The new Volvo XC90 débuts in India, with prices pegged at INR 64.9 lakh* for the Momentum variant, and INR 77.9 lakh* for the slightly better equipped, Inscription variant. Pre-ordering commences today, but deliveries would only begin in September 2015. [*ex-showroom Mumbai; pre-octroi].
The all-new Volvo XC90 has been the Swedish manufacturer’s most laudable efforts off late. It is also the most luxurious and technologically rich Volvo till date, apart from being the safest. Based on Volvo’s new Scalable Product Architecture (SPA), the XC90 is the first of a new generation of models. The XC90 project cost Volvo $ 11 Billion, with plans to produce 55,000 cars this year, and 90,000 the next year.
The XC90 also ushers in a new design language for the brand, which was previewed by the Volvo Concept Coupe in September 2013. The most notable element in the design has to be the T-shaped “Thor’s Hammer” DRL lights in the headlamps, which highlight the bold new front fascia. The rest of the design adds a hint of boxiness, a visual throwback to the box-like Volvos of the past.
In India the Volvo XC90 will be available with a 1969 cc, 4-cylinder, petrol engine, which produces 225 HP and 470 Nm of torque. Power is sent to all the four wheels using a 8-speed automatic transmission, while top speed is limited to 230 km/h. The Volvo XC90’s all-new front suspension incorporates a double wishbone design, while the ultra-compact multi-link rear suspension incorporates a transverse composite leaf spring. However, for India, the XC90 will be only available with an air suspension, which loses the rear leaf spring.
The interiors are all about minimalism, elegance and cutting clutter. Believe us, because, amongst other things, the XC90’s interior has just 8 buttons and features the world’s first air ventilated sub-woofer, all of 1400 Watts, and giving company to 19 speakers, driven by a Bowers & Wilkins head unit. That apart, there’s sumptuous usage of leather and wood, and a tablet-like touch-screen console, which is a window to ‘Sensus’, a virtually button-free system to control the car’s functionalities and access a range of Internet based services and products.
Over the Momentum variant, the Inscription variant gains ventilated Nappa leather upholstery, heated front & rear seats, leather clad key remote control, power folding rear headrests and a graphical heads up display. The Inspiration also adds Linear Walnut decor inlays over the Momentum’s Dark Flame Birch decor inlays, leather upgrade on dashboard, as well as front and rear door pads, apart from illuminated sill mouldings. Black, Blue, White and Luminous Tan are the four exterior colourations.
On the outside, the Inscription variant can be visually differentiated by the silver roof rails on black foot, dual integrated tail pipes and 20″ 10-spoke Silver Diamond Cut alloy wheels, while the Momentum has to do with 19″ 10-spoke Turbine silver alloy wheels.
Safety is a Volvo trait, and the new XC90 raises the bar even more. A bewildering array of safety and support systems ensure bunker-like safety, so much so that, by 2020 Volvo promises that people in their cars wont die. Construction is of ultra-high strength boron steel, and thanks to SPA, the safety cage is made of 33 per cent of this extremely strong material. Best of all, this strengthening adds nothing to the car’s weight.
Safety includes two-stage air-bags, SIPS air-bags & inflatable curtains, whiplash protection, ABS and more, while support systems include All-Wheel Drive, Hill Start Assist, Vehicle Auto Hold and Hill Descent Control for difficult roads and poor weather conditions, apart from Tire Pressure Monitoring, HUD and all around Park Assist.
Stay tuned for an even more detailed press release and more technical specifications and images. Till then, savour the gallery below:
