The Volvo XC90 is one of those offerings that combine luxury, Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) practicality, and the legendary Volvo safety in one svelte package. And now, it can add most awarded to its list of accolades.
The second generation XC90, which was introduced just a couple of years back, has already garnered around 118 trophies in various countries and categories. Motoring journalists, car enthusiasts, and experts have all sung praises for the large SUV. It has won Car of the Year, Overall Best in Class, and Best Luxury SUV, just to name a few. But what makes the Volvo XC90 so special? Could it be its design, with those Thor Hammer LED headlights flanking a new front grille with the Volvo Iron Mark? Or the side profile that is both sleek and sophisticated?
Inside, the theme continues with a new Sensus infotainment system that not only keeps the driver and passengers connected and entertained but does so in the simplest manner possible. Volvo has even cut down the number of controls from 42 to eight. One can manipulate vehicle functions, in-car entertainment, and the like without feeling overwhelmed.
The award-winning nature can also stem from what lies underneath that stylish sheetmetal. The range of Drive E gasoline and diesel motors gives both power and fuel economy while the top-spec T8 Twin Engine combines a gas motor with an electric lump. This gives a total system output of 410hp while still allowing for an electric drive range of roughly 45kms. All this rides on the new Scalable Product Architecture (SPA), the very first modular chassis from Volvo that will underpin all new models hereafter. Of course, nothing beats the trademark Volvo safety.
Park Assist Pilot offers automatic reversing into a parking bay as well as entering and exiting a parallel parking spot.
Apart from the usual standard fare, the new XC90 ups the ante with Large Animal Detection, a system that can spot and avoid such wildlife as Moose, as well as auto-steer function to help you steer yourself out of harm’s way. But whatever it is, all we know is the Volvo XC90 is one fine SUV.
