2015 Volvo XC90 Launch Review: Volvo Lands A Hit In The Luxury SUV Market
The skinny: After a long wait, Volvo finally has a new XC90 SUV ready to go into battle against established premium players. With a high quality interior, reimagined infotainment, and bluff new styling, the new XC90 marks a revitalised Volvo.
Vehicle Style: Large Luxury SUV
Price: $89,950 to $122,950 (plus on-roads)
Engine/trans:
- 165kW/470Nm 2.0 litre turbo diesel 4cyl | 8sp automatic
- 235kW/400Nm 2.0 litre turbo and supercharged petrol 4cyl | 8sp automatic
- 235kW/400Nm 2.0 litre turbo and supercharged petrol 4cyl + 65kW/240Nm electric motor | 8sp automatic
Fuel Economy:
- T6 claimed: 8.5 l/100km | tested: 13.5 l/100km
- D5 claimed: 6.2 l/100km | tested: 8.9 l/100km
- T8 claimed: 2.1 l/100km | tested: not available
OVERVIEW
You may not pick it at first sight, but the new Volvo XC90 signals the start of a whole new chapter for Volvo.
Many of the brand hallmarks are there: the square-set grille, full height tail-lights , and a suite of safety gear.
What you don’t see is an entirely new platform, one that will find its way under every car in the Volvo range in just a few short years.
Established luxury manufacturers are firmly within the XC90s sights. Where the previous generation straddled segments somewhat, this one is aimed squarely into premium large SUV territory.
With innovation as a headline act, and a luxury interior, the new XC90 deserves the attention of buyers.
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