The Volvo XC90 is built with a stunning design, spacious and comfortable interior and if you take a test drive you will certainly be mesmerized by the smooth and quiet ride.
Volvo is undoubtedly the safest car brand in the world and this has steadily grown in attracting the local market.
Stepping into the cabin of the XC90, you are welcomed by a masterclass design that is not only comfy but also a tech-rich haven.
The handling of this car is quite exceptional and solid appealing to customers who understands cars perhaps on their third or fourth time purchasing cars. It has direct competition with the Audi Q7, Mercedes Benz GLE, Lexus RX 500h and the Land Rover Discovery.
The Volvo XC90 has undergone two generations of production since making its debut in 2002. Numerous facelifts and improvements have been made to it building on its evolutionary lineage.
The 2018 Volvo XC90 comes with three engine options; a 2.0 L Turbocharged inline four Petrol producing 254 horsepower and 350lb-ft of torque, a 2.0 L Turbocharged four-cylinder with supercharging churning out 316 horsepower and 295lb-ft of torque, and a 2.0 L Turbocharged & Supercharged inline-four with an electric motor (plug-in Hybrid) producing a combined output of 400 horsepower and 472lb-ft of torque. These powertrains are linked to an 8-speed automatic transmission. The fuel consumption ranges between 11.7 km/l and 11.4 km/l but the Plug-in Hybrid engine jumps to 30 km/l on average.
2018 Volvo XC90 grades
Volvo XC90 Momentum- It comes with 19-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights & daytime running lights, Apple Car Play & Android Auto, a 10-speaker audio system, leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats with memory, dual-zone climate control, and a power liftgate.
Volvo XC90 R Design- This grade has 20-inch alloy wheels, paddle shifters, Apple Car Play & Android Auto, a blind spot monitor, lane departure warning, Aluminum mesh interior inlays, Nappa leather upholstery, and a digital instrument cluster.
Volvo XC90 Inscription- It boasts of a chrome exterior accents, 20-inch alloy wheels, Linear walnut interior inlays, four-zone automatic climate control, illuminated scuff plates, interior ambient lighting, Apple Car Play & Android Auto, lane departure warning, and parking sensors.
Volvo XC90 Excellence- This grade is fitted with 21-inch alloy wheels, heated & ventilated seats, leather upholstery & suede interior materials, Premium Bowers & Wilkins sound system, blind spot monitor, autonomous emergency braking, parking sensors, and four-zone climate control.
These different grades afford you the chance to select the right specifications that matches your personal taste and lifestyle.
Legroom and space
The 2018 Volvo XC90 features a well-appointed interior furnished with Scandinavian elements. The dashboard is ergonomically designed and it is fitted with a nine inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports Apple Car Play & Android Auto for seamless connectivity. The heated and ventilated seats are dressed in Nappa leather upholstery for a luxurious outlook. Ambient interior lighting with customisable colors accords the cabin with a serene atmosphere.
Boot space
The 2018 Volvo XC90 has 316 liters of space when all seven seats are in place. Folding the rear seats, 967 liters of space is created. 1,868 liters of space are available when the second and third-row seats have been retracted. This creates great convenience to whatever space one may require at a different commute and journey. However, l must hasten to say this is not the right car to carry some goats after visiting your village because the brand naturally has a low resale value.
Exterior
The 2018 Volvo XC90 is a masterclass when it comes to exterior design. The time, precision, and commitment used in manufacturing the XC90 are worth it. Up front sits a chrome-accented grille adorned with the prominent Volvo iron mark emblem stamping its authority wherever it traverses. Flanking the grille are the iconic Thor’s Hammer LED headlights and daytime running lights for a contemporary flair.18 Volvo XC90
Subtle character lines on the side profile enhance the dynamism of the XC90 for improved performance and fuel efficiency. The 20-inch alloy wheels add a distinctive look to this SUV. The power mirrors are integrated with an auto-dimming function for more allure. The L-shaped LED taillights match the headlights for a cohesive look. A roof spoiler is present adding an athletic touch to the XC90. The power liftgate also bears the Volvo logo and the exhaust outlet is neatly integrated into the rear bumper maintaining a clean and uncluttered appearance.
Safety features
The 2018 Volvo XC90 encompasses a city safety collision avoidance technology, pilot assist with adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitor with a rear-cross traffic alert, run-off mitigation, lane departure warning, road sign recognition, driver alert control, multiple airbags, park assist pilot, 360-degree surround view camera, Head-up display, rear collision warning, and a blind spot monitor. The Volvo brand has consistently proven itself in safety testing, been a leader in safety innovations for decades, mainly focused on accident prevention through features and handling.
Stability and handling
The 2018 Volvo XC90 sits on a solid unibody construction translating to its rigidity and agility. The finely tuned suspension system effectively absorbs road imperfections and minimizes body rolls which connects with its brand philosophy of prioritizing safety. The steering wheel is light and responsive. The driver has excellent visibility and command of the oncoming traffic.
The Volvo XC90 comes either as a front-wheel drive (FWD) or an all-wheel drive (AWD). The AWD configuration is ideal when driving on uneven surfaces because power from the engine is equally distributed to all the wheels for maximum traction. The brakes are robust and boast a high stopping power. Electronic stability control and traction control are encompassed enhancing the stability and handling of the XC90. Owing to its high ground clearance, the angles of approach and departure are elevated thus its body components cannot be damaged when driving on moderate off-road terrains.
The 2018 Volvo XC90 is a family-friendly SUV that makes a perfect choice for individuals with large households owing to its spacious and practical interior. Luxury elements are not only displayed in the cabin but also outside blending sportiness and sophistication. The allure and attention you create when you pass by a town are unrivaled. Although some other people may think that its price is beyond the majority but to me the XC90 is only for the few who understands cars. Welcome to the Scandinavian aura if you one of the few.
- Stanley Makombe has 25 years of experience in the motor industry, currently handling vehicle imports from Japan, Thailand, the UK, and South Africa into African countries. He is writing in his capacity and can be contacted on +254 743 900 590, on X @Stan_Carsales, email: [email protected], www.stanleymakombe.com
