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IMPRESSION
August 31, 2021
Embark on a Long Drive in Volvo's Flagship SUV, the "XC-90" | VOLVO
Its Forte: Long-Distance Trips
The XC-90, having started its journey from Tokyo, heads towards Sendai in the Tohoku region. As the driver is free to choose the stops along the way, I first set the navigation to Lake Inawashiro in Fukushima Prefecture. The large display in the center of the dashboard, named SENSUS, can be operated by swiping left and right for various settings. Once accustomed to it, it's easy to use, and its vertical orientation makes the route and destination clear on the navigation screen.
On the Tohoku Expressway, I used "Pilot Assist," activated by a button on the left side of the steering column, for almost the entire journey. When the steering wheel icon lights up green in the speedometer, it indicates that the Level 2 semi-autonomous driving system is active, providing effortless follow-up driving. During operation, the system maintains a consistent distance from the vehicle ahead and keeps the car within its lane, giving the driver a sense of security and allowing them to entrust the driving to it.
While cruising, the cylinder deactivation system should be engaged, switching to a two-cylinder operation, but there's no indication of this. The car maintains a steady speed of 100 km/h at around 1,500 rpm. I recalled that after the minor model change, Volvo's top speed was limited to 180 km/h and that the Care Key, allowing the setting of a desired maximum speed, was introduced. Continuing on, I exited the expressway at Shirakawa IC and headed towards Inawashiro on Route 294.
I love the scenery here, with rice paddies spread out like stairs on the gentle slopes extending from the mountains, characteristic of the Tohoku region. I turned off onto a farm road to photograph the XC-90's imposing presence. The ability to confidently navigate these narrow roads is thanks to the well-defined, boxy body and the advanced system that provides a panoramic view. Although I was a bit hesitant to drive on the uneven road with the 22-inch wide tires, the electronically controlled air suspension, which allows for ride height adjustment by selecting "Off Road" mode, and the AWD system provided peace of mind.
There was a section of winding roads, so I switched the mode to "Dynamic." The steering became more responsive, and the accelerator reacted more eagerly, allowing for sporty driving even in this large vehicle. After exiting the mountain pass, I spotted a truck loading felled cedar logs onto its bed. I pulled over to take a photo alongside it. Arriving at the majestic Lake Inawashiro, I took photos with Mount Bandai, with its distinctive shape, in the background.
Merging onto the Tohoku Expressway from the Ban'etsu Expressway, I stopped at Kunimi SA, about 50 km from Sendai. Checking the meter, I had driven 350 km, and the fuel economy displayed was 10.9 km/L. Despite consuming a considerable amount of premium gasoline on the winding roads, I was impressed that it maintained a figure exceeding the WLTC mode fuel economy of 10.5 km/L. Furthermore, with a remaining range of 420 km, more than half the distance still available, the XC-90's long-range potential is quite remarkable. With its refined exterior and elegant interior 3-row seating, embarking on a long trip with passengers and luggage is undoubtedly the XC-90's forte.
