The first variant of the 2016 Volvo XC90 midsize SUV featuring the T6 gasoline engine made it to the auto retail markets in June this year which was followed by the rollout of the R-Design model this month.
The high-end T8 ‘Twin Engine’ plug-in hybrid model will arrive in the next few weeks with an expected retail price of $69,100. Subsequently, the sportier R-Design T8 variant will also arrive a few months down the road and is expected to have a retail price of not less than $71,000, notes The Car Connection.
The 2016 Volvo XC90 prides itself with its distinctive Scandinavian design, cutting-edge technology, and highly fanatical focus on safety.
The SUV, however, is very modest in its exterior design but still has that quiet elegance to go with its superb ergonomics and great handling and maneuverability. The luxury of the 2016 Volvo XC90 is in its interior with its high-quality materials and thoughtfully-designed infotainment system, which is regarded as one of the more intuitive and easy to use among many complex systems currently being offered in other high-end vehicles.
The 2016 XC90 is a seven-seat luxury SUV that offers a refreshing contrast to the functional and severe Teutonic interpretation of luxury being offered by luxury carmakers Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz.
Top rankings
US News actually gives three Top 1 rankings to the 2016 Volvo XC90 based on reliability and safety, which was also culled from published reviews and test drive experiences of the SUV recently.
It is ranked first among 18 luxury midsize SUVs, first in luxury SUVs with three rows, and first in luxury crossover SUVs.
The 2016 XC90 is the Swedish carmaker’s take on its traditional values of conscientious design and solid durability and because of these attributes, the vehicle is likely to lure luxury vehicle consumers who are growing tired of proliferating German luxury utility vehicles in every size, shape, and segment.
The SUV has one of the most upscale and comfortable interiors in its class which make up for a composed ride. Merely looking at its exterior, the 2016 XC90 is instantly recognizable as a Volvo, but crisper and more fluid than its predecessor.
As one Volvo described the SUV during its launch early this year, the 2016 XC90 is a car for people who do not look for a brand that defines them. Though it is capable of seating seven people comfortably, it does not look as large. It also does not telegraph its prestige.
A widely-lauded interior design
Aside from a stylish and quiet cabin, the interior design of the 2016 Volvo XC90 is widely lauded. It has a pleasant feel because of its real wood trim and premium leather that distinguish it from its German competitors.
Getting into the cabin, one automatically gets a scent of leather. The seats are superbly comfortable and the interior shapes in stitched leather, textured metal, and matte wood are layered to suggest Scandinavian furniture.
The 2016 XC90 comes with standard cabin features including a 10-speaker stereo, a nine-inch touchscreen display, automatic emergency braking assist, lane departure warning, push-button start, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, iPhone integration, a USB port, a rearview camera, rear parking sensors, a Sensus infotainment system, satellite radio, quad-zone climate control, and a panoramic sunroof. These features combine convenience and ensure the safety of its passengers and driver.
According to a car reviewer, the 2016 Volvo XC90 is more desirable on a total level than its competitors on both ends of the price spectrum.
The SUV accordingly has the combination of fun-but-laid-back driving style, impeccable interior decoration and quirky looks that really set it apart from lux seven-seaters from all corners and should suit a wide variety of in-segment consumers.
The 2016 Volvo XC90 really is a worthy successor to the name. It has markedly advanced the brand’s design by introducing new technology to the industry. Because it drives and performs well, it also comes at the most opportune time for the brand.