Volvo V90 Cross Country review

• Published On: 4 July 2017
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Volvo’s V90 Cross Country promises the practicality of an SUV and S90-beating levels of comfort and luxury. So, how good is it?

On the outside
The V90 is the latest car from Volvo’s stable. It is an attractive wagon-style version of the new S90 sedan. So, right from the face and body section up to the rear doors this car is identical to the S90. This car isn’t just a traditional, boxy estate though, it’s sleek profile and that sloping rear windscreen give it a striking appearance. The signature Volvo tail-lamp cluster helps this car stand out in a parking lot.

The company has added tough bits - some mild bumper cladding in areas, and the standard 20-inch wheels fill out the large wheel arches nicely. The company has also raised the car by 60mm, taking it to an SUV-rivalling 210mm of ground clearance. This car also comes with all-wheel drive as standard and an adaptive air suspension at the rear.

On the inside
Step into the cabin, and you'll find that it's near-identical to the S90 sedan's, which is in turn based on the new XC90. There’s a large 12-inch touchscreen that has done away with the need to have physical buttons, even for the aircon controls. What sets the V90 CC apart from its siblings is that it features lovely woven aluminium panels instead of veneer. The front seats are heated and superbly supportive – they come with electric adjust for the bolsters, lumbar support and the extendable squabs.

There’s a cooling function and a massage feature with three modes that allow you to adjust the speed and intensity. The car even comes with a heated steering wheel. The seats at the back are comfortable, but a tad too firm. They don’t get the kind of adjustability the front does, however. There’s a good amount of headroom, more than the S90, while knee room remains the same. Thigh support is low and extendable squabs would have helped. There’s enough space at the back for two, and the middle passenger not be as comfortable thanks to the transmission tunnel sitting in the way. There’s a built-in jump seat option for kids, and it electrically releases to free up luggage pace. The wagon body allows this car a huge 560 litres of wide and flat stowage space. And, if you need more than that, then drop the seats down and you’ll have 1,526 litres.

The car comes loaded with kit. There’s a panoramic sunroof, a 19-speaker, 1,400 watt Bowers and Wilkins sound system, an electric tailgate, a head-up display, four-zone climate control and real leather to name a few. The car even comes with paddle shifters. The car’s full-LED headlights come with an active high beam and a bending function, which instantly follows your steering inputs.

From behind the wheel
The new D5 engine makes 235hp and 480Nm, making it one of the most powerful 2.0-litre diesels on sale in our country. The motor is smooth and quite refined and power delivery is linear. The engine does get a bit vocal just over 4,000rpm though. Put your foot down at low revs, and there’s a slight pause before the engine starts to pull convincingly.

Power is transferred via an 8-speed automatic and the gearbox offers smooth and near seamless shifts in everyday conditions, but is a bit slow to downshift if you’re driving aggressively. There are four driving modes – Eco, Comfort, Off-road and Dynamic. Engaging Off-road mode sends more power to the rear wheels and there’s a tiny rise in ground clearance, while the car also engages hill-descent control. The system works upto about 40kph.

Volvo cars' favour comfort, confidence and capability. Even in Dynamic mode, the V90 feels a bit soft and body roll is evident but grip from the all-wheel drive system is enormous aided by the Pirelli P Zero tyres. The car offers brisk and capable performance with fantastic stability, but it’s not particularly sporty and engaging. Ride quality is excellent and on smooth roads, the V90 floats along with a wonderfully isolated feel. Small to medium bumps are soaked up almost completely.

The V90 Cross Country will go on sale shortly and we expect a price ranging between ₹60 lakh and ₹65 lakh.