Swedish excellence in motion: test drive of the new Volvo XC90

Saying "I have a Volvo" is not just about status. It's about a kind of smart premium. And when you get the key to the new XC90 in your hands, your expectations go through the roof.

Have the Swedes once again proved that safety and luxury can live in perfect harmony? Let's take a look.

Exterior

At first glance, the Volvo XC90 impresses with its confident calmness, which decisively states: "I am the boss here ". The design of the car is pure Scandinavian minimalism, where there is not a single extra line for the sake of "wow effect". The signature "Hammer of Thor" headlights look boldly at the world, and the updated grille only adds to its solidity. The car looks surprisingly monumental, especially on 20" wheels, and the long wheelbase (2.98 m) promises a lot of space inside.
Interior and comfort

Inside, the atmosphere of the Swedish "lagom" reigns supreme. The materials are impeccable: soft Nappa leather, pleasant to the touch textures, inserts made of natural wood or brushed aluminum. The ergonomics are top-notch, and the branded seats are objectively one of the best in the class, with a lot of adjustments, massage and ventilation. The centerpiece is an updated 11.2" vertical display. Multimedia technology is based on Google services, which works quickly and intuitively. And the Bowers & Wilkins audio system is worth writing a separate article about - the sound is just crystal clear. It is important that this is a full-fledged 7-seater cabin, where the third row is quite comfortable.

Technology and safety

The new Volvo XC90 is packed to the gills with driver assistants. Adaptive cruise control perfectly guides the car along the lane, blind spot monitoring and a 360° camera make maneuvering in the city a child's play. I was also impressed by the Oncoming Lane Mitigation function, which actively intervenes if there is a risk of a head-on collision, helping to avoid the worst.

Dynamics and handling

Our test car was in the top version of the T8 Plug-In Hybrid. The total power of 455 hp (gasoline turbo engine + electric motor) provides impressive, but at the same time very smooth acceleration. At the same time, thanks to the air suspension (optional), the model moves incredibly smoothly, "swallowing" bumps. Noise insulation is top notch. In the city, you can not turn on the internal combustion engine at all: the declared electric range of up to 70 km looks realistic. Fuel consumption in hybrid mode is a fantastic 3-3.5 liters/100 km. If the battery runs out, the 2-liter gasoline unit comes into play. Six driving modes allow you to customize the character of the car for yourself - from quiet Pure to dynamic Power with all-wheel drive.

Bottom line.

Did the Volvo XC90 live up to expectations? Absolutely. It is ideal for large families who value comfort, status, and innovation, but do not strive for excessive sporty aggression. Yes, the price is high, but it is fully justified by the level of equipment and engineering solutions. If you are considering buying a luxury SUV, you should visit a dealership and just try it out. There is a risk that after the test drive, you will look at competitors in a completely different light.

Кирило Бойко