Like fine wine, the Volvo XC90 is proof that some things just get better with age.
First launched in 2002, the Volvo XC90 is only into its second generation after over two decades, with several facelifts in between. This longevity is a testament to its success in nailing the right formula right from the start.
Singapore’s first seven-seater SUV has been given a facelift, its second since this second generation was introduced in 2015. The B5 mild hybrid and T8 plug-in hybrid variants that are available serve as a clear indication of the Swedish car maker’s transition towards electrification.
Not so much as delaying the inevitable, but perhaps more a case of prolonging the shelf life of what has proven itself to be a very successful ICE product with a nod to where this is all headed.
The most obvious change on the exterior is the new and refreshed face. The vertical fins on the front grille have been replaced by diagonal slats in a weave-like pattern that aligns with the Volvo logo’s oblique line.
The signature Thor hammer headlamps have taken on a sleeker profile and integrate Daytime Running Lights (DRL) and cornering lights for even greater safety. The lights at the rear now have distinctive black surrounds that emphasise the curve around the tailgate while upping the sporty factor.
SWEDISH OASIS
I picked up the test drive unit in the morning of what was going to be an extremely hectic day, but from the moment I got into the cabin, I was overcome by a palpable sense of calm.
Perhaps this can be attributed to the elegantly designed interior that exudes a certain quietness to its execution, the supple Cardamom nappa leather seats, and the brown ash décor. It feels cosy, comfortable and relaxing, like a warm hug. And then it strikes me – this exemplifies the Swedish concept of Lagom, where everything is in perfect balance.
It isn’t just an intangible feeling though. The XC90 interior also checks all the practical criteria. Extra storage is always welcomed and the centre console now boasts a bigger capacity, with an additional cup holder in between the two regular ones that is good for a slim can of drink.
The wireless charging pad is right up against the central tunnel to free up space in the centre console and it has been thoughtfully angled forward, which makes it feel more secure whether it is for placing your phone or other loose items.
A panoramic roof that extends across the first two rows makes the spacious cabin feel even more capacious. The rear half of the glass is fixed, but the front half can be opened when you want the wind in your hair.
One feature that I absolutely appreciate is the built-in booster seat in the middle of the second row, which harks back to the world’s first that Volvo invented in 1990.
The last car that I test drove which had this feature was the Volkswagen Sharan back when my daughter still needed a booster seat. I recall how convenient and useful it was with one less loose item to lug around in the car, not to mention how much my daughter enjoyed sitting in it.
There is ample room in the second row. Access to the third row is a pretty standard affair- by tugging a lever beside the second-row seat, which allows it to tilt and slide forwards. The sliding does require some brute strength as it refused to budge, and I had to get help.
A certain level of mobility is required to get into the third row as it involves some bending, but I would say that the headroom and knee room are reasonably comfortable on short commutes within Singapore for people up to say, 1.7m tall.
I would not recommend it for longer road trips in Malaysia, even with creature comforts such as the air-conditioner vents, cupholders and storage cubbies.
The boot capacity is a huge plus. Unlike most seven seaters where the last row of seats is practically right up against the tailgate, the XC90 has 302 litres of space with all three rows of seats intact. With the third row folded, this increases to 708 litres. You get 1194 litres with the second and third rows folded, and I managed to load two mountain bicycles laid flat, stacked on top of each other. Who needs a bicycle rack when you can have the XC90?
SWEDE PROGRESS
A sense of well-being accompanies every journey and I can only imagine this must be how a baby nestled in its cradle feels like. Apart from the aesthetics, I attribute this to the comfortable ride and quiet cabin.
Air suspension is standard in the T8 plug-in hybrid and an option in the B5 mild hybrid, but even without, the improved suspension with Frequency Selective Damping (FSD) technology sufficiently adapts to road conditions, soaking up every small bump and big hump to achieve a stable ride.
Thanks to the use of laminated glass, acoustic foam and sound absorbent materials that mitigate the engine, wind and road noises, the only sounds you hear are those coming from the Harman Kardon sound system. Granted that some external interferences still come through, but in a way that makes them feel distant, which has a somewhat cocooning effect.
While you don’t usually judge a family SUV by its performance or prioritise its handling, the XC90 had me impressed. It may look gargantuan from the outside, but its manoeuvrabilty behind the wheel is remarkable. It does not require extra effort to stay within the lane markings and parking is a breeze, especially with the 360 cameras.
Despite its fairly modest 1969cc, 4-cylinder engine, it does not make its 201 kg heft felt, be it moving off from the lights or when overtaking. There is no sluggishness or feeling of inertia, but I did detect some hesitation from the eight-speed gearbox whenever I was slightly enthusiastic with the throttle.
The facelift comes with a larger 11.2-inch touchscreen infotainment with enhanced resolution. In classic Volvo fashion, this adopts a portrait orientation instead of the usual landscape format in most other cars. Not a big deal, especially since the interface would be familiar to anyone who is used to androids, tablets and Google.
The Volvo brand has always been synonymous with safety, having pioneered the three-point safety belt and the rearward-facing child seat. The XC90 is equipped with a suite of passive and active safety features to protect occupants and other road users, including helping you stay in lane and avoid collisions.
They cannot, however, save you from the never-ending slew of questions from your preschooler, but perhaps the Ask Google function can come to your aid.
Fuel efficiency wise, I managed 8.2km/L, which is lower than the published consumption of 10.9km/L. I had expected the real-world figure to be closer to what is on paper, considering the mild hybrid system, which should improve efficiency. That said, it is a big car with a modestly sized, turbocharged engine, so I think we can cut it some slack here.
This family hauler more than fulfils its brief as a seven-seater flagship. It also looks good and feels good while doing it. If there is one car that can go the distance, the XC90 is definitely it.
Volvo XC90 B5 2.0 (A)
ENGINE 1969cc, 16-valves, inline-4, turbocharged, 48-volt mild hybrid
MAX POWER 249hp at 5400-5700rpm
MAX TORQUE 360Nm at 2200-4500rpm
POWER TO WEIGHT 124hp per tonne
GEARBOX 8-speed automatic
0-100KM/H 7.7 seconds
TOP SPEED 180km/h
CONSUMPTION 10.9km/L
PRICE INCL. COE From $418,000
AGENT Wearnes Automotive
