Volvo XC90 2015 Review

Not just a new phase in the story of Volvo's large, seven-seat SUV nameplate, the new XC90 introduces a new chapter in the brand's future too. The XC90 will be the standard bearer for Volvo's new corporate look – including a revised logo – and it will bring a selection of highly efficient new drivetrains to the Volvo range in Australia, among them a practical plug-in hybrid variant that can continue to seat seven and still tow.

A local launch date around August of this year places Volvo's new XC90 at the leading edge of a wave of new luxury SUVs from well-known prestige brands.

Volvo plans to introduce its sequel to the highly-regarded XC90 in a range of four-cylinder models starting with D5 (diesel) and T6 (petrol) variants, followed later in the year by a T8 (petrol-hybrid) variant featuring a clever mix of conventional transverse engine driving the front wheels, and an electric motor driving the rear.

But this vehicle tested, the XC90 D5 Inscription, is a straight-forward SUV of the kind we've come to know. With a transverse four-cylinder engine driving through an Aisin-Warner eight-speed automatic transmission to all four wheels, the D5 is likely to be the volume-selling drivetrain variant in the range.

The particular car tested initially at the new model's global launch in Spain was the entry-level model, which still comes with four-zone climate control, reversing camera, electrically-adjustable driver's seat with memory, leather upholstery, power tailgate, Sensus infotainment system and satellite navigation, to name just a few features.

All the cars provided by Volvo for the media drive program came with the optional air suspension set-up. While the XC90 tested rode acceptably, it was unsettled over sudden impacts at lower speeds. Volvo makes no secret of the fact it's targeting a different buyer type with the new XC90, a buyer who perhaps finds the dynamic traits of BMW's X5 are not for him or her.

Against the X5, I found the Volvo's steering was less involving and the XC90 required some monitoring to keep on track at open-road speeds. Roadholding was in the right ball park for this segment of the market, but the XC90 was slow to turn into a corner. With the application of power the big Volvo changed its attitude further still, pushing out to the side of the road.

It was that application of power that endeared the XC90. The 2.0-litre diesel – with dual turbochargers – performs strongly and delivers immediate torque. While it's noisier than some competitors, its noise suppression improves with speed. At Spain's 120km/h open-road limit the engine's presence is vaguely felt as an undertone of subliminal vibration; only under load, and more so at lower speeds, is the diesel a little clattery.

Fuel consumption struggled to get below 10.0L/100km on a mix of freeway and around-town driving, according to the car's trip computer. In combination with the smooth and capable eight-speed Aisin transmission, the XC90 D5 provides a quiet, serene driving experience, even cranking over when the idle stop-start facility determines it's time to get on the move again.

A brief drive in the XC90 T8 – Volvo's plug-in hybrid variant, priced at $122,950 – revealed that the 640Nm (combined petrol and electric output) livened things up when performance was called for, but the car managed to stay below 9.0L/100km despite 120km/h freeway motoring and some low-speed urban running about. I'm reluctant to mention this, given the T8 model was a pre-production car, but while the engine is almost imperceptible at speeds above 100km/h, it made its presence felt by some gentle surging as it kicked in, coupled with the torque already supplied by the electric motor.

Tellingly, the XC90, which will be exclusively seven-seat variants for Australia, delivers the goods where packaging is concerned. Volvo has gone to quite extraordinary lengths developing its interior for the XC90, with items designed to surprise and delight the first time passenger. Even at the entry level the XC90 features comfortable, leather-upholstered seats complemented by different wood and metal decorative trim materials, a multi-spoke steering wheel with piano-black gloss bezels for the switches, the Sensus Connect infotainment screen (which is a touchscreen you don't have to touch, per se), a 'diamond-cut' starter knob you turn, and an Orrefors crystal gear shift lever.

The Sensus infotainment system is simple to use and is canted towards the driver. In right-hand drive form too, we're told, the touchscreen will be reversed to face the driver for our market also. During the drive program we were able to check how the vehicle was faring (there's a driver performance function to determine whether the driver is gentle of fuel use) while keeping on the route by means of voice prompts and three separate sat-nav guide outputs – graphically in the head-up display, in the base of the instrument binnacle and, as a text in the Sensus screen. The touchscreen senses the proximity of the user's finger when it breaks a beam of light, so you don't need to touch the screen, although making that adjustment takes time, and the Sensus screen was bearing a few finger prints by the end of the run.

Far and away it's the knick-knacks that will win the hearts and minds of buyers for the new XC90, but the sheer size and practicality of the XC90 – as a box on wheels – will also be attractive. With under-floor storage in the boot also combined, the Volvo promises 314 litres of carrying capacity with all seven seats raised for passenger occupancy. That figure is as measured from the lowest point to the top of the seats. Lower the second and third row and the capacity increases to almost 1.9 cubic metres when measured from the lowest point to the headlining.

The XC90 offers Audi-style seat adjustment by a rotary knob at the leading edge of the seat. It displays through the Sensus screen to make adjustments, but lacks the breath-taking number of seat adjustments available through Audi's system. However, that makes the Volvo fundamentally easier to operate when it comes to setting up the driver's seat to suit individual drivers. The driving position is fine for quick adjustment and clear view of instruments – all within easy reach of the controls. That, of course, is in left-hand drive Spain, but we're confident that most of the Volvo's ergonomic credentials will carry across to Australia.

The XC90 has a moderately high hip point, making access easy for people of any stature and physical state. Access to the adult-accommodating third row is by a single hand-pull on the seat. Volvo's famous integrated child booster seat elevates out of the central position in the second row, and all seats in the second and third rows fold flat for loading larger objects from the rear.

The Volvo drive program is on-going, and we'll bring you further information concerning the other variants for Australia as they become available for testing.

Also consider:
>> BMW X5 xDrive 30d (from $100,900 plus ORCs)
>> Mercedes GLE (price TBA)
>> Audi Q7 (price TBA)