The updated XC90 is available with six seats, has new wheels, a modern new grille and some different colour options. Stunning and extremely luxurious with an almost buttonless, tablet-like touch screen control console.
by RUBIN VAN NIEKERK
A marvellous Bowers & Wilkens audio system is considered one of the best available for cars. The subwoofer is in the right rear wheel well and integrated in the car, so that the passenger compartment is used as a resonance chamber with incredible acoustics. You have the choice of three audio settings to suit your needs. Classical music lovers would love the Gothenburg Cathedral setting.
The XC90 has remained one of the front-runners of SUV safety since 2002 when Volvo’s pioneering safety technology went beyond protecting those inside the car only. Automatic emergency braking was introduced in 2008, but all Volvos have been fitted with this life-saving technology since 2014. A long list of safety features include Adaptive Cruise Control, Distance Alert, Lane Keeping Aid, Run-Off Road Mitigation/Protection and City Safety with Autobrake which recognises pedestrians, cyclists and large animals.
A range of 2,0-litre engines are coupled to 8-speed automatic transmissions. The D5 Geartronic AWD delivers 173kW at 4000rpm and 480Nm of torque at 1750 to 2250rpm, while the T5 AWD is equipped with a 187kW high-pressure turbo petrol engine, that delivers 350Nm of torque at 1500 to 4 800rpm. A supercharged and turbocharged petrol engine powers the T6 with 235kW of power and 400Nm of torque.
The flagship T8 has 300kW and 640Nm of torque coming from a petrol engine and electric motor. Fuel consumption can be as low as 2,1 litres per 100 km with emissions a low 49g/km.
A funky R-Design version features a sporty makeover with Drive Mode Settings and Adjustable Steering Force as standard, which allow you to choose between different settings for the engine, transmission, steering and the optional air suspension.
Volvo On Call, an innovative app-based service that helps motorists to communicate with their cars is standard and facilitates a multitude of tasks that drivers can do on their smart phones or desktop. This means you can access many convenient services, from it telling you about the best coffee spots in town, to driving you to your appointments. Indeed, this ultimate personal assistant can do just about everything for you, including taking care of you in the case of an accident by automatically contacting the emergency services to tell them where you are.
An in-car WiFi hotspot can be accessed by everyone in your car, with a strong enough signal to stream music and films without having to worry about buffering. This also saves the batteries of mobile devices. Losing a car in a huge parking lot will never happen again, as the app shows you the location of your car on a high-definition map, with directions how to reach it.
Volvo On Call is entirely free of charge for five years. Thereafter, it can be extended for a fee.
Pricing ranges from R1 029 266 to R 1 668 500 and includes a 5-year/100 000km Maintenance Plan and DataDot application.
