Photo: Catalin Garmacea
At first, the 2016 Volvo XC90 we reviewed might seem like a bit of a paradox. On one hand, this is the Swedish carmaker’s all-new flagship, and it’s been reinvented, from the platform to its tablet-like infotainment system. On the other hand, there’s more than one part of it that feels largely similar to the original XC90, with examples including the rear end styling and the dashboard proportions.
Well, the trick is simple - Volvo may have pulled a long list of modern moves, but the company’s philosophy has remained the same. But let’s go though the fresh bits first.
The all-new architecture, which will underpin all future Volvo models, brings plenty of benefits. First of all, when it comes to interior space, you can forget all about the Audi Q7, or BMW X5, this Volvo is Mercedes-Benz GL (future GLS)-sized.
The central piece of the dashboard is the tablet-like infotainment display. This managed to split opinions in our office, but we all agreed on one thing. It is the most modern system in the industry today.
It works better than Tesla’s system and while that used a pair of iPads, the one in the Volvo feels closer to the Android operating system.
Then again, this is the only driving style that allows the XC90 to make sense. From the overwhelming safety warnings to the feel you get behind the wheel, this car can only be handled in a serene manner.
Do that and it will reward you with plenty of peace for you and your family. On the other hand, this makes the 2016 XC90 much more of a niche product than many might believe. We’ll discuss the details of Volvo’s approach in our 2016 Volvo XC90 review, where we take the car from the city to the open road and off the asphalt.
The all-new architecture, which will underpin all future Volvo models, brings plenty of benefits. First of all, when it comes to interior space, you can forget all about the Audi Q7, or BMW X5, this Volvo is Mercedes-Benz GL (future GLS)-sized.
The cabin
For one thing, this is the only seven-seater SUV we’ve tested that allows adults to travel decently in the third row. Then there’s the boot, which is simply humongous. Even with all seven seats up, it’s still larger than what you used to get in a C30, for instance.The central piece of the dashboard is the tablet-like infotainment display. This managed to split opinions in our office, but we all agreed on one thing. It is the most modern system in the industry today.
It works better than Tesla’s system and while that used a pair of iPads, the one in the Volvo feels closer to the Android operating system.
The technical side
Under the bonnet, the car is just as revolutionary, with Volvo having decided its two-tonne-plus SUV will have to make due with four-cylinder engines only. The strategy has paid out, as you can live with these units, and they do increase efficiency when driven in a moderate manner.Then again, this is the only driving style that allows the XC90 to make sense. From the overwhelming safety warnings to the feel you get behind the wheel, this car can only be handled in a serene manner.
Do that and it will reward you with plenty of peace for you and your family. On the other hand, this makes the 2016 XC90 much more of a niche product than many might believe. We’ll discuss the details of Volvo’s approach in our 2016 Volvo XC90 review, where we take the car from the city to the open road and off the asphalt.
Google News