First Use of New Platform

Volvo Cars describes its products as entering a new generation. The first of these, the new XC90, was launched in Japan in January 2016. It is a large SUV with a body measuring 4.9 meters in length and seating for seven, and its lineup includes the company's first plug-in hybrid model.

This is the first full model change for the XC90 since its predecessor was unveiled in 2003, marking 12 years. A key feature is its adoption of the new platform, which will serve as the basic structure for future Volvo cars, developed with a substantial investment. The lineup in Japan is as follows:

XC90 T5 AWD Momentum (¥7,740,000)
XC90 T6 AWD R-Design (¥8,790,000)
XC90 T6 AWD Inscription (¥9,090,000)
XC90 T8 Twin Engine AWD Inscription (¥10,090,000)

XC90 T6 AWD Inscription

The engines are all 2-liter, 4-cylinder units of fundamentally the same design. The T5 features a turbocharger, producing a maximum output of 187 kW (254 PS) and a maximum torque of 350 Nm. The T6 adds a supercharger to the turbocharger to boost power from low speeds, boasting 235 kW (320 PS) and 400 Nm. The T8 is a plug-in hybrid powertrain, using the T6 engine combined with an electric motor that generates 240 Nm of maximum torque.

The drivetrain is essentially a Haldex on-demand 4WD system based on front-wheel drive. The T8 model uniquely uses the gasoline engine for the front wheels and an electric motor for the rear wheels.

The XC90 T6 AWD we test drove was the "Inscription" specification, featuring slightly more luxurious interior equipment. It was equipped with a four-wheel air suspension (a ¥300,000 option) that allows selection of five drive modes. Overall, the sense of quality was considerable. It seems poised to secure a significant place in a market with many rivals.

A Remarkably Well-Engineered 2-Liter Engine

The new Volvo XC90 presents a more subdued, or perhaps more refined, styling compared to its predecessor. This reflects the intentions of Volvo Cars' design director, who prioritized proportions derived from the relationship between the body and wheels, pursuing traditional beauty. By toning down its strong character, it's likely to appeal to many who prefer a less ostentatious presence in a market where standing out is often emphasized.

While the side profile is understated, the front fascia creates a distinct character. The metallic grille, featuring Volvo Cars' prominent "Iron Mark" emblem, is flanked by rectangular headlamps. Clever design elements include T-shaped accent lenses, which appear to be a design identity for the new generation of Volvos, also seen in the new S90 and V90 models.

XC90 T6 AWD R-Design

Driving the XC90, you truly feel its newness. The engine is particularly impressive. Adhering to Volvo Cars' policy of not producing engines larger than 2 liters, this 5-meter-long body is powered by a "mere" 2-liter unit. However, upon driving it, you realize it's an exceptionally well-engineered engine. Someone driving it without prior knowledge might even mistake it for a V6 or V8.

The four-cylinder vibrations are meticulously suppressed, yet the power is abundant. Torque is readily available from low RPMs, and there's no noticeable dip in power as the revs climb. Furthermore, the manufacturer's claimed fuel economy of 11.7 km/L (JC08 mode) is realistic.

The test car was equipped with air suspension, which was also impressive. While there was a sense of a slightly diagonal, long-travel suspension movement, reminiscent of off-road 4WD vehicles, it was generally supple, adeptly handling road imperfections and providing a refined ride quality.

Selecting the "Power" mode via the engine mode selector delivers an astonishing surge of power. Even then, the car's body control is excellent, ensuring confident handling and even a sense of enjoyment.

One of the aims of the new platform, according to Volvo Car Japan, is to "enhance driving pleasure without compromising comfort." This objective has clearly been met. The high level of quietness is also commendable, with noise levels remaining low even at higher speeds.

The comfort features are also remarkable.

Comprehensive Safety Features

One of the major attractions of the new Volvo XC90 is its interior. The car's appeal is enhanced by the combination of abundant exterior colors and four interior color options. The dashboard fascia is available with three panel finishes: walnut, carbon fiber, or aluminum. The steering wheel can be chosen as either a full black leather wrap or a combination of black on the outer rim and light gray on the inner.

While approximately 125 kg lighter than the previous model, the overall length has increased by about 160 mm. This creates a more spacious interior, with the second row offering impressive roominess. Furthermore, the third row has been enlarged to accommodate individuals up to 170 cm tall, compared to a maximum of 160 cm previously. Folding down the third-row seats creates a flat floor and a cargo capacity of 692 liters, demonstrating high practicality.

XC90 T6 AWD Inscription

The interior design is characterized by its clean lines. Robin Page, a designer who previously worked at Bentley Motors, was responsible for minimizing controls to enhance driver focus and create a sense of luxury. The integration of functions, such as displaying navigation on the 12.3-inch large TFT instrument panel, contributes to the minimalist design. Additionally, a 9-inch vertical touchscreen is mounted in the center of the dashboard, allowing for control of climate, audio, drive modes, and communication through gestures and other intuitive operations.

XC90 T6 AWD Inscription

While the gesture controls require some getting used to, they are easily operated by the front passenger and can be considered part of the owner's enjoyment, much like learning a smartphone. Integration with Apple CarPlay allows connection with an iPhone, enabling functions like making calls and operating navigation via Siri, incorporating new technologies seamlessly.

The vehicle features world-first technologies such as "Run-off Road Protection," designed to prevent spinal injuries in front-seat occupants if the car leaves the road and hits a ditch, and "Intersection Support," an automatic braking system aimed at avoiding or mitigating collisions with oncoming traffic when making a right turn at an intersection. The comprehensive safety suite, including collision avoidance/mitigation auto-braking, pedestrian and cyclist detection (even at night), and adaptive cruise control with lane-keeping assist, is befitting of a new-generation luxury SUV.

XC90 T6 AWD R-Design

The new Volvo XC90 offers a distinct charm, different from German, British, or Japanese luxury SUVs. It is a model for the mature individual, offering a sense of calm and security. Once you come to appreciate it, you'll likely remain fond of it for a long time.

Volvo XC90 T5 AWD Momentum
Body Dimensions | Length 4,950 x Width 1,930 x Height 1,775 mm
Wheelbase | 2,985 mm
Ground Clearance | 225 mm
Vehicle Weight | 2,060 kg
Tread | 1,665 mm
Seating Capacity | 7 people
Drivetrain | 4WD
Engine | DOHC Water-Cooled Inline 4-Cylinder Horizontal 16-Valve with Intercooler Turbocharger
Maximum Output | 187 kW (254 PS) / 5,500 rpm
Maximum Torque | 350 Nm (35.7 kgm) / 1,500-4,800 rpm
Transmission | Electronically Controlled 8-Speed Automatic
Fuel Economy (JC08 Mode) | 12.8 km/L
Price | ¥7,740,000 (XC90 T5 AWD Momentum)

XC90 T6 AWD
Body Dimensions | Length 4,950 x Width 1,960 x Height 1,775 mm
Wheelbase | 2,985 mm
Ground Clearance | 225 mm
Vehicle Weight | 2,080 kg
Tread | 1,675 mm
Seating Capacity | 7 people
Drivetrain | 4WD
Engine | DOHC Water-Cooled Inline 4-Cylinder Horizontal 16-Valve with Intercooler Turbocharger
Maximum Output | 235 kW (320 PS) / 5,700 rpm
Maximum Torque | 400 Nm (40.8 kgm) / 2,200-5,400 rpm
Transmission | Electronically Controlled 8-Speed Automatic
Fuel Economy (JC08 Mode) | 11.7 km/L
Price | ¥8,790,000 (XC90 T6 AWD R-Design), ¥9,090,000 (XC90 T6 AWD Inscription)

XC90 T8 Twin Engine AWD Inscription
Body Dimensions | Length 4,950 x Width 1,960 x Height 1,775 mm
Engine | DOHC Water-Cooled Inline 4-Cylinder Horizontal 16-Valve with Intercooler Turbocharger
Wheelbase | 2,985 mm
Ground Clearance | 225 mm
Vehicle Weight | 2,320 kg
Tread Front / Rear | 1,675 / 1,680 mm
Seating Capacity | 7 people
Drivetrain | 4WD
Maximum Output (Engine) | 235 kW (320 PS) / 5,700 rpm
Maximum Output (Motor) | 34 kW / 2,500 rpm (Front), 65 kW / 7,000 rpm (Rear)
Maximum Torque (Engine) | 400 Nm (40.8 kgm) / 2,200-5,400 rpm
Maximum Torque (Motor) | 160 Nm / 0-2,500 rpm (Front), 240 Nm / 0-3,000 rpm (Rear)
Maximum Output (Total) | 269 kW (320 PS) (Front), 300 kW (320 PS) (Rear)
Transmission | Electronically Controlled 8-Speed Automatic
Fuel Economy (JC08 Mode) | 15.3 km/L
Price | ¥10,090,000 (XC90 T8 Twin Engine AWD Inscription)