Here it is finally, one of Volvo’s most highly praised and sought after vehicles since its Chinese acquisition back in 2010. You may argue that the Swedish carmaker took a little longer than necessary to produce a successor to the wildly successful XC90 crossover, but if it’s any consolation, the second-generation, all-new Volvo XC90 is definitely worth the 13-year long wait.
First and foremost, underpinning this handsome luxury mid-size SUV is Volvo’s new Scalable Product Architecture – part of some 11 billion US dollar investment to make sure the new XC90 hits all right buttons. Unlike the older model, there successor will only be powered by a 2.0-litre four cylinder engine, albeit in differing states of tunes. However, the XC90 launched today in Malaysia comes with Volvo’s most advanced 2.0-litre Drive-E engine, the T8, which packs over 400 hp!
QUICK FACTS
| Name | 2015 Volvo XC90 T8 |
| Engine | 1,969cc; twin-charged 4-cylinder plug-in hybrid |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic |
| Max Power | 407 hp |
| Max Torque | 640 Nm |
| 0 – 100 km/h; Top Speed | 5.6 seconds; 230 km/h |
| Price | RM453,888.00 |
EXTERIOR
The new XC90 is undoubtedly one of the best looking SUVs on offer right now (even more attractively priced), bandying a sleek new face flanked by a pair of LED headlights with T-shaped (like Thor’s hammer) LED daytime running lights. The front grille features vertical slats, accentuating the car’s overall cleaner and sleeker profile.
Round the side, the XC90 sits on 20-inch 10-spoke wheels as standard, shod with 275/45 series tyres. Other standard fitment include front and rear skid plates, roof rails, tyre sealant kit, tyre pressure monitoring system and capless refuelling system.
In typical Volvo fashion, there are accessory packages on the sides should you feel like one-upping its looks. The list is extensive, beginning with the RM21,800 Thor Package which grants you all-round bodykit and an LED-lit running board. If the cost of tyres doesn’t matter to you, then the Oden Package will sort you out with a set of 22-inch wheels for a cool RM19,644. This package doesn’t include the tyres, mind you, but the Swedes do recommend the low profile 275/35 Pirelli Scorpion Verde rubbers.
INTERIOR
Inside, the XC90 continues to impress. The luxurious cabin is a far departure from any Volvos of old, and gone is the iconic floating centre console. Perhaps one of its standout features is the 9-inch touchscreen head unit which grants access to all of its in-car features. It also supports GPS navigation (with voice control), Bluetooth handsfree, USB, auxiliary and iPod connectivity. Complementing the head unit is a 10-speaker Sensus Connect High Performance audio system with 330W amplifier.
The entire cabin of this seven-seater SUV is upholstered in soft Nappa leather, with the second row featuring a 40/20/40 split configuration. It also slides fore and aft should passengers in the third row demand more legroom. The multifunction steering wheel is clad in leather and finished with silk metal inlays, while the rest of the cabin benefits from inscribed walnut inlays. Because you’re getting the T8 variant, the gear knob that comes with it is made of handcrafted crystal by Orrefors and is LED lit.
Finishing off the cabin are features like powered cushion seats for both front seats, automated dimming ambient lighting, Interior Air Quality System with active filters and sensor, Clean Zone Interior Package, quad-zone automatic climate control, panoramic sunroof with sun curtain, luxurious floor mats, Digital Owner’s Manual, head’s up display and a 12.3-inch Digital Adaptive Instrument Cluster.
But of course, the interior can further be customised with their new range of accessories. There’s the RM1,625 protective grille assembled to the boot compartment to prevent goods from being thrown forwards into the cabin, a Volvo-made child seat that costs RM2,284 and a specially programmed iPad for RM3,335.
PERFORMANCE
As mentioned earlier, the T8 Drive-E engine is Volvo’s top-of-the-range powertrain which combines a supercharged and turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine to an electric motor. This combination makes 407 hp and 640 Nm of torque; the engine alone makes 320 hp and 400 Nm, whereas the electric motor supplies 87 hp and 240 Nm of torque.
It is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and propels the XC90 from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.6 seconds, while sipping 2.1 litres of fuel per 100km, given the right driving conditions. Yes, let that sink in for a bit. Its top speed is 230 km/h, and in full electric driving mode the XC90’s 9.2 kWh lithium-ion battery is capable of covering just over 40 km of tarmac. Just 3.5 hours will be needed to charge the battery from empty to full.
The new XC90 rides on double wishbone suspension at the front and a solid integral axle at the rear. It’s air sprung, so this gives you variable damping through the car’s many driving modes.
SAFETY
Volvo cars have always had understated grunt under the hood, but their developments in the safety department is unrivalled. And it’s no different with this XC90. It’s equipped with energy-absorbing seats which helps prevent spine injuries in the event of an accident. Also fitted are Adaptive Cruise Control with Pilot Assist and Distance Alert, Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection with Full Auto Braking, Automated Parking Assist, Road Sign Information, Lane Departure Warning and Lane Keeping Aid.
There’s more – Roll Stability Control, City Safety with Front Collision Warning and Full Auto Braking, Driver Alert Control, Active Bending LED Headlights and Blind Spot Detection System. The list goes on, but if you’re familiar with Volvo cars, the XC90 comes with all of its standard offerings.
WHAT ELSE?
Now, the 2015 Volvo XC90 T8 is at this point in time, the most attractively priced luxury mid-size SUV in the market. It’s priced at RM453,888 and will be locally assembled at their existing Shah Alam production plant beginning next year. Despite being a plug-in hybrid, the XC90’s regular service interval is a class-leading 20,000km, and packaged along with it is a 5-year warranty which covers the 9.2kWh battery as well.
All purchases of the new XC90 T8 will come with a complimentary wall charger which will be certified upon installation at home. Additional installations will incur costs, for example if you want your office to come with a Volvo-certified plug point to charge your car, you’ll have to fork out a small sum to get that done.
The 2015 Volvo XC90 is available for viewing at your nearest Volvo showroom from today onwards. There’s a total of 11 exterior colours, including five interior colour combinations and three types of inlays.
IMAGE GALLERY
