A month ago, I prefaced a swooning review of the 2015 Volvo V6 wagon with a mention of Volvo’s unfortunate inability to make major headway in the U.S. luxury car market.
After an introduction last week to the 2016 Volvo XC90, I’d say the company could experience a big turnaround in the near future. Volvo is revitalizing itself worldwide and the excellent new XC90 represents the direction the company is taking. Many more new Volvo models are on the horizon.
The XC90 wagon isn’t just redesigned for 2016, it’s a wholly different car from the ground up. Built on a new platform (Volvo’s Scalable Product Architecture or SPA), it has a passenger cabin spacious enough to provide roomy seating for up to seven people. The third-row seats aren’t miniature versions of the real thing, they’re as wide as the second-row seats.
Infotainment, comfort, safety and driver-assist upgrades are over the top, including a 9-inch, tablet-like touchscreen, ergonomic seats, and expanded semi-autonomous travel ability. Two world-first features are standard equipment on all models: a run-off road protection system, and auto brake at intersections.
Run-off road can automatically “rescue” the car if it veers off the road. Picture something like the scene in “National Lampoon’s Vacation” when Clark Griswold falls asleep at the wheel and the car goes careening. Volvo’s run-off road protection system would intervene.
Imagine two cars about to collide at an intersection because one driver is making a left turn in front of another and the timing is all wrong. Volvo’s auto brake at intersection system would intervene. The system includes pedestrian and cyclist detection, too.
With the innovative and upscale level of interior design and materials used on the new XC90 (there’s even an Orrefors crystal shift knob if you’d like one), Volvo is throwing down the gauntlet to its competitors, the Audi Q7, BMW X5, Mercedes-Benz ML Class, Acura MDX, and Infiniti QX60.
There are two versions of the new XC90, distinguished by their powertrains: the all-wheel-drive T6, with a 316-horsepower turbocharged and supercharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine joined to an eight-speed automatic transmission; and the T8, with a plug-in hybrid system producing 400 horsepower and 472 lb-ft of torque. It’s able to run on gas or electric alone, or simultaneously, using electric rear drive. The T8 is the first seven-seat plug-in hybrid car in the world.
Fuel economy ratings are 20 mpg city and 25 mpg highway for the T6. The T8’s preliminary rating for city driving is 59 mpg. Premium fuel is recommended for both.
Both models are available in three trim levels. Here they are, along with pricing that includes a $995 destination charge:
Momentum: T6, $49,895; T8, $69,095
Inscription: T6, $55,495; T8, $72,595
R-Design: T6, $53,895; T8, $70,995.
T6 versions of the 2016 Volvo XC90 are scheduled to arrive at dealerships in July. Look for T8 and R-Design models starting in October.
This is an overview of the 2016 Volvo XC90 based on an introductory event held by the manufacturer. Although the vehicle was driven during the event, automotive reviews that include driving impressions and other opinions appear only after a vehicle has been given the standard weeklong test-drive.
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