The more I learn about Volvo and its continual quest to move forward the more impressed I find myself regarding the Volvo brand overall. Recently, the Volvo folks introduced the new 2016 Volvo XC90 and with all its new styling and comfort this one is going to be one of the top choices in the SUV market alongside the other seven-passenger options like the Acura MDX, Infiniti QX60, Buick Enclave, Mercedes GL-Class and the BMW X5.
The 2016 Volvo XC90 has a totally new look (it was first introduced in 2003) and all around it has seen some big changes. For 2016, expect a smaller engine meaning good fuel economy coupled with a powerful punch. Keeping the Swedish style and culture in mind, Tisha Johnson, chief designer of interiors for the new XC90, says the design reflects the Scandinavian lifestyle and the term Scandinavian sanctuary was even mentioned. A good point since, after all, these days people spend a lot of time in their vehicles so why shouldn’t it be the best experience possible.
Ms. Johnson says the Swedish folks are “thoughtful before executing” and with that she says this new Volvo was designed in that same way. Highlights to point out include easy-to-use navigation, a seat design that took around seven years to perfect, 32 different combinations for folding the seats, zoned climate control, a very large sunroof and theater seating so everyone gets the same view and with just a simple wave of the foot under the bumper and the tailgate opens too.
On the exterior, there is a larger grille, sleeker headlights and inside leather, wood and even crystal in some cases, making this a luxurious experience reminiscent of that sanctuary the Volvo folks eluded too and, with a great sound system to the tune of Bowers & Wilkins and 19 speakers.
The 2016 Volvo XC90 is a luxury crossover SUV that can carry seven passengers and comes in the base Momentum trim or the Inscription or R-Design trims as well. On the base, you get 19-inch alloy wheels, various drive mode options, fog lights, heated mirrors and front seats, an auto-dim rearview mirror, roof rails, the large sunroof, the hands-free tailgate, rearview camera and parking sensors, leather interior, eight-way power seats, keyless entry and ignition, a 40/20/40-split second-row seat and 50/50-split third-row seat configuration with a reclining option on some seats and a nine-inch display screen with navigation. Technology accessories include Bluetooth phone and audio connect and smartphone integration with audio interfaces.
For the R-Design trim, you get 20-inch alloy wheels, LED adaptive headlights and high-beam automatic with LED running lights, a sportier steering wheel and shift paddles as well as sportier seats and lighted step plates with inside lighting and aluminum cabin accents. The Inscription trim is different from the R-Design only in the wheels and trim with more inside leather upholstery and air conditioned front seats.
There are options you can have on the 2016 XC90 from the Momentum Plus package that offers LED headlights and running lights as well as a gauge cluster display to the Vision package with power-folding auto-dimming side mirrors and a surround-view parking camera with blind-spot monitoring. The Climate package has heated windshield and washer as well as a heated steering wheel and heated second-row seats. There are also stand-alone options that are as varied as 22-inch wheels, a second-row child booster seat and a power control for the third-row seats. All of the extra packaging is priced under $2000.
Going under the hood, the 2016 Volvo is the world’s first twin-engine on a seven seat four-cylinder with the Volvo execs noting “we aim for leadership.” The engine is supercharged and turbocharged with 316 horsepower and 295 pound feet of torque with an eight-speed automatic transmission and AWD.
The XC90 will also come with a T8 powertrain that is a twin-engine plug-in model offering about 60-kilowatt of electric along with the fuel engine so as needed the electric and the plug-in hybrid will have 400 horsepower and it is said to be expected to get 25 miles on electric only with 472 pound-feet of torque. Indeed, it will certainly be the fastest of its kind and the only seven-seater with a plug in feature out there.
Safety is also a consideration on the 2016 Volvo XC90 as on all Volvo’s since the brand stands behind their Vision 20/20 that goes like this “by 2020 no one should be killed or seriously injured” in one of the Volvo cars. Remember too, it was in 2002 that Volvo released the rollover protection and in 1959 this was the brand that introduced the three-point safety belt development. On this 2016 Volvo, you get imminent frontal collision detection with automatic braking as well as a feature that allows for the brakes to be applied automatically when the driver turns in front of an oncoming car and tightened seatbelts as needed called the Run-off Road Protection. Standard safety features include antilock brakes, stability and traction control, front-seat side-impact and full-length side curtain airbags and anti-whiplash front seats. There also are the standard items, like a rearview camera, and options include the surround-view camera, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and the lane-departure warning.
The interior is nothing short of beautiful; elegant and classy combined with the folks at Volvo who have indeed found a way to take a step forward in the next generation of their cars. You can expect high-quality material used with just the right touches of cabin ambiance and real wood as well as thought out placement of the needed buttons and dials.
There is also plenty of room inside for the driver and passengers, legroom on the second row, while the third row is not for long trips and is best served for children. There is also plenty of cargo space with 15.8 cubic feet behind the third row and when really needed for hauling you can get up to 85.7 cubic feet.
Indeed, all signs point to success for the 2016 Volvo XC90 since its good on the eye and good behind the wheel, taking the road with comfort and a confidence that will entice any new car buyer.
Should You Need to Know: When the First Edition 2016 Volvo XC90 went on sale late last year, online only there were 1,927 of these being sold and the car sold out in 47 hours with 568 sold in the United States. Another interesting point, the name Volvo in Latin translates to “I roll.”
Miles Per Gallon: The plug-in hybrid is being touted to offer 25 miles using the electric feature only.
Cost: The pricing for the 2016 Volvo XC90 includes $48,900 for the Momentum, $52,900 for the R-Design and $54,500 for the Inscription not including package extras.
For more auto tips and information, follow Rita @RitaCook13.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.