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August 31, 2021
Embark on a Long Drive in Volvo's Flagship SUV, the "XC-90" | VOLVO
A Nimble Drive That Makes You Wonder, "Is This Really a 2.0-Liter 4-Cylinder?"
Among the XC-90 models, the one provided for this test drive was the "XC-90 B6 AWD R-Design." This sporty grade, previously a limited edition, became a catalog model after the minor change, with its price reduced to just over 10 million yen, at 10,040,000 yen.
The test car, equipped with the standard harman/kardon premium sound audio system, head-up display, and tailored dashboard, also featured optional extras: an electric panoramic sunroof with tilt-up function (¥230,000), metallic paint (¥92,000), electronically controlled rear air suspension/FOUR-C active performance chassis with driving mode selection (¥310,000), and an official drive recorder (¥89,650). The total price for this test vehicle was ¥10,761,650.
The body is finished in a chic bronze color called Pebble Metallic. The 3-row seats, upholstered in perforated Nappa leather, have changed from the sharp, all-black color previously used for R-Design models to a creamy, light color of Blonde-Charcoal/Blonde, resulting in a rather pleasing finish.
The B6 powertrain unit combines a 48V hybrid system with a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder direct-injection turbo gasoline engine with an electric supercharger, producing a maximum output of 220 kW (300 ps) and a maximum torque of 420 Nm. This system is paired with a 10 kW/40 Nm electric motor, driving an electronically controlled AWD system via an 8-speed Geartronic transmission.
The ISGM (Integrated Starter Generator Module) generates electricity through regenerative braking, storing it in a 48V lithium-ion battery. This power is used to start the engine and operate the electric supercharger, which provides excellent response from low RPMs. The effect is immediately noticeable. It allows the large XC-90 body (dimensions: 4,950mm long, 1,960mm wide, 1,775mm high; weight: 2,150kg) to accelerate effortlessly, with the vehicle speed increasing rapidly, making you wonder, "Is this really a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder?"