to the list.

volvo xc90 India Review-17The significant features in the luxury SUV are a multifunction three-spoke steering wheel, with mounted controls, placed just in front of a 12.3-inch customisable instrument screen. The wider seven-seater gets independent storage provision and HVAC vent with four-zone automatic climate control.

2016 volvo xc90 India Review-11The gear-lever knob is made from crystal glass, the start-stop button and volume control buttons are of diamond-cut design while the entertainment is dealt by 19-speaker Bowers and Wilkins 1400 W audio system.

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Besides heads-up display, ventilated front seats, Intelligent Driver information system, automatic height adjusted front seat belts, driver’s seat adjust with memory function, keyless entry, panoramic sunroof, tablet-shaped nine-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Sensus infotainment software are some of the premium features available in 2016 XC90.

Volvo XC90 Engine, Performance and Mileage

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Only two variants of the 2016 Volvo XC90 has been made available for India with one engine and as many transmission option. The 2.0-litre four-cylinder twin-turbocharged DOHC diesel engine is an attractive proposition for the Delhi and NCR customers as it doesn’t come under the ban and in the hindsight when the ban gets extended like in Kerala, the XC90 will predictably play a safer hand.

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The four-valve inline D5 diesel motor is capable of producing a maximum power output of 225 bhp at 4,250 rpm and 470 Nm of peak torque at 1,750 rpm. Power is sent to all the four wheels through an eight-speed Aisin automatic transmission with conventional manual shifting.

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Both the Momentum and Inscription variants have been ARAI-certified to return a best-in-class mileage of 17.2 km per litre. It can accelerate from 0-100 kmph in 7.8 seconds and boasts a top speed of 230 kmph.

2016 Volvo XC90 Suspension and Brakes

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The five-door utility vehicle has new double wishbone suspension and coil springs with hydraulic shock absorbers at front with an optional air suspension. At the rear, integral axle with lightweight transverse composite leaf spring with hydraulic shock absorbers and stabilizer bar are present alongside an option of air suspension. The front and rear brakes are discs while the steering is electric power assisted.

2016 Volvo XC90 Safety Features

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Said to be the safest SUV in the world, the Volvo XC90 comes equipped with Run-off road protection package, City Safety with auto brake in intersections to prevent Spinal cord injury, IntelliSafe with City Safety comprises of auto brake Collision avoidance functions, Adaptive Cruise Control with Pilot Assist traffic jam assistant having semi-autonomous driving, two stage six-airbags, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Traction Control System, Hill Hold and Descend Controls and so on.

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2016 Volvo XC90 Key Rivals

The second-generation Volvo XC90 competes mainly against the German trio in the luxury space. Audi Q7, BMW 5-Series and Mercedes GL Class besides Land Rover Discovery Sport and Toyota Land Cruiser Prado.